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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  Built to Run and Run - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Fred - June 12 - 6:30 am

  I owned the vehicle for about 60K miles, not particularly fond of the comfort, and dont hit ice at 60 MPH in RWD only. Sold it at 140K, still going strong. The exhaust would rust out every two years, but thats all that I can complain about. Handled 6 inches of unplowed snow beautifully. If you prefer reliability over creature comforts, great vehicle, my third Nissan, would certainly buy another.

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  Squeak-noise - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Amir1978 - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Good overall, but first I had wind noise issues with the roof rack, it was replaced! Now in slow driving over a little bumpy assphalt, I hear annoying queak.

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  Fantastic addition to anyones garage - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By chrispa - June 12 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle will surely steal large sales from even the best of the domestic full size suvs. It has a phenominal engine, fantastic ride, and a great interior size. I compared to every other domestic (expedition, tahoe, sequoia ect..) and nothing matched the armada in any catagory. GREAT BUY!!

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  2003 Altima Over rated - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By kakadude - June 12 - 2:00 am

  Seduced by the looks so I bought it. Transmission problem within 3 months because of "internal problem" so needed replacement. Buzzing from AC took 4 trips to dealer to fix. The car is GUTLESS below 4000RPM and most of the time doesnt down shift to 2nd from 4th at 40mph when trying to quickly get on the freeway -even when I stomp on the gas pedal. Will downshift to 3rd but no torque in 3rd. Feels like no difference from half to full throttle. Mass airflow sensor replaced twice already. Gas mileage only about 18-20mpg.I should have bought the 3.5se.

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  Boy This Thing Is FASTTT - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By ThisThingIsFAAST - June 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is so fast its almost scary to drive. THIS model is definately worthy of the title of "4-door sports car"

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  What to expect - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By Carolina - June 11 - 8:46 pm

  I am surprisingly disappointed with my choice. Special Edition, sounded great, looked good, systems is nice, but have been experiencing too many issues after the 16k mile. Its been dealer maintained only, and I drive less than the average doe. Windows not working, car not starting, had to take it 4 times for the same issue and finally, they got it right, issues with cheap belts breaking, serpentine and Alt Belt. Time consuming, very stressful to be broken down on the side of the road when you have a "NISSAN" under 20k miles. Unheard of before, and I owned several makes and models including Nissan in the early 90s, when their quality was much better, So I would think twice next time.

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  A lemon for sure - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By ckmontgomery1 - June 11 - 8:36 pm

  I handled all the small problems like rattling doors, doors that had their own mind and spontaneously opened, moonroof that leaked, doors that squished my children but at 100000 miles my entire computer system/ electric system was corroded and left the van inoperable. Nissan Corp has not helped AT ALL. The part was ordered by a dealer and it is now on 2 months of being unavailable with no excuse or reason why. We have made every effort to speak with Nissan to get answers to no avail- nothing past the call center who claims they resolved our problem- part will be in in 3 more weeks Only that was said 1x already. I just cannot wait to get the car fixed + gone!

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  All is Great But the MPG - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By David - June 11 - 11:56 am

  I only get 15 to 15.5 mpg. The Rockford Fosgate package is a let down. Only the amp is RF, Stereo is Panasonic, speakers are clarion. But it still sounds good.

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  Not Too Shabby - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By PJ - June 10 - 10:03 pm

  Bought the car slightly used, and Ive only had two minor problems with it, both outside of warranty. First, the radio, which Nissan replaced, rather gave me a gift certificate to Circuit City, which turned out to be a better deal. Second was the CPI, which Nissan fixed at a highly discounted rate. The car has been a true workhorse for me. Multiple trips almost the length of the East Coast and one cross country trip. Ive put a little aver 80,000 miles on the car in less than 4 years. Other than the radio and CPI, I have yet to do more than just regular upkeep on the car, and I am very hard on cars. Id definitely recommend the Altima to a friend, and would definitely buy another.

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  Love it! - 2010 Nissan Cube
  By tIgHtLiLbOx - June 10 - 12:26 pm

  Checked out a couple other makes of cars, saw the cube on the lot and was turned off by its odd style. Came back to the dealer later, test drove it and FELL IN LOVE! Special ordered a 6 speed as my dealer only had CVT auto transmissions which I didnt want. I have since driven over 3000 miles and LOVE IT! Rides beautifully, comfortable (seats could use a little more support but livable). I have sound deadened the whole car and hence removed the whole interior, this car is a well compact car. Interesting design that everyone looks at twice. I would buy a cube again if I had it to do over!