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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  Well put together car - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Bek - September 8 - 3:40 pm

  The car has great head room, not present in many small vehicles. Its peppy and maneuverable. The design of the instrument panel is really great. Id buy another in a heartbeat.

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  Miss my Frontier so much! - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By S. B. - September 7 - 7:06 am

  I bought a 2008 Crew Cab Nissan Frontier brand new, intending to drive it for 30 years or so, and planning to "hand it down" to my son when he got old enough to drive. I drove it for 8 years, then gave it to my son, who only got to drive it for about a year before someone plowed into it while it was parked and totaled it :( It was a really awesome truck--I absolutely loved it. Super comfortable, good for city driving or highway driving, handled well, drove well, didnt nickle-and-dime me on maintenance, super functional, good looking truck. Not ridiculously big, or uselessly small--just right. The interior plastic materials were a bit clunky looking, and it had the turn radius of an aircraft carrier, and handling the stiff steering wheel was a great upper body workout. The paint held up really well--still flawless after being parked outdoors for 9 years, but the black trim was in need of reconditioning. The cloth on the seats was very rugged--it was kind of waffled...I forget what they called it, but it was very durable and helped keep the seats cool. I used to joke about bringing the seats into the house because they were more comfortable than my favorite recliner. The cam position sensors did go out--the truck suddenly lost electrical power and shut off when driving around 35-40 mph twice, and gas mileage decreased noticeably over a few weeks time before it was diagnosed and repaired. That was the only problem I ever had with it. It had one recall that was quickly fixed. It was an all around great vehicle. I really miss it, and if youre an experienced driver looking to buy one, go for it!

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  Pretty Good - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Richard Seibert - September 7 - 6:53 am

  Car has smooth ride and decent handling. Handling could be improved with better OE tires. Very pleased with MPG so far. Lease deal was terrific, and that is what swayed me, although I do like the styling and interior design. Intelligent key is great--no fishing for the remote.

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  BAD REAR END CRASH******RESULTS - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By ufocafe - September 6 - 3:53 am

  I love my Armada! I was rear ended by a Water Tanker Truck when I was stopped at a traffic light. And I wasn hit so hard,that I crashed into an Police car stopped in front of me. I found out from the police report that the tanker weighed over 33 thousand pounds. What a scare. But,I was barely scratched. I was not hospitalized and I was back to work the very next morning. I owe all of this to the fantastic design of the Armada. I WILL be an Armada owner from now on. Thanks Nissan.

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  Transmission Gone @ 70K - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Phil - September 5 - 6:16 pm

  I am very disappointed with my 2005 Nissan Maxima. My transmission is shot. Started around 60K.... been to the dealer several times. Nissan N America claims they are unaware of trans problems for this car. I know thats bull. Two many "Nissan Heads" are having this same problem. Is Nissan going to own up to this or what? This is my 3rd Max, unfortunately it will be my last! Mr Mech, do you have any advise for this $4,000 trans repair?

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  bullet resistant - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By dorfsmurfal - September 5 - 6:23 am

  Bought news. was over $9000 less than the base Tundra. Has 4L six, massive power lousey gas mileage. Just towed a steel two horse trailer with two horses up 15% grade to yosimite pulled like a champ. Only mechanical issues is rear end went out under warranty and fuel sensor. Factory replaced with no issue. Nissan has way cooler looks than Toyota and a better overall value than Toyota. Some interior noise and squeaks. But I off road. I just changed the facotry tires and brakes at 78,000 miles. Every time I go to the dealer they try to buy it from me. Ran the sand dunes at Pismo fine people couldnt believe the power or abilities. Did I mention no accelorator problems? GO NISSAN!

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  The best performance for 18k brand new - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By jeffreyd53 - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I have a 03 spec v and its a great little car for the money. You cant get all the features and all the performance from any other import for even 4 grand more. And honda doesnt even know what torque is.

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  What a engine wheres the rest of the car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By autow - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought an 03 program car. The engine is perfect i never thought nissan could make such a perfect engine with power and torque its great. But where is the thought on the rest of the car the interior needs help short people cannot use the arm rest up or down... The audio system is poor. The road noise is terrible and the se suspension is too rough i enjoy a great handling car and i like to feel the road but i dont like getting beat to death. Take a lesson from acura or bmw their sport pkgs are much much smoother yet handling is crisp. Plus rattles in the doors not sure i have ever had a rattle in japanese car until this one...

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  Solid car 4 the $$$ - 2013 Nissan Versa
  By mrfrugal2 - September 4 - 8:34 am

  "Bought an SV model and have close to 200 miles in. Its terrific!! Just what I was looking for. It gets me from point A to point B without spending lots of hard earned cash. If you are looking for luxury then recommend the Acura line, or possibly Honda, but for normal commute, its perfect. Getting about 36 mpg average and loving it. The CVT doesnt bother me so far (based on reviews) - actually it is smoother than most normal tranny cars Ive driven. I did own a Datsun B-210 (manual) and an Altima so I do like Nissan. LOTS of room. My opinion - this cars ingenuity sticks out at me and Im definitely loving it. Take one out for a test drive and youll see. I did, and now I own one!!"

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  Yup- LA traffic and I bought a manual! - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By reviewer09 - September 2 - 11:37 pm

  I spent months researching cars- some of the reviews on the Juke were plain scary- poor gas mileage, hate the interior, not comfortable, etc. Ive had 2 Pathfinders (with all the bells and whistles) and cant do the gas anymore. Have only the Juke for 2 weeks, but have put 1K miles already- too fun! Love the 6 speed, love the handling, love this car!! For all of the complainers, did you not see the styling? The (sparkly!) plastic on the inside (easier to clean- I have a boy!!)? Oh, and I also average 29.7 mpg. My "complaint"- wish the gas tank was a bit bigger! I put a 3 for reliability because, well, I havent had it for 5+ years, so I dont know but I hope its like my Pathfinders. Love it