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:

• 

  Good Van that Needs Some Improvement - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Good Van Except for - April 13 - 8:20 pm

  Nissan had the right idea with this Van but they failed in execution. If the quality problems (rattling, paint chipping) were addressed prior to release it would be an EXCELLENT van but instead it is a good van as long as you dont mind going to see the dealer often.

• 

  Great in the snow - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Donna - April 13 - 7:16 pm

  I bought the Murano last year because I had a 45 minute commute to and from work and I wanted something that was going to handle the snow. This car is Amazing in the snow. I did however get into an accident and it took Nissan over 2 months to get me a back passenger door. Also the alternator had to be replaced in the car which the dealership said was a common problem the the Muranos. The blind spots are HORRIBLE. You have to really turn your head to make sure no one is in the other lane. Another down fall is you have to also put in premium gas and if you do not you can really tell the difference. The car will not ride as smooth. I wish this was a 7 passenger vehicle.

• 

  powerful 2.5! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By car fanatic09 - April 12 - 3:10 am

  When we bought this car I underestimated the power to speed ratio. Once I really got to know the car I realized its pretty fast. You notice when you start to go faster the engine has a loud roar to it. Its not quite. Esp are 40 an d above. People will know your coming. Steering is pretty lose. Handles exceptionally well. Hugs corners fine. Responsive time are perfection on a bad day. If this is a 2.5 w 175 hp I wish I had the 260 3.5.

• 

  Very poor performance in bad weather - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By VERY BAD TIRES!! - April 12 - 12:50 am

  Nice looking & comfortable riding car in general. However, had lots of problems with indicator lights, air bag warning system, within the first few months of owning the car. Had to bring it back to the dealer for repairs many times. Also going through my first winter in MA with the car and already in two months had several near accidents and then recently skidded into a guard rail while only driving 25 mph. The tires are inferior with VERY POOR performance. Warning... check your tires and be very careful driving with them.

• 

  Outstanding Value - 2010 Nissan Titan
  By No Buyer Remorse - April 11 - 4:03 pm

  Former Chevy guy, over analyzed the market, didnt pay much attention to the Titan at first due to the age of the model but after driving and comparing what you get for the money the decision became clear. Drove the Ford F150 and Toyota Tundra Platinum 4x4, both very nice trucks, new Dodge probably the best ride of all but not convinced about Dodge building a truck for Nissan? The 2010 Titan is a keeper, great build quality, very nice handling and absolutely no buyers remorse.

• 

  Love My Maxima! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By WyomingRox - April 11 - 10:06 am

  I started out shopping for an Acura TSX. Hated it. Drove the Maxima and it was love. We recently had to take a LONG, LONG trip and the cars comfort and performance were out of this world. Even at my high altitude and up and down the mountainous road I am still getting up to 30 mpg on highway. I really dont have one bad thing to say about my car. I just love the looks, I love the handling and I love the power.

• 

  good reliable workhorse - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By jaykay - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Its been a good 3 yrs dont have any major complaints,havent done any major repairs just oil changes tire rotation and front brakes.Ive been towing my pop-up and boat with no problems

• 

  Absolutely worry free - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By titan - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I have not had a single problem with this car and it now has 95,000 miles. No rattles, shakes, overheating, etc. Interior has held up better than any car I have had. For the type of car it is it couldnt be better.

• 

  if I had known about the headlights... - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By jennee - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I have to admit that I am pleased with the Maxima overall; although I would have waited for the 2004 model though. I have had the car for about 8 months and it has been vandalized three times!! If you live in the Northeast, dont buy this car! It is in your best interest to buy the 2004 model or buy something else. The research was not available when I bought this car and I am sorry I bought it. When you pay up to $3500 for a pair of headlights you get a little bitter. It is a beautiful car but the headache is not worth it.

• 

  Dont believe the bad safety review! - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By BadMoon - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I dont understand why this car got such bad safety ratings. I was just in a high speed crash in my brand new Pathfinder thanks to some jerk in a Mercedes who didnt yield. Well, bad ratings aside I walked away with nothing more than a headache and a fat lip from the airbag. He rode off in the ambulance. Needless to say Ill purchasing another Pathfinder when the insurance check comes through.