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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  18 mpg highway, not in my truck - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By mike - January 10 - 7:56 am

  I wish nissan would have been up front about mpg, this truck is killing me in fuel. However this truck has more power then i will ever need. its been to the shop for few defects already, something I did not expect from a nissan product. I am also on my third set of tires after only 32,000 miles. I am thinking about trading it in for a toyota.

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  Not a terrible car - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By herb45 - January 9 - 7:06 pm

  I already have a new car, but started a new job and drive 43 miles one way. So I bought a 2004 Sentra with 55,800 miles on it to keep the miles off the new one and thought it would be a great car. Well, the mileage is great, 25 mpg city/37 mpg hwy. Great for an automatic. I have had to have quite a few things replaced, as it was a repo. I only paid 5400 for the car, but have had to replace gas tank seal, alternator belt/pulley, crankshaft & camshaft sensors, and had to order dye for the carpet & upholstery (special order), as I am trying to make the car look as nice as possible. I just hope I wont have to replace anything for a while. I did manage to drive about 2000 miles before the sensors were replaced.

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  Not a real maxima - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By SC - January 9 - 7:33 am

  I traded my 03 Maxima SE in on the new 07 Maxima SE thinking that it was going to be a major improvement over my 03. Nissan did a wonder job in the styling of the car. About 2 months after I had the car I noticed a shake in the steering wheel. I have taken it back to the dealership 4 times and they still have not fixed the problem. Also the quality is not as good there is a lot of road noise, interior finish poor. I dont understand what Nissan is doing with the Maxima. I was a loyal Nissan person but they really have to step it up on the 2010 model to keep me with Nissan. My 03 would blow this new one away.

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  New Titan Owner - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By kingkooldaddy - January 7 - 11:46 am

  I love the power and handling of my 2006 Titan. I have never had a stock truck with so much horsepower. It has many excellent features and room for all three of my kids to stretch out in the back seat. Pay close attention, though, I have only 1600 miles on it and the rear end is being replaced this week. I have read many posts of owners with similar problems.

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  Insert review title here - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By jwb0507 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Nissan Frontier SE 4WD now for 7 months and I have almost no complaints. It performed well for me in the summer heat of NC and now is doing great in the winter snow of NH. I never worried about getting to work. In 4WD it is a bit difficult to make sharp turns (i.e. parking lot) but I guess its standard with a 4WD. Its a bit difficult to get in and out of the truck. The step rail is more for decoration. I was thinking of getting a car but I like the versatility of a truck with 4 doors. I guess its the truck for the undecided.

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  Limits of FWD - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By RastaMax - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the SE model figuring it would be a good combination of sport and utility. The car has lived up to some of its expectations and fell short on others. Its still a pleasure to drive with its powerful, torquey engine which undoubtably is to much for the FWD platform. Torque steer is abundant especially with the overboosted powersteering. I spent a lot of money to get it to handle like a "sports" sedan(bigger wheels, better tires, lower, stiffer springs and shocks, sway bar, strut brace)Its an excellent engine inside a good looking shell on top of an under performing chassis.

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  I DIDNT FIT (DID NOT BUY) - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By SLIM LOEWE - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I DID ALL MY HOMEWORK. CONSUMERS REPORT,EDMUNDS.COM. I WENT TO PURCHASE A LE. ALTHOUGH I DO NOT LIKE LEATHER , THE LE HAD IT SO I COULD GET POWER SEATS.IT ALSO HAD A SUN ROOF (A MUST HAVE). IM 64" AND 195 LBS. THERE WAS NO ROOM! MY HEAD TOUCHED THE ROOF & MY LEGS WERE CRAMPED UP UNDER THE STEERING WEEL WITH NO ROOM ON EITHER SIDE.

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  Good Commuter and nice drive - 2013 Nissan Versa
  By nissanguy81 - January 6 - 6:44 am

  Nice car for the value, and price. I leased this Sedan got a great deal 130.00 a month for 24 months. I cant complain, I looked at all vehicles and this was the best deal for a new car lease. Yes, its not a sports car or very smart in terms of technology and drivablility, but its very practicle. Im a student and need a car that is cheap and good MPG, this car was a no brainer. My only complain is that on highway speeds 60mph plus it has a tendency to swerve in high wind drafts, but its not to bad once you get out of the wind tunnels. But the car drives solid, I like the stiff suspension, conering could be improved, but overal for the price its a hands down car.

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  First Foreign Make and I Love It - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Bill - January 5 - 1:20 pm

  Went from a series of 6 cyl automatics (Grand Am, Skylark sport) to this Altima with a 4, and it goes just as good, feels just as solid and is easier to get in and out of. Nice styling without being overdone. Might have gone for the 6 cyl if I wanted to spend more. I test drove the 6 and it flies, almost too much power. Make sure you know how to drive if you get a 6... but the 4 has been just fine for safety passing, highway merge and the like. No regrets except for the pride factor, as engine size is displayed on all vehicles. Might still get one someday and cede the 4 to the wife :)

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  Real world report - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Titanster - January 4 - 6:23 pm

  Having owned this truck for about a year I can say it is overall great. My real world gas mileage is 16.9mpg. and that is no typo. I drive the speed limit and dont stick my foot in it - love that exhaust note. A pickup truck is built primarily as a cargo hauler and I couldnt be happier with this function. Interior comfort is also first class - better seats than my wifes Lexus.