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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  good bang for the buck - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Val - May 13 - 11:46 am

  I purchased my 3.5 SL in September of 2005, and I have been loving it ever since. I did have trouble with the passenger airbag light when I first bought the car, but got it fixed quickly. This car is so powerful, you cannot really understand unless you drive it. I would buy this car again in an instant because of the acceleration speed alone, not to mention the good looks. I got the mystic emerald color with the light beige leather interior. I get so many compliments on it.

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  After 4 Nissans, this may be my last - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Kevin - May 12 - 9:23 pm

  First Ill confirm the complaints others had: 3 peeling grilles replaced under warranty before I gave up, turning radius make this care a bear to park, plastic trim pieces in interior are easily scratched. The final blow for me: Im burning 1 qt oil/750 miles. I do frequent oil changes and have never abused the car. I noticed the problem at around 65K and now have 80K. Dealer says, "sorry out of warranty".

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  What a great little SUV. - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Lily - May 12 - 10:46 am

  My wife and I purchased this Xterra almost 7 years ago (when we had no kids) and it was worth the price. We finally paid it off and it has been a very reliable vehicle. It is very comfortable on long and short trips with the family. A family of 4 will fit comfortably. As I am now finding out, 3 in the back seat is a little too snug. Other than that I think 7 years ago we made a good decision that we still own today with over 81,000 miles on it. Other than one recall from the dealership, we have had no problems at all. In the future we probably would be better off with 3rd row seating. Other than that I would keep it.

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  My Versa - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Ursula - May 12 - 7:50 am

  This car is just OK, but not comfortable at all. Very small trunk, cant fit a small suitcase. Very hard to take anything out of the trunk. Heating does not work well.

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  "Sport Utility?" w/o roof rack? Cant be - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By MW - May 11 - 10:46 pm

  Totally love the car, but when I found out that Nissan will not sell or install the roof rack (side rails and cross bars) for Muranos that didnt come with one, I was disappointed because I ski and would like to put my Yakima ski carrier on top of the car. No Go!! So how can Nissan call it an SUV if you cant even use it as one?? I dont understand why Nissan didnt engineer for an after market roof rack...OEM or otherwise. If your car didnt come from the factory with a roof rack you are out of luck, because not even Yakima or Thule make an aftermarket rack system. The manufacturer leaves the consumer out in the cold. The rack is available, just for those already with one

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  I would recommend the Quest - 2012 Nissan Quest
  By Mark - May 11 - 9:51 am

  I find the Nissan Quest a very capable minivan. I test drove the Honda and Toyota and came running back to the Nissan for three primary reasons: 1) The interior fit and finish and organization was far superior to the other minivans. 2) The interior noise was much less than the competitors, and 3) I liked the way the seats folded and the rear storage area. The Nissan gets a bad rap for the non-traditional storage compartments and seats but I find that on a daily basis the set up is far superior to the alternatives. The rear covered storage compartment allows me to store a stroller, blankets, emergency equipment all while still allowing groceries and other items to be hauled. While the total storage area may be less than the competitors, who the heck is hauling around that much stuff without the kids. I find that laying down the second and third rows provides plenty of space when needed. Also, I average 26-28 MPG when traveling at 55-65 miles per hour in the summer. This is great gas mileage for a minivan. I currently have about 30,000 miles on the van and only one maintenance issues so far (rear shock replaced on warranty). Yes, the OEM tires needed to be replaced at 20,000 miles, but who really cares. Very few OEM tires last that long anyway and it gives the owner the opportunity to put on good tires for the winter. The heated leather seats are wonderful and the automatic doors and reach hatch save the day. The only complaint I would have is that it was hard to find a used one. Overall, I recommend this van without hesitation. I bought the LE version with 12,000 miles for $22,500 in November 2014.

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  LEMON - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By DEBORAH FABRY - May 11 - 3:43 am

  I have had so much trouble with this van. The first week I had it the sliding door jam. I pulled it and the cable broke and scaratched my side panel. had to be repainted and door put back on. Tire sensors keep going out have 2 more out now.. glove department door hinge broke. I took back twice for the air bag said was off when someone was sitting in front seat, rubber gasket came off around back door. hinge that held up trunk broke [hit me in the head]. i have had lots of new cars and i spend a lot of time at the dealership very unhappy

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  my car - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By A Dawg - May 11 - 2:00 am

  very nice car to drive and own. Highly recommended for everybody who wants a highly dependable vehicle.

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  Well worth it - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Jereth - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased my Frontier. I had to drive it 7 and a half hours back home. It drove great the whole way. You get everything you can out of it. Very comfortable for long trips. The styling makes it a great head turner. The SE version comes packed with extras uncommon to most trucks. A good truck for someone wanting just that, a good truck.

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  Altima 2001 SE - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By joemcc - May 11 - 2:00 am

  I had previously owned Altima GXEs and experienced much better gas mileage with minimal difference in performance. I was disappointed in the gas mileage, about 23MPG, but the car is extremey reliable.