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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  Buy a 4Runner - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Adam - January 22 - 3:13 pm

  Was choosing between this and 4Runner. Chose Pathfinder because of option availability and price. At 7000 miles headliner (ceiling) started falling out. Took to dealer and they replaced the entire ceiling. Second ceiling was full of creases and looked far worse so it went back for a third time. They had it for five days and it came back with many faults. Stains on sunroof, ill-fitting, scratched, and broken trim. I am waiting new parts on back order so it can go back again and they can fix all the interior bits they broke. It will never be right again.

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  More than I expected - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By I 1DER - January 22 - 6:06 am

  Ordered the car so I got exactly what I wanted. After getting 320,000 miles and counting out of my 93 Pathfinder with absolute minimum maintenance and trouble, I decided the Nissan Z would make great sense to me if I could get 200,000 good miles out of it. Three years later at 50K miles Ill be very surprised if I dont. The only concern has been oil consumption of about a quart every 3000-4500 miles. To me that is borderline, but I dont have to add oil if it is changed at that interval anyway. Absolutely no other problem except with one tire pressure sensor when car was fairly new. I mostly drive rural back roads and take trips. Must use at least all- season tires in northern winters.

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  The Nissan Nightmare !!!!! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By DON - January 22 - 12:04 am

  My 2013 Altima has multiple issues the engine vibrates the entire vehicle so there is no comfort , the car rumbles down the highway making a noise that makes you want to jump out of the moving car . I will never buy another Nissan product again it is the worst driving experience I ever had . My Nissan Nightmare !!!!!!!!!!

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  Nice truck, but... - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Swarty - January 21 - 5:03 pm

  The Frontier LE is a nice truck with a few caveats. My complaints seem trivial but here they are. One, the turning radius is abysmal. I know, its a truck, but I was shocked how bad it was. Also, the key fob had a way of easily being hit. I set off the car alarm at least 15 times in 6 months. Gas mileage is fair. I averaged about 17-18 mpg and about 20 on the highway. Stereo is crappy to say the least. That said, it was fun to drive, had great acceleration, I like the tie down system in the bed and my daughter loved riding in it. If you need a truck that will give decent storage room, you could do a lot worse than this one.

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  A Solid Car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By first nissan - January 21 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased the GLE a few days ago. I test drove the BMW 325xi, the Volvo S60 2.5T AWD, and the Audi A4. I was actually on my way to the BMW dealership to buy the 325 (true story!) and for some reason or another i stopped in at the nissan dealership to check out the 04 maxima. I drove the 2004 and the 2003. Once I drove the 2003 I was sold. I bought the car right there on the spot. It drives much more smoothly than the other cars, plus youll get much more bang for you buck with the fully loaded GLE. Consumer Reports rates it very high and so do I. A highly recommended car.

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  Sweet - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Very Impressed - January 21 - 10:00 am

  500 miles ago I stepped into this awesome machine...the looks...the feel...the power...all great. Loaded with the driver preferred package, to me this car is better than the G-35 and CTS...and for thousands less $$$. Without fail, when Im drifting people ask me about the car. My only complaint is that I cannot keep my foot off the gas peddle, feeling the cars immediate response as I zoooooom down the road.

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  NV 200 Not Enough for the Job - 2014 Nissan NV200
  By Mr. Font - January 21 - 6:15 am

  I purchased an NV 200 in 2014 for a small business we were establishing and needed a vehicle for the purchase of raw material and transportation. The vans engine appeared to be sufficient during test drive, but in reality it has a hard time hauling cargo. The acceleration is poor and can be unsafe at time. I have also experience tire wear. With 8000 miles the tires show significant tire wire. I have also learned the replacement tires are very expensive. In addition, I am experiencing paint issues for which Nissan does not want to be held accountable. It appears the van was touchup before I made the purchase. Still debating on this issue. Overall, the van does not have the engine power to haul cargo. It does provide for easy entry into the van, it is accessible and easy to get cargo in and out of the van. But lacks engine power.

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  Awesome Altima 3.5sl - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By luis90 - January 21 - 5:03 am

  I bought this car about 3 months ago car is amazing. I bought it for my wife and when i drive it i have my share of fun the altima is quick at the 1/8 mile it did 8.9 at 83mph thats quick for a altima even the announcer was surprised! I dont hear any noises, i hardly feel any bumps and that CVT transmission is the best thing nissan can do for their nissans. This car beat a stock lancer evoution 2006 by a whole car there goes to show how well this transsion keeps its power band. you hardly feel the shifting points compared to a toyota camry this nissan rocks the car has 3500 miles on it and no problems yet i and my wife are very satisfied with our new altima 2013 and pearl white color.

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  Good Little Car; Fun to Drive - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By Hilly - January 21 - 2:00 am

  My wife has driven this car for nearly three years now and it has only had tow minor recall issues. Other than that, only oil and filter chages and new rubber at 40k miles. Handling is very good and it is actually more fun to drive than my 2001 Camry--great in the snow, too.

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  Wish I had my car back - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Lucky 1 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  My car was recently totaled in a collision. I miss it already. Its a great car that protected me from serious injury. I would recommend this car to anyone who drives in heavy traffic--gas mileage, responsiveness, reliability and safety are all excellent. In 76K miles, replaced brake pads once, tires once, battery once. What a great car!!! I only wish now I had my car back. I miss it already.