Overview & Reviews

Nissan was born in Japan, and like other marques from its homeland, the brand is known for crafting vehicles that place an emphasis on quality and reliability. The company's roster of products is broad, and includes sporty coupes, family sedans, minivans, trucks and SUVs.

The automaker got its start in 1933 as the Jidosha Seico Co., Ltd. The following year, this outfit merged with another Japanese manufacturer, and the new company was christened Nissan Motor Company, Ltd. Nissan initially marketed its vehicles under the Datsun brand, with the first Datsuns being built in 1934. Postwar, the brand made its presence felt worldwide, building a partnership with the U.K.-based Austin Motor Co. and establishing a presence in the United States. The first Datsuns hit American shores in 1958. Vehicles like the Datsun 1000 were based on Austin platforms.

The '60s witnessed Nissan's merger with Prince Motor Company, a union that helped the Asian manufacturer create more luxury-focused vehicles. In the U.S. it began offering its first vehicle styled for the U.S. market, the Datsun 510 sedan. By the end of the decade, Datsun had exported more than 1 million vehicles. Datsun rose to prominence in the 1970s on the popularity of its 240Z sports car. Powered by an inline six-cylinder engine, the car was coveted for its blend of style, performance and affordability. By the time the '70s drew to a close, the automaker's cumulative vehicle exports had surpassed the 10 million mark.

In 1981, Nissan shelved the Datsun name and began selling vehicles worldwide under the Nissan moniker. The '80s also saw Nissan's launch of a tuning division called Nismo for the development of performance-oriented vehicles and accessories. Nissan also brought its production to American shores, with the construction of a Georgia-based plant.

The early '90s saw Nissan's fortunes rise in the U.S. thanks to fun-to-drive cars like the 300ZX, Maxima and Sentra. But this trend didn't last long and by the late '90s Nissan's offerings consisted of anonymous vehicles. The company's future was uncertain.

After the turn of the new century Nissan bounced back, helped by a 1999 alliance with Renault that boosted the company's finances. Its redesigned Sentra and Altima boosted sales and consumer interest, as did new models like the 350Z sports car, Armada SUV and Titan pickup. Today the manufacturer is known for offering a wide range of well-regarded vehicles, including the popular Murano SUV, the incredible GT-R supercar and the all-electric Leaf.

User Reviews:

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  not a bad car - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By Josh - January 14 - 12:53 pm

  I have the special edition model. The stereo is awesome for stock. I bought the car with 75000 miles on it. It now has 105000. I havnt had any mechanical problems other than it is a 3 cranker starter, also the brakes (normal wear and tear), the fan blade burning out (easy to replace) and a pulley that is squawking (yet to replace but no real problems with it yet). Im not sure of any mechanical problems if any the car had before i bought it. I have a lead foot and drive the car hard everyday and the car takes it and then some with ease.

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  Great car that could have been better. - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By hydrointeract - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Have about 18k miles on the car in two years. Has been in the shop twice for recalls, and has a consistent problem with starting. Dealership says it probably floods, told me to press down gas pedal when starting if this happens. Has happened about 12 times in last year. Problem still not found, though Ive towed it to the dealership twice. A shame since its less than 2 years old. Almost always takes a long time to start. It does, however, get a LOT of compliments when out driving.

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  Not Happy Not Driving - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By Dave Caylor - January 13 - 4:06 pm

  Its a good car but, customer service is terrible. Getting replacement parts following an accident has been a nightmare. Its going on FOUR MONTHS and we are still waiting without even definite delivery date for a simple wiring harness. Of course even though the car is not in our possession but in a repair shop, payments are still due to Nissan Acceptance Corporation on time. It really is infuriating to make payments on this car and bum a ride to work to pay for it. Would you like to have this experience? I have never before written a letter of complaint to anyone, but this experience takes the cake.

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  Path a perfect pick! - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Dame - January 12 - 1:30 pm

  Last year, my wife and I traded our sorry Ford Focus for a 2002 Pathfinder, and I must say, they step up has been huge! Ive always wanted a truck, but needed one now because of the birth of our second child. The truck has proved to be extremely reliable, handling last winters snow storm with no drama. Its also decent on the open road. We go back and forth between PA and NY, and the car handles I-95 wonderfully, as it does Canal Street traffic. Anyone who knows Canal Street knows that it can be unbearable on an engine during a hot summer day, idling while trying to get through the tunnel. The interior is also decent, with full power and access. It was a solid purchase!

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  Great Truck - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By bryane - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Bought new 1n 11/98. 54,000 miles now. Not one single problem. Yes, I would have liked to have more power from the four, but it does OK. Truck rides better than my partners 98 Jeep Cherokee.Great in the snow and for hauling mulch, plants etc. I look forward to driving this truck for 10 years.

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  hope this is the one - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By spotbearaz - January 12 - 10:00 am

  I drove it after driving every SUV/Hybrid thing their was out there at least three times, and I was sold.It had power and poise and 4Low to boot! Plus is was not gonna take me an hour to wash it or rearage/rebuild my garage to store it.(I also walked away from the Highlander due to numerous complaints about deafening noises with the rear windows rolled down..they were right)check out CARREVIEWS.COM good reviews from actual long term owners and not kids that seem to infultrate this one..sorry edmunds, but I dont agree with your mid-size comparison.. You should of used an LE version.

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  backup camera - 2015 Nissan Rogue Select
  By becky - January 12 - 8:25 am

  does the backup camera make a noise when backing up? Mine dont?

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  Awesomely reliable - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By xepathfinder - January 12 - 2:00 am

  96000 trouble free miles, never sees a garage except for oil changes. Could not ask for a better machine, great in the snow, really decent on the highway. Very comfortable for even 1000 miles trips.

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  LOVE MY CHOICE! - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By path27 - January 12 - 2:00 am

  If youre looking for the best SUV under 30K, this is DEFINITELY the car. Leading engine in its class, rugged yet stylish looks, roomy interior, EXCELLENT VALUE for the price, easy AND LOTS OF FUN to drive. Hybrid on-road/off-road claim is justified. Feels like a sedan on the highway/can handle almost anything you give it off-road as well. 4Runner and Cherokee dont match it overall

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  84,000 and still going strong - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By tamoshanter - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Follow up after purchasing new in 12/07. With 84,000, going strong. Am religious with oil changes, replaced the transmission fluid once, upon recom. From my mechanic. No problems mechanically or aesthetically at all - very pleased with ride, reliability and comfort. Small back storage, but have towed 10 uhaul with no problem when moving college age kids. Passengers in back comfortable in back. Overall, very happy