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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  A KEEPER, AT LEAST FOR NOW - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By RUBICON4X4 - April 25 - 7:06 pm

  After 6 months good power and economy combination, average low 20s unless in 4 wheel drive. OE tires are mediocre for snow and mud, but do fine on dry roads: disappointing to need new tires since I live in an area that has snow 4- 5 months. Surprised that neither the salesman or sales manager knew that this truck does have a break in period. More truck for the price than I could have gotten a Toyota for. Radio works well, even in fringe reception areas. Radio and heater controls are easy to reach and understand.

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  Serious CVT Problem - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Serious CVT Problem - April 25 - 6:23 pm

  As others report, there is a dangerous problem with the CVT. After driving hundreds of highway miles twice this summer in very hot weather, the transmission failed to downshift into a lower gear upon exiting the interstate, leading to a dangerous loss of power. The owners manual indicates that this may happen during certain conditions to protect the CVT. The first time this happened the dealership found no problem. The car is being serviced, now, following the second time, with intervention by Nissan corporate. Clearly, Nissan knows it has an engineering/design problem. This may be an issue for the National Transportation Safety Board. I recommend staying away from Nissan CVT products.

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  Pretty happy with the "Beast" - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Canadian Import - April 25 - 4:40 pm

  We purchased ours used with 30k miles. It had a brake issue within the first two months, but this was corrected by Nissan under warranty. Other than that we have had no complaints. This is the ultimate family vehicle! We had a Yukon before, there is no comparing the two. The Armada takes it to a whole new level. If you have kids and need to haul them and their gear and like to do it in comfort and style, this is your truck. Fuel mileage is not great, but when you think about the added safety and cargo room, it is a fair trade off.If you have to commute 30-40 miles a day, then perhaps the Armada is not for you, but for hauling groceries and taking kids to soccer Mom can do no better!

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  Great car, but OHHH the gas mileage - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By paulkfromcalifornia - April 25 - 10:00 am

  the Murano is a fun car, no doubt, from the extremely comfotable seats, Nav system, Bose audio, and flawless transmission...however, two problems: 1) the paint work is bad. maybe its just mine, but i notice a big problem with small flaking 2) the gas mileage is horrible. the sticker promises 20 /24...i have yet to average over 20 MPG, even on a 150 mile drive on a flat highway with the cruise set at 70. i average less than 15 around town, and 18, if i am lucky, on the highway. This seems to be a reoccuring theme among Murano owners, but I doubt Nissan is willing to admit to it...I know that my dealer isnt!

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  My Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By WallyS - April 25 - 10:00 am

  This is the second Quest that I have owned. My other one was 99 and this one has it beat by a mile. It took no time at all to get use to the new features.

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  Chey,Ford,& Dodge........... MOVE OVER ! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Up North in MN - April 25 - 10:00 am

  This is my Third Nissan Pick Up, they run for ever. I was happy with the 86 Long Bed V6,and 91 4x4. Lost both to sons who needed a Dependable vehicle. Once again my time to move on to a new truck. I checked out the BIG 3 but no one had the power like the Titan. Ive never owned amything with this much Power under the hood. The ride is quiet and smooth, you dont feel like your driving a truck because it handles the road so well. The rumble from the exhaust is a reminder of the power that doesnt seem to stop, Im 64 tall and Im comfortable in any position in this cab. 30% savings on my insurance is nice too. Love the way it turns heads,This is one of the best looking trucks on the Road .

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  Titan quality as bad as 80s-era Hyundai - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By boggsdj - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Titan quality is horrible! Really, terribly bad, not just a little bit bad. At 350 miles (my 2nd $50.00 tank of gas) interior and exterior trim pieces are falling off or splitting apart in 5 places. Vehicle quality is on par with 80s-era Hyundai or 70s-era GM. I bought Japanese seeking quality. Big mistake! I greatly regret buying this vehicle because its quality is abysmal. The truck is extremely annoying in other ways. The blinkers are excruciatingly loud, so Im having to learn NOT to use them! The stereo volume continually increases and decreases on its own. Seats are uncomfortable. Engine noise is annoying. Materials are 2nd-rate. Suntrup dealership is unhelpful.

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  Cant beat it for the money! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Fountainofknowledge - April 25 - 10:00 am

  As I read the reviews you cant help to see people complaining! If you want a perfect car go spend $60k. Youll still have problems. For the money you cannot beat this car. Great power. I had a 6cyl Xterra that had the same 170 hp that this 4cyl Altima has. I have 38,000 miles on this car and I have not had one problem. I have put gas and oil in, that is all. There are some improvements to be made but hey, it didnt require a second mortgage to buy either. Cant have your cake and eat it too. Gas mileage could improve a bit however it really is a good size vehicle. Usually the bigger they are the more gas they eat.

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  Great Choice - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Jetfan 16 - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Thank god I didnt get the 2.5S that I left a $1000 deposit. I slept on it and realized that I really wanted the 3.5SE. Well, that was a very important decision. Got the 2005 3.5 SE with Sports Pkg Plus (everything except leather & navigation). Car is amazing. The triponic tranny is cool and smooth. Got the super black color and it will look even sharper with tinted windows.

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  Great midsize - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By RSimeone - April 25 - 10:00 am

  Just bought the 3.5sl and couldnt be happier. Interior quality and comfort.Exterior beautiful. Unbeleivable V6 power and handling.Bose radio a blast. Overall a great car with more than enough room inside. Seems so much bigger that a midsize. Dont usually like 4 dr.but this is a beauty.