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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  Buyer Beware - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By danb11 - June 14 - 6:15 pm

  Please Google search Nissan Pathfinder transmission problem prior to purchasing this vehicle used. What may/will happen is after 80k - 100K miles there will be a complete transmission failure. There is an obvious defect in the radiator / transmission which allows radiator fluid to go into the transmission. Once this happens you will need a complete transmission and radiator (about a $5-6K+ fix). There is a class action lawsuit against Nissan USA and they may cover 1/2 of the expenses but you will still be out of $3K in out of pocket expenses. There is also a catalytic convertver / O2 sensor problem which will not allow the vehicle to pass smog (If you live in CA) and costs $1200 to fix.

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  New Quest hesitate to drive in 3 months - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Quest04 User - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I liked the Van initially when I bought 3 months ago, but now some what I am going away from its first impression. The van started hesitating to drive and I had to tow it to the dealership. Believe me it was not a happy scene as everybody was looking at the tow truck with this van being towed. It took more than a week to fix the problem. Very disappointing!

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  Not all it cracks up to be - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By broncobubba - June 10 - 2:00 am

  i got the truck on a friday, by the following tuesday i didnt want it anymore. at 200 miles the transmission started shifting real hard and iratic, to the point of when you get on the hwy it literally slams you around. another problem is after running the truck for a while when you stop at a stop light it runs rough and shakes. Another thing when fueling the pump doesnt sense the tank is full and keeps pumping and gets gas all over(bad valve in tank). Lastly occasionally when cornering the right side speakers cut out.

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  Cheaper than Toyota - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By srl99 - June 10 - 2:00 am

  Cheaper than Toyota and you get what you pay for. Auto dumped all tranny fluid at 1507 miles (yes, brand new). Nissan USAs response - refill fluid and have a nice day. Truck looks nice and gets excellent mileage on the back of tow truck. Cant operate defroster independent of A/C, shift lever blocks controls.

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  NOT WHAT EXPECTED - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By caesar - June 10 - 2:00 am

  I just bought the vehicle and I have had several annoying problems. It has 28,000 miles on it and the steering wheel vibrates. I took it back to Nissan and they balanced the tires but it still vibrates. The transmission always seems to "clunk" into gear just after take off. The tranny also slips first thing after a start up. Once it warms up it seems to be fine. Im thinking of returning this junker. Also the gas pedal too touchy.

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  Knocking Sound - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By hth3 - June 8 - 3:22 pm

  I bought the 2013 Pathfinder SL on 11/26/2012. I started experiencing the knocking sound when accelerate the vehicle. I took it in to service, but the Technician could not hear it very well because it was snowy day with road noise. He told me to take it back at another time. I am planning to take it in again on my first oil change. It has about 1700 miles on it now. The car already had the Transmission Control Module re-programmed. I traded my 2011 Altima to Toyota and traded my 2011 Quest for this new Pathfinder I thought I gave Nissan another chance, but so far very disappointed. If they cant get rid of the knocking sound, I will get rid of the car in 2 years or before its out of warranty and of course NO MORE NISSAN.

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  buyer beware!!! - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By me99 - June 8 - 10:00 am

  i have had nothing but problem after problem with this car--buyer beware!

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  Close, but not quite - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Matthew - June 3 - 5:53 pm

  Only a year later and Im seeing lots of rust in the bed seams and in some of the bed bolts. Also, significant corrosion of some trim pieces. Lots of squeaks that the dealership has been very helpful to fix...but it is a major pain to keep on returning to the dealership for these kinds of repairs. Seats are not that comforatable.

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  3000 miles on 15 Pathfinder and already problems - 2015 Nissan Pathfinder
  By carbonrhody - May 28 - 11:49 pm

  I recently decided to lease a new 15 Pathfinder SL w/ Premium Package despite reading many of the issues online with 13 and 14 MY transmission issues. I choose the Pathfinder because I found it more comfortable than the Santa Fe, better fit and finish than the Explorer and I was able to get a better price/deal than the Highlander. Sitting inside the Pathfinder it feels like a very luxurious vehicle. Overall, I am worried about the build quality. Already have two issues at 3000 miles, one with the transmission having an ugly downshit into when stopping. Lots of bangs when driving. Very worried about long term durability and safety. Good thing I leased!!!

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  Finally got it right - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Clifton - May 27 - 2:00 am

  We purchased a 2002 model 5 months ago. Since the date of purchase, the car has been serviced 6 times. We took the vehicle home, and the car had a strong pull. The dealership has aligned the front end 2 times, replaced struts, tires, and the wheel. That being said, the car has been very good on gas and quick with the 4 cylinder engine. My wife enjoys driving the car, and the space that is available. The car is a little noisy traveling on the interstate, but around town driving is good. Car averages 21 mpg in town and 27 highway. If you are in the market for a nice car that will not break the bank, take a look at the Altima. Just take a long test drive.