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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  Former Pathfinder Owner - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Viper Rick - December 4 - 10:00 am

  The TV ads gave me the impression that this was a much smaller vehicle.A visit to the dealer prompted a test drive that resulted in a purchase.Compared to my Pathfinder the Murano has more interior space. It has the power and handling of a performance car.The fit and finish is what I expected...EXCELLENT

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  FIRST NEW CAR - 2015 Nissan Versa
  By POOGIE 49 - December 3 - 2:39 pm

  This is the first new car I have ever bought and I am 65. After reading the reviews I am worried. I pay a lot for this car each month and will have payments for 6 years. I do have a 5 year warranty on the engine so if I have a problem I will take it to the dealer. If I get no satisfaction I will get a lawyer. Hopefully I dont. So far the car is great but I have only had it 4 months.

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  Engine Failed at 95k miles - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Bob - December 3 - 7:20 am

  Pre-catalyst came apart at 95k miles after a recall supposedly fixed the problem. The pre-cat came apart and is close enough to the cylinders that it ruined the engine (the 2005+ models have the pre-cat moved farther away to permanently solve this problem). Nissan has rejected all warranty claims on any cars outside of 60k miles. $4600 to fix it. The only permanent fix is an aftermarket header that puts car out of emissions compliance.

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  Dont bother - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Madelin - December 2 - 8:50 pm

  I purchased this 4 cylinder car thinking that I was going to get decent mileage, however I barely get 17 MPG city 21 HWY. I cant start the car without pumping the gas pedal first. Ive had the car in twice for service and they tell me they dont find anything wrong with it.

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  Very pleased! - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Northern Cal buyer - December 2 - 4:50 pm

  Any review from a buyer that states "Bad on Fuel" is suspect. If you actually purchase a vehicle like this, and then are shocked by the fuel economy AFTER the purchase, you probably deserve everything you get. Poor fuel economy aside (and which of the SUVs in this class dont have poor fuel economy?), this is a great SUV. Distinctive styling that sets it apart. Powerful engine. Sharp interior. Comfortable 3rd row seats that can actually be used for more than just an emergency. Tons of storage. Get this vehicle loaded with the technology package and you wont regret it. Im very satisfied.

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  Fun to drive - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By tsg2003 - December 2 - 8:46 am

  Overall I really enjoy this truck and am very happy with my purchase! The interior is very nice and the layout is excellent. There is plenty of room in the front, but barely any in the back of the access cab. This isnt a problem for me as I dont plan on having tons of people with me all the time, but be aware, space is sparse back there. The truck looks beautiful from the outside. Very rugged looking and certainly stands out in a crowd. So far gas mileage has been 14 mpg which is alright considering the power this truck has, but I was hoping to get 17-18 out of it. Again this is a great driving truck and I feel very comfortable in it. Get one!

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  junk - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By karenkaren3693 - December 1 - 3:48 pm

  My daughter bought a 2007 Xterra brand new in 2007 which I now drive.As far as I am concerned Nissan made a piece of junk.The fcu went out at 29,000 then the battery had to be replaced at 32,000 now the fuel line pops off the fuel pump. This has happened twice.Nissan wants 450.00 to replace a 1.97 plastic piece. You couldnt give me the keys to 20 of them.

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  Definitely not a real truck (Ford) - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Mike - December 1 - 1:03 pm

  I purchased my 2005 Nissan Titan at the end of the year for business the tax advantage and shortly found out that its not a working truck. I currently own four Fords and this Nissan cant hold a candle to them. It feels like the frame is stressing with 200 lbs in the box. Nissan and Toyota should stick to cars because they are in over their heads when it comes to trucks.

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  My First Japanese Car - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Heat Shield - December 1 - 9:06 am

  The 4 door 2.5 SL package gave me lots for my money. The only issue is with the loudly rattling heat shield in the engine compartment. Service tried to fix it once and the noise came back. A letter was sent from corporate Nissan informing me of their awareness of the problem and a promise of a solution in 60 days. That was early November and its mid January. Service said a bulletin is out and its going in tomorrow. It looks great, but even better with an aftermarket window tint job. If they can work out the rattle, It will be one of the best cars Ive owned.

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  2004 NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By MIKEO - December 1 - 6:00 am

  I bought this car used last year with relatively low miles for an 04, 42K. Problems: gas cap wont open - I finally just broke off the piece that locks the cover. Window rattles when down and radios is on with bass. Half of the stereo channels go out when you hit a bump and are playing a CD. Cant push defrost button in cold weather, only option is floor & defrost. Rear caliper went bad, ruined rotor, brake job and rotor and caliper with a warranty still cost $500. Now its in the garage for problems with the front end when turning. Also have rear latch that works sometimes sticks most times. Very, very disappointed with the quality. Friends all said get the Nissan, should NOT have.