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:

• 

  Wonderful with Navigation - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By ruditoot - December 31 - 12:53 pm

  Traded my 2002 quest in and found this one from ABC Nissan Fleet department, Worked out my trade with Nathion, It was loaded with everyting but a sink. I wanted a navigation system but worked out a deal. Went to California and a Grand nice was driveing when someone local said turn here. { No way that gal not been wrong yet and I am going where she says } right to the door. To Oklahoma and averaged 24 mpg, Back to AZ 23.8 All I have done is routine service. Comertable to drive, No back pain like my SUV. Easy to drive and I love it. Power and accelaration is good and smoth. YOu should love it if you get one. Thanks

• 

  Wonderful with Navigation - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By ruditoot - December 31 - 12:20 pm

  Traded my 2002 quest in and found this one from ABC Nissan Fleet department, Worked out my trade with Nathion, It was loaded with everyting but a sink. I wanted a navigation system but worked out a deal. Went to California and a Grand nice was driveing when someone local said turn here. { No way that gal not been wrong yet and I am going where she says } right to the door. To Oklahoma and averaged 24 mpg, Back to AZ 23.8 All I have done is routine service. Comertable to drive, No back pain like my SUV. Easy to drive and I love it. Power and accelaration is good and smoth. YOu should love it if you get one. Thanks

• 

  No Problems - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By dlkoenig - December 30 - 11:40 pm

  After over one year of driving the Nissan Quest we are completely satisfied with this vehicle. It meets all of our needs perfectly. We have four children from 2 to 14 years of age and it hauls us around with lots of room. It is easy to care for and clean. The kids love and we love it even more. It has so many practical features, is well thought out and designed. From the back up sonar to the power rear hatch to the folding seats that interchange easily it is the best . Best of all we have had no problems with this vehicle. Thanks Nissan for a great Miniivan.

• 

  3.5 stars. Not bad, but not amazing. - 2018 Nissan Rogue
  By Joe H - December 30 - 3:38 pm

  Ive been driving this car for three weeks now. I leased it for a reasonable amount per month. Its the AWD version of the SV trim (second out of three trims, the top of the line being the SL). This car is another one of those mid $20,000 SUVs that puts more energy into creature comforts than raw performance. It has a delightful interior. It could be better in some areas, but the inclusion of a back-up camera, heated seats, remote start, and Android Auto keep me from wanting to complain too much. The seats are comfortable enough and the ride is good enough. I have no real complaints about it, but I have no real praises either. The car doesnt come with navigation, but I get it for free via Android Auto so Im happy. The interior could be better, but it could also be much worse. The divide-and-hide feature in the back is nice and it does have fairly good cargo space. My friend doesnt complain about the backseat. Again, another one of those middle-of-the-road deals. It takes a moment to warm up, but it has an auto-starter so it helps mitigate that as well. The only real complaint I have is the engine and the continuous variable transmission. Its a very soft, sluggish drive. The set-up is decent for gas mileage, but not so great if you really want to "drive" your car. This is especially true if you need some extra power to pass people on the freeway or idiots on their cell phones on 45MPH roads. Im leasing this thing for three years (2018-2021). I dont regret the lease, but Im definitely not buying it at the end of said lease. I may even trade it in beforehand depending on the circumstances. The creature comforts are nice and for that Nissan deserves 3 stars. The engine gets it half a star because its not useless, but its just not interesting, either. Those who really need decent fuel economy and modern tech at a decent price and dont mind having a less-than-optimal engine could be happy with this one. However, anyone looking for a responsive car with a little juice may want to look elsewhere. I give it a 3.5 stars (rounded up to 4). I dont hate this car. I dont dislike this car. Its like that friend that you dont see that often but you kinda dont mind not seeing that often but theyre still your friend, if that makes sense. Its an okay car.

• 

  My worst purchase - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By sandypines1 - December 29 - 10:56 pm

  Purchased my Altima August 2012, thought that I had purchased a great car. I had owned two cars with CVT transmissions and have had a good history on how they work. This car has a serious problems, it shudders and vibrates and according to Nissan, this is a normal function.I think that they know that there is a problem and say this is normal. I would suggest that any future buyers of a Altima forgo the purchase.

• 

  mixed - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By jim - December 29 - 8:46 pm

  I purchased this vehicle because I own a 2001 frontier which has given me excellent service. I have close to 200,000 miles on it and havent had to fix anything, not even the shocks or muffler. Hoping this 2008 frontier will be just as good. My complaints are to much plastic on the inside and the turn radius is awful. I like changing the oil myself but the oil filter is really hard to get to

• 

  Very satisfied owner - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Steven L. Weinstein - December 29 - 10:00 am

  After owning a Datsun 240 & 260Z back in the early 70s, I was pleased to see the 350Z arrive. The car is everything you can ask for in the price range. Its fun to drive, turns heads everywhere you go and asks to be driven hard. I have had zero complaints and look forward to many, many miles of enjoyable driving.

• 

  I love it - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Pitlizard - December 29 - 10:00 am

  Traded 1982 280ZX for the new 350Z. Traction control "ON" is a must for normal driving. First year model does have some issues, but Nissan is doing their best to resolve. I am very happy with the response of the 287ph and the 6 Speed is very smooth. Its hard not to punch it every time you get a chance. Handling and performance are outstanding for a $30K true sports car.

• 

  1997 Nissan Maxima SE Review - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Tinbird - December 29 - 10:00 am

  Attractive, fun, safe car. [Engine] performance superior in many regards to most competitors, though suspension is merely adequate (unforgivable for Nissan to forego true 4-wheel independent suspension when many competitors have been doing so for years). Also, while the car is enjoyable to drive and reliable, fit- and-finish is merely "average." Finally dealership support is very typical: long waits; dubious sales/service tactics; premium prices. Overall, definitely a GOOD car (safe and reliable); in some ways a VERY GOOD car (potent engine and nice [optional] "creature comforts"); but not quite a GREAT car (mediocre suspension, fit-and-finish).

• 

  the Sentra seR Spec V - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By BryCe1 - December 29 - 10:00 am

  its the best car ever ...nothing could over do it..