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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  Just a great truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Pioxen - June 3 - 8:03 am

  Bought my 2006 Nissan Frontier in November 2008. Havent had a single problem with it. I drove over black ice and hit the center barrier damaging the front end and rear driver side. Minimal repair cost and no frame damage...what a tough truck. Ill drive it till the wheels fall off!!!

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  Coolest mom in town! - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Dsimcox - June 3 - 7:56 am

  I love the quest, have had it since last June and have put 18000 miles on it so far. Only problems have been in twice with the rattling sliding door. We are leaving for a 1100 mile trip to Florida and my 3 kids cant wait. It is a really comfortable traveling car, cant say enough!

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  Love it! - S 360 Value Package - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Amanda - June 2 - 3:36 am

  Just purchased a 10 Rogue. Love it! I have not driven it that far yet to test the gas mileage, but otherwise the seats are very comfortable. Watch if you are a tall driver, as the large rear view mirror (mine has a backup camera in it) can create a blind spot for those taller drivers. Im short, so I dont see the blind spot issue. The interior could use more pockets and spaces for CDs, and other junk.

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  think twice - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By barbara - June 1 - 7:46 pm

  Murano is a rough ride, more like a truck not quiet at all and uncomfortable and stiff. Lots of blind spots. No cargo room and more trouble to lock and unlock with the intelligent key. Murano is grossly overrated. I cannot believe I am stuck with it for 3 more years. How do you get out of a lease?

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  A jewel - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Phil - June 1 - 5:10 pm

  Im very impressed with this one. It has proved loyal and dependable. I get offered to sell monthly. Im happy and will continue to hold on to it.

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  Chosen over 06 TL - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By lchat - June 1 - 4:00 pm

  I purchased my 2007 3.5 V6 CVT SL with 40K & I love it. This car was loaded w/lther, Bose, turn signals on the ext mirrors, b/u camera, Nav, XM Sat, 6 disc chngr, sunroof, bluetooth phone etc. I chose this over an 06 Acura TL. Yes, its true. I went shopping to replace my much loved 03 TL Type-S. I just could not rationalize spending 2K more & get less. This car has 270hp & rides smooooth. Its black on black. The Bose is fantastic. If you can buy an Altima that is loaded, you wont find a better value, how do they sell Maximas next to this...? By the way I would not have bought the 4 cyl version, only 170 hp.

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  2006 Nissan Altima 2.5 Excessive Oil Consumption - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By evukmanic - June 1 - 12:46 pm

  My 2006 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL appears to be part of a recall (NTB06-028) for excessive oil consumption. The car began exhibiting the symptoms of the recall concerning excessive oil burning at 120K miles in late June 2012. The problem started suddenly, burning one quart every 600 miles and with in two weeks one quart every 300-350 miles. Throughout my ownership of the car the vehicle had always been properly maintained at my local Nissan dealer. At 138k miles the vehicle began making a noise that sounded like a bag trapped underneath the car. Just after arriving home, the car exploded in thick, black smoke that billowed from under the hood and into the vehicle through the vents. Recall campai

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  excellent - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By wildoak - June 1 - 10:00 am

  I looked at the Murano/s last year, and am soo glad I waited until this year, the second I saw it in the dealership, I was hooked. And i researched it, and all the others online for quite awile. And then I went out and drove it, and that was it, it took a little more time, But I wanted to wait to get what I wanted, and I am handicapped, and it is very friendly and comfortable for me. And it tows a camper with no trouble.

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  MY FIRST SUV - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By ange - June 1 - 10:00 am

  THIS IS MY FIRST SUV, MY HUSBAND PURCHASED IT FOR MY BIRTHDAY. I HAVE ENJOYED DRIVING THE ARMADA. WE TOOK IT ON A ROAD TRIP WITH 6 ADULTS AND 1 CHILD ONLY AFTER HAVING THE VEHICLE FOR 3 DAYS. IT HANDLED WELL ON THE ROAD AND WE GOT 100 MILES TO A QUARTER TANK OF GAS. THIS IS A GREAT VEHICLE.

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  $20000 problem - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By eelface75 - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Runs pretty strong for a 4 cyl. However, this thing has horrible rattle problems, every area of car has rattles. Had dash removed once, temp. fixed worst rattle that clicked nonstop from Pittsburgh to Lexington,KY. Several recalls wasting my time going to dealership. Calling Nissan Monday to try to get out of junk car. Paint smears when waxed like my previous 01 Sentra (yes, I know how to wax a car, only Sentras have done this to me and I use best polishes.) Cracked brake pad make horrible barking noise after only 7000 miles. Could go on for days.