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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  Nissan Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By kirsten_046 - February 11 - 11:41 pm

  I was so excited when I bought this car Ive always had a Nissan and they never let me down. I loved the double sun roof and the previous owner had "tricked" it out so it was all fancy. I bought it with 130,000 miles on it which was quite a bit but it was running well! But then after about 20,000 miles the key kept getting stuck in the ignition, the CD player skips everything and cuts out, takes a few times to actually start the car and now it has trouble switching gears AND I was driving a few days ago and it totally turned on in the middle of the road; steering wheel locked, gas didnt work, lights and everything went off (had to turn it off then back on again). Nissan has let me down.

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  GREAT VALUE, GREAT TRUCK - 2014 Nissan Titan
  By beefcherry - February 11 - 7:02 pm

  I have owned my new LOADED 2014 Nissan PRO-4X TITAN for about a month and couldnt be happier. Yes the MPG is not great, but I knew that. I saved around $7,000 by choosing a TITAN. I looked at a RAM 1500, Sierra and Tundra all comparably equipped and all were a minimum $7,000 more. The money I saved I will use for fuel. And by my calculations, itll take me about 7-8yrs to breakeven. The tech inside is fine. The interior is fine. The ride is better than all and the steering and handling is great. Its all subjective, but to me it works. Go scoop one up before the redesign and they jack up the prices.

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  Wheel Shimmy Problem Ruins This SUV - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By KD - February 11 - 3:06 pm

  While this is a great SUV there is a major problem that ruins the drive. This truck has a wheel shimmy problem like nothing I have ever experienced before. It began a week after we bought it. The SUV has been in and out of the shop ever since. I have heard every excuse from the dealership as to what it is, how it was caused and how they have fixed the problem. Yet back into the shop it goes on Saturday for another "part" that was on "back order" to correct the problem. (Yeah right!) It shimmies going down hill (I live on a hill), it shimmies at speeds above 50 mph, and now it has worn out the left front tire (a huge Wrangler) while leaving the other tires untouched. What a shame.

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  WOW what a truck for the price - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By WOW Best for your $$ - February 11 - 10:23 am

  We had a 2002 Frontier. It had 89,000 on it and the only thing went bad was we had to replace the darn battery, can you imagine. We traded it in on a 2007 with 261 HP V6 4x4, wow. A lot more truck than the 2002. 1. The best is way more power. 2. The double doors no extra charge. 3. It is a bigger truck, bed is 10" wider, inside is bigger for more room. 4. Finally they changed the darn emergency brake to a hand and the gas fill is on the drivers side. 5. Just looks nicer inside, interior is as good or better, roomy and comfortable. 6 4x4 shift is just a dial now. GREAT for moms in bad weather.

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  You can have it all!!! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Dan - February 11 - 9:36 am

  Ive had this car for two weeks and its easily the best car Ive ever owned. Want good looks? Its one of the hottest looking sedans on the market. Want space? Im 6 4" with a long torso and Ive got more head and legroom than I know what to do with (I hit my head in the back seat, however). Want fuel economy? Try about 29 on the highway and 27 in commuting (currently getting 26 and driving somewhat aggressively). Want torque and acceleration? Floor it even in 2nd gear and get tire spin. Watch the Porsche Boxster disappear into your rearview mirror as you hit 60 mph in under 6 seconds. Want reliability? Check Consumer Reports and be impressed.

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  No repair parts available - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jcove - February 11 - 2:12 am

  2013 Pathfinder was rear ended with damage to the driver side rear quarter panel. Pathfinder has been at the Nissan body shop for six weeks waiting on the quarter panel. The insurance company has oked ( without my knowledge) the shop to repair the damaged sheet metal rather than continuing to wait on the rear quarter panel. When contacted Nissan consumer affairs on assistance with rental car reinbursment and or possible making a payment due to the lack of repair parts. I was told the part was on national backorder. no assistance on the rental nor the payment. Nissan customer service has slipped from what it used to be as I have owned 8 other Nissans. This will be my last one !!!!!

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  03 altima 2.5s a drivers pleasure - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By fastlane7 - February 11 - 12:25 am

  I got my altima with 38k. the previous owner, a relative, never had any problems with it. I now have 58k and it runs like a dream. I did have to replace the crank position sensor at 57k. However, although the ses light was on, it never gave me problems. If your looking for a cushy ride,look elsewhere. The Altima is definitely a drivers car.sturdy frame, firm ride. handling is excellent. Very little body-lean when buzzing around roads. holds road very well The engine is responsive. quick off the line. open road acceleration impressive; especially for a 4cylindar engine. stunning exterior, and a roomy, comfortable, interior. some cheap plastics inside; no big deal. to sum up,love this car

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  2005 Nissan Cost $$$$ to maintain!!! - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Denise - February 10 - 11:40 pm

  I bought a 2005 Nissan Quest with 6000 miles on it - nearly new. In five years I have changed the brakes 3 times, all belts, transmission, catalytic converter (warranty) and now the timing chain is going to need to be fixed. The Nissan Customer Service is of no help. I have owned many old school Nissans and believed them to reliable - not in this modern age! **DO NOT BUY THIS VAN** Get a Toyota instead!

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  Bad Sentra - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By Silver Sentera - February 10 - 11:26 pm

  This Sentra has been towed to the shop 7 times, starting at 5000 miles. The throttle sensor went bad 3 times, finally requiring a complete ECM, throttle body, and wiring harness. Then at 35000 miles it started blowing the ECM fuse. It has been very intermittent, now it is getting another ECM and a complete wiring harness and dash electronics. Im not sure what the instrument panel has to do with the problem, but just today Nissan agreed to cover it under warranty even tho the car has 40000 miles on it. The initial repair was around $2000, this estimate is $2700. Very expensive for a $15k car. Needless to say, this will be my last Nissan.

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  Nice Light duty truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Light Duty Hauler - February 10 - 11:26 pm

  Checked Tacoma, Ranger, and Colorado. Frontier has good road visibility, good seating and the gas mileage we wanted. Cargo capacity is generous, ABS brakes effective and love the King Cab. Sad to give up our 1989 Chevy S10 but are very pleased with this new member to our family. For us, it is a great light duty hauler in the 4 cylinder version. The 4 cylinder is adequate but nothing snappy. The overdrive is easily engaged or disengaged in hill climbing or descent. 4 wheel ABS is very good.