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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  Earlier models may have some problems - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Jessica Jordan - December 7 - 10:10 pm

  Love to drive the car- very fun. Have had numerous little problems with the car. Linking sun roof, exhast problems- all have been covered under the warrenty but not what a would expect after paying so much for a new car. Hopefully Nissan worked out these problems with the later models.

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  My Rogue has the Nissan Drone - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Lewis Muldrow - December 7 - 9:58 am

  When you test drive this car please make sure you find a long test drive route where you can maintain 1,500 RPM. The CVT transmission causes a harmonic vibration in regular mode. It is caused by moving into the highest gear possible, as quickly as possible to obtain the best fuel economy. You are no doubt asking how does this guy know this. Well I bought a new Rogue in July and have a vibration in my steering wheel at 1,500 RPM. I took it back and the the dealer said nothing could be done. I called Nissan and they said they are aware and nothing could be done. The dealer got me in touch with the regional technical service representative. He rode in the vehicle and said this is what you have. Once again nothing can be done. If a fix becomes available we will let you know. This is a feature on all Rogues and you should have felt it when you test drove the car.

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  Refined SV - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By emac4454 - December 6 - 9:31 am

  I have owned 2005 S, 2012 S now 2015 SV. I have to say that I am very impressed with the 15 model. Nissan has made some impressive changes overall (noise reduction in the cabin, wind noise, cockpit display, power driver seat, sport mode, aux, usb). I only driven this vehicle for 500 miles, I just love the exterior look.

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  Its not perfect, but.. - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Dude@dude - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Ya its not perfect. I have read reviews about how awfull the CVT is, and how the interiors of some have developed rattles. I have only had for a month, but I can see the happening. As far as the transmission, its not perfect, but does the job well. The ride is a bit harsh (I have an SE), but has little lean when cornering. Its a trade off thats worth it to me. Although it drives and handles like a car, it tends to understeer, and plow like an SUV. Its not the high quality you would get from Mercedes or other high end dealers, but its a lot of vehicle for the money. It sure is better than any minivan out there!

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  some problems - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Dude - December 2 - 2:00 am

  We bought car 2 weeks ago. This is an awesome vehicle, the 5 sky views, sunroof and auto doors excellent approach. But we got some problems all ready: Sunroof badly leaked and van now at Dealership for sunroof replacement for the second day. DVD didnt worked, mechanical noise in area of the second row right chair or door. Dealership still working with it. I think for a new car and for 2 weeks a lot of problems. What else we should expect?

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  Whistling Windows - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Debra Engel - December 2 - 12:53 am

  For 2 1/2 years now we have been trying to get the problem with the whistling windows resolved. I realize it takes someone to drive the car to hear it but that is their job. We have located the noise and have told them time and time again but it never gets resolved. We continue to have to listen to this annoying noise every time we go 60+ mph which is every day. My husband who drives the car to work is fed up with the inadequacy of getting this fixed and so am I since I am the one usually inconvenienced by the time it is left in the shop. I just dont get it in this economy that they dont want to take care of their existing customers. Especially since we bought a 2008 Altima Hybrid also.

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  very nice suv - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By fitty - December 1 - 11:43 pm

  great for family with dogs. easy to keep clean. fun to drive. excellent options. great value for the ride.

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  Great car - 2016 Nissan Versa
  By Milton Kovar - November 30 - 3:22 pm

  Overall great car. CVT takes some getting used to and acceleration onto freeway unsatisfactory.

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  Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By w rimmer - November 28 - 11:50 pm

  car rides well - mileage 18-20 dash looks cheap- back pannel in a tan interior. over all the car is smooth riding easy handling and fun.

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  Rugged and Reliable - 2013 Nissan Frontier
  By rod71 - November 28 - 5:12 am

  I had this truck for about 7 mths now. Bought new. It is a rugged little truck. I say little even though its consider as a mid size truck. On the out side it gives the illusion that its has a roomer interior. Nissan could have made it a few in wider and added a few in of leg room for back seat passengers. 1 week after having the truck I exp. a loud clanking noise during start ups, and while driving until the engine warmed up. The dealer tried to tell me it was normal but turn out to be a loose cooling fan. Now my drivers side window makes scraping noise when the window is let up or down. Looks like I need a new regulator. Other than that its a great truck, but with bad gas mileage.