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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  Nice car, but not comfortable - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By ED - June 29 - 2:36 pm

  Not a bad car but Nissan and the Japanese auto makers really need to add some padding to there seats of there cars, I had a honda civic and traded it due to the seats being too hard. Same goes with this Nissan. Also, the 4 cylinder is very course. Put it to the floor and get your ear plugs. Should have opted for the v-6. The trans will not shift if I put it to the floor. You have to let off the gas for it to shift. A CVT thing? Also had a problem with the drivers seat moving around, had it fixed and it still moves around.

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  Best Car So Far! - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By ck1986 - June 29 - 6:50 am

  Considering the only other vehicle Ive owned was an 88 Buick Regal this was quite the improvement! I received this car as a gift from my grandfather in the summer of 07. Its been a great car since. He did have some work done previous to my ownership (replaced the front axle as well as the head gasket two years ago) I havent experienced any major problems, although as of this week Ive been experiencing some over heating issues. Hopefully a problem soon to be easily solved. Everyone whos driven the car has been amazed, apparently its not what theyve expected out of a ten year old nissan. So far so good!

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  happy, comfy, but tired of problems - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By buckeye - June 29 - 12:03 am

  SUV rides well and handles well. Fun to drive. Cargo is adequate, but not as much as it looks. Problems with front seat (drivers). Seat motor broke within 1 month, replaced under warranty...since then seat trim keeps coming off, now back of seat panel is loose. Air bag sensor started flashing at 11,000 miles, had to wait three weeks for part to arrive. Also, fuel tank shield recall. Reliability and workmenship not as good as our Hondas and previous Maximas and Pathfinders.

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  Nissan doesnt support their products - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By NoMoreNissan - June 28 - 1:20 pm

  The entire experience of owning this car is ruined by Nissans attitude towards owners of cars with the infamous tire feathering problems. In my case, Nissan has proven to stoop to any level in order to avoid taking responsibility for this lemon. Lying, fabricating stories, etc. Ill never own another Nissan product again. Im currently preparing to file suit against Nissan since they havent fixed the car after 6 opportunities. They continue to repair the car, all the while claiming that there is nothing wrong with it. Ha!

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  Ahead of Its Time - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By Mike McGrath - June 28 - 10:13 am

  This is a very nice van. My only complaints are that the liftgate were misaligned when I bought the vehicle, and the "service engine soon" light came on before 1,000 miles. I believe the bugs are worked out now. Before I bought this van, I test drove the Honda Oddesey and the Toyota Sienna. This van is roomier than either. It has much better second row head room than the Oddesey, and handles much better than the Sienna. The 3.5L engine gives it plenty of pep. I like center mounted instrument panel, which is easy to see, and the controls are right where I need them. I bought this for several thousand less than a Honda or Toyota. Great job, Nissan!

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  New truck owner - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By gopackers3 - June 28 - 4:09 am

  This is the first truck that I have owned and so far it is providing exactly what I needed. Of course there is always the truck envy when something bigger or with four wheel drive pulls up alongside, but all I need to do is remember why I bought it. My need is 80% commute and 20% hauling and this fits that need exactly. My used XE had the upgrades (i.e. power windows, door, etc. along with A/C, towing package, bed liner and tonneau cover), so I am not missing much. Time will tell whether the Nissan brand holds up as my family loyalty is in Toyota and Honda.

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  Love it! - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By benjamin_check - June 24 - 6:26 pm

  Love it! 66,000 miles and not one problem besides a bad airbag sensor, and a dead battery 4 years in. Put in a cold air intake from injen or s&b, maybe an exhaust or chip and hold on. Body roll is minimal, the thing rides like a big nimble draft horse, a Clydesdale. Brakes are good stock, outstanding once you upgrade the pads, amazing with performance pads and rotors. Mine has 24 Asanti rims on it on with 35 series Pirelli tires and it actually rides more carlike. 3rd row is comfortable for adults for moderately long car rides, far from the useless 3rd row in a tahoe or yukon. Its a great truck..tows it, hauls it, moves it.

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  Great bang for the buck - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Rayd - June 23 - 10:30 am

  You will not find an auto that looks better, more horse power, and overall good dynamics for the money. I can complain about things like the position of the emerg brake or the lack of lumbar support, but HEY at this pricepoint?!?

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  Loved my X! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By nakeshamika - June 23 - 6:20 am

  Great mom car! Back doors a little small, HUGE trunk area, great style. Built tough, I hit a deer going 60 mpg and had absolutely nothing wrong with it. No complaints about the look or feel of the car. My only single complaint was gas mileage, 16 hwy, 11 or 12 city. Just recently sold it because I couldnt afford constantly putting gas in it, but mine was super-charged so that didnt help. If you dont care about the gas mileage, then I would say go for it! Only had to be in the shop here and there for minor problems. Some day when I have more money, I will be getting another one, and I cant wait until I do! :) Just sold it a few weeks ago, already miss it like crazy!

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  Decent car but with mixed reliability - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By wolfinblue - June 23 - 5:53 am

  I bought the car with 64K miles on it, now have 99K. Mixed reliability. Non-major problems indlude: STAINLESS STEEL exhaust has needed replacement. Brakes worked on 3 times. Suspension is on it last leg, but that isnt surprising at near 100K miles. Leather seats are cracking and peeling. Bose sound system is pretty much shot now and needs to be totally replaced according to the dealership. On the plus side, the engine/tranny combo is smooth and powerful. Major mechanicals (engine, trans, etc.) reliabililty has been rock solid. Front and rear seats are VERY comfortable. As long as the major mechanicals hold up, no plans to sell this car any time soon despite the constant minor repairs.