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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  Ages fast - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By unhappy with versa - August 14 - 1:36 am

  I have had the car 15 months and in that time the fuel pressure regulator was replaced. At 14 months the car developed a rough idle and strong vibration that could not be repaired and I have been told this is "within normal" for this car. I have never had a rougher idling car in all the small cars I have owned.

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  2010 Nissan Versa Hatchback 1.8 S 4dr Hatchback (1.8L 4cyl 4A) - 2011 Nissan Versa
  By suprman71 - August 13 - 11:04 pm

  I love my versa, got a certified pre-owned with low miles. Lots of room, very comfortable and i have a long 45 minute commute to and from work. This car is so fun to drive and i love everything about it. Lots of music choices am/fm radio, cd player and mp3 jack. Seats are very comfortable and am enjoying the cruise control--first vehicle that has all the options, keyless entry, alarm, power locks and windows and lots of room. Just cant say enough about this car, if your looking for a great value and excellent gas mileage this is the car for you.

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  Rogue One, Star Wars limited edition - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By tjs - August 13 - 9:01 pm

  First off, not purchased because it was a special edition...it just had a lot of features I wanted, and not a lot I didnt want or need. The HID lighting is excellent, the heated seats are nice and comfortable, and cloth, which we prefer. The sound system upgrade with 9 Bose speakers, 2 being subs, and the ginormous panoramic moon-roof, really opens up the interior, and adds to the ambiance. Speaking of which, the foot-wells in front light up and can change color to suit your taste/preference, as do the doorsills ( only the 1 color there ). It is not a hot rod, nor was it meant to be, and unless hammering on it, the cvt is not that intrusive, and makes up for it in mpg. Ive had no issues passing or merging, and off the line, to 30 mph, its time is nearly identical to the 6 cyl. Murano, and about a second slower to 60. Ride itself is decent all around, as is the handling. Remote start a plus, in heat or cold conditions. Happy so far, but not a lot of miles on yet. This particular model is like an SV 1/2, or between the standard SV and SL, with a couple options even the base SL does not have. Price was way better than the new CRV, and even the Rav and Forester, comparably equipped, of course. It is a car you should consider, test drive, and compare side by side ( charts ) if you are in the market. Yes, we got the helmet and badges/emblems also.

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  the best van - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By fabosic - August 13 - 4:03 pm

  this is really the best van in the market. I was very impressed. the new styling now competes with its competition.

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  Turbo is out at 47,000 - 2013 Nissan Juke
  By LMoore - August 13 - 3:56 pm

  So frustrated right now. My Jukes turbo went out in warranty! Dealership wants all my service records. We call Nissan USA and start a case, they ask us why they are asking for these records. Told that we will know something by the end of the day Monday. Get a call at 4:30 telling us no, now it will be Friday. GRRRRR! This will be over a week that since the car went in. My plan was to trade in this car and get a new Nissan as soon as it was fixed but now I am not sure. I have really liked my car but certainly am not enjoying this problem getting dragged out like this.

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  the best af all cars - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By dave - August 13 - 3:06 pm

  Overall af all the cars we were searching for, this was the best. NO vibration, no problems, except for a mere door jam.

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  Nine years and going strong - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Happy owner - August 13 - 8:13 am

  I bought my Altima new. And after nine years it still runs great, has very good acceleration good gas mileage (28 to 29 hwy)and has proven remarkably reliable. At 110,000 I got a tune-up, new front brakes, new belts and a new front tie rod. Since then minor things (AC charge, new radiator) have been needed but still has original clutch, and even the original battery. And yes, the speakers leave a lot to be desired, and there is occasional wind noise through the windows. But overall Nissan did a fabulous job with this car.

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  Great All Around - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By hikeit - August 13 - 6:23 am

  This vehicle is great to drive everywhere. From camping, to around town, to snowboarding, and on the interstate. After 220k miles she still loves to get up and go. I have (and recommend) a 5 speed, which helps with the hills and gaining speed. This was my first Nissan, and I have been impressed so far. I bought it after reading comments on this sight and have not been disappointed. Mine has not had the rust problems mentioned elsewhere, so I guess I got lucky. I gave it a tune up, new Michelin m/s all season tires and keep the oil changed. This vehicle rocks in snow. Nothing seemed to stop the four wheel drive. Great for hauling kids, camping gear, and stuff from home depot.

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  Nissan will fix it - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By frank - August 13 - 6:16 am

  I purchased this vehicle new in July 2009. I was unable to locate a 2009, there were none in all of Las Vegas. The first thing I noticed about the vehicle that was between 42 to 45 miles per hour upon removing my foot from the gas and then reapplying the vehicle bumped forward. It seems that the transmission shifted with a bump. I immediately read these reviews and found that many people experienced the same thing and that Nissan wasnt doing anything about it. I contacted Nissan Corp. and they stated they knew nothing of problem. I scheduled an appointment with my dealership who found prior alert from Nissan and fixed my vehicle with module part. No more bumping.

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  05 Titan SE 4X4 king cab= AWESOME!!! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Robert Gambadora - August 13 - 5:06 am

  The Titan is exactly what a full size truck should be. Power, Reliability, Comfort and Convenience, and Versatility. Nissan has hit the mark with its first attempt at a "full size" truck and it shows! It is amazing that this car company is putting out the designs it has in recent years. I find it a breath of fresh air. Oh did I mention RELIABILITY and RESALE value?