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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  Excellent basic weekend pick-up - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Mike2575 - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I shopped this and the Toyota Tacoma - this had a better price point, and the dealer was not the usual jeck. Runs fine, no issues in 10 months. Great weekend hauler.

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  First Car - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By CTM - October 4 - 9:00 pm

  The only problems I can recall having are with exhaust pieces rusting and falling off and with frozen rear calipers. I bought this car when I was a young man and, as it was my first car, it was easy for me to love its crazy, enthusiastic spirit and the surprising power of what I thought was just another dependable Japanese family sedan. A word of caution however. The GXE mixes the same big powerful engine as the pricier models with a tall and loose suspension, long-throw manual and no limited slip, sporty tires, ABS, traction or stability control. It instills a sense of adventure in me, not confidence.

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  Long Commute Rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Long Commute Rogue - October 4 - 8:30 pm

  I was searching for a crossover SUV with at least 27 mpg highway mileage. My work commute is 104 miles round trip, 90% of which is highway in Atlanta. I test drove many crossover SUVs (Honda CRV, Mazda CX7, and Toyota Rav 4) and liked Rogue the best. It had the quietest engine, nicest stereo, and most comfortable seats. After just 1,400 miles I am averaging 26.1 mpg. I am writing this because I read almost all 95 Edmund reviews for this car before making my decision. I thought it was only fair to return the favor. BTW - I am probably not the target consumer - I am 54 years old but love this fun car to drive combined with my moonroof, music, iPod interface and awesome Bose stereo system.

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  Build Quality Good but Not Great - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Desert_Al - October 4 - 6:10 pm

  Bought SUV late 2005; excellent, powerful albeit thirsty engine (average 19.8 mpg hwy; 15.9 city); reliable interiors, some spotty irritants - weatherproofing on front driver door detaches from B pillar often; air pressure light turns on when temperature changes; tested off-road in Sedona backroads including 30 degree incline rocky hill - addressed hill spectacularly;

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  One Tough Nissan - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Harold - October 4 - 6:00 pm

  Traded in my 2003 Tacoma for Frontier Nismo. What a difference. The ride and drive have to be experienced. Very quiet running at highway speeds. So far, quality seems to be first rate. All the whistles and bells I wanted in a truck that isnt like every other truck on the road. Power to spare! Gas mileage not great, but close to estimate. I think Nissan got it right this time.

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  Very nice care - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Ruben C. - October 3 - 5:00 am

  The 2.5 SL is a very fun car to drive. The interior and exterior design are beautiful. Too bad that Nissan does not offer ABS standard. Color choices are few. Plenty of space for back passangers. Overall, this is a very nice car and a good value.

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  Great car with minor issues - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By RickS - October 3 - 1:56 am

  Like other reviewers, I have suffered the same "tire roar" and front end noise that has plagued 350Z owners since the cars inception. After taking the car to Firestone to get my tires replaced recently, the helpful technician, a Vette owner, suggested that I take the car in every 3 months to have this toe-in problem fixed. You can purchase a lifetime alignment from Firestone for a very reasonable price and taking the car in every 3 months or so insures that the wear on the tires will be a bit more normal. Tire wear aside, the car has been a dream and I have enjoyed it thoroughly. As I am getting a bit older now so the utility of a 2-seater is beginning to reach its end for me.

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  Its All Good ! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By btabor - October 1 - 9:30 pm

  I had purchased my 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 S sedan in December of 2013, no problems noted, what a great car its been so far ! Sleek/ sporty in appearance, the 2.5 4 cylinder engine has plenty of get-up and go, and the gas mileage is excellent too. Im not experiencing unwanted engine/ transmission noise as some report, and the CVT transmission shifts flawlessly. Road manners is outstanding also, the vehicle remains near perfectly even/ well balanced in hard turns at above average speed, and can navigate a road w/ many twists/ bends in it in a sports car like manner while not having to let up from the gas. All in all, its far more than just your average family sedan, great job Nissan !

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  2.5 S Special Edition - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By The Ice Man - October 1 - 8:16 pm

  The Altima in my mind offers up everything at a great price. Styling, quality and performance all in one very attractive package. Since I picked up the car everyone just raves how nice this car is and how roomy it is. I order the wood grain dash kit from Ebay and installed it and what a diffrence. Turns a nice car into a classy sharp car. Also Honda & Toyota could not come close to the price I gave for this car, almost $4,000 less. Real quality and value for the money and FUN to drive. Zoom Zoom , , ,

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  85000 and never changed anything but oil - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Anna - October 1 - 2:16 pm

  Great car! ZERO PROBLEMS! Purchased most basic version and never had ANY problems with it. The only complain is picking up the speed -it is poor from the beginning but this car has small engine so no surprise here. I think I would drive it until the end of its life.