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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  Very Disappointed - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By jcald - December 10 - 4:23 am

  At around 30,000 miles, the transmission went out. No warning at all. I tried to start it, it jumped forward and died. Nissan had to bring a wrecker. They replaced the transmission, but now I think it is going bad again. I have around 45,000 miles on it and 2 days ago, it started getting really loud, almost like an ATV. When I let off the gas, it still roars loudly. The engine has always been very loud and it has gotten worse with time. It has always jerked when taking off and it smells flooded when you start it. Last winter it would only start if I pumped the gas. Id crash the stupid thing if I didnt think Id get hurt! My opinion of Nissan is not good anymore.

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  cheap truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By johns truck - December 10 - 3:10 am

  Overall a cheap truck, both good and bad. Engine torque performance at start up and pulling grades was poor, especially with a load. Number 2 plug wire was against a metal bracket and shorting out intermitently for first 5000 miles, once repositioned, performance became marginal. Traction has been very poor when unloaded, until it resulted in a crash into a road bank at 15 mph and $5K of damage. Have now replaced the original 225/70 tires with 205/70 tires. So far that change has proven to be useful, wet and dry traction seems to have improved and the torque/gearing now is acceptable. The speedo/odometer, of course, is off now, as nissan offers no adjustment.

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  Nismo Frontier - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Voto - December 9 - 6:56 pm

  Have put 15K on my NISMO since I bought it last spring. Someone run a light and totaled my Chev S-10 Highrider with a 4.3, and this Nissan is the only new truck with the power that matched that. Overall Im very happy, plastic interior scratches to easy, but a very stout and good looking truck. Just put on the NISMO cold air intake with headers, some remapping and timing adjustments and I have over 300 ft lbs of torque and 285 hp, with the catback system that is coming out I should push over 300 ponies. mileage could be better, but this truck will run.

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  WOW, this is like a dream. - 2015 Nissan Leaf
  By michael - December 9 - 5:53 pm

  So we brought our 2015 Leaf home in October 2014, it is now January 2016, the car has 17000 miles and we have not gone back to the dealer for anything. This has never happened with any new or used car we have owned. The car is like a miracle. The Leaf is smooth and powerful. Range is adequate for the daily commute and recharging at home is a plus and simple to do. Easier than pumping gas. UPDATE FEBRUARY 2017.. still no repairs or maintenance to speak of after almost three years and 30k miles and it still feels like new. FEBRUARY 2018..44k miles,still no repairs or battery degredation

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  RG 1 Maxima - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Rick - December 9 - 11:23 am

  During the 8 years I have owned since new, I have put new brakes once, new tires twice, one new radiator at 150000 miles and now the struts need replacing. If this were a ford focus or whatever it would now be around in this good a condition. Also my actual miles per gallon is city 21 highway 27

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  Still love our SE! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By 07Anne13 - December 9 - 10:13 am

  This SUV handles great and looks great too! Have been very happy with everything except rattles and squeaks. Its making some chirping sounds and the brakes also make a horrible squeaking noise when we reverse. I cant complain about the gas mileage because I knew what I was getting into when we bought it. We are averaging about 15-16 in the city and 18-19 on the highway. The acceleration and handling are top notch. It also has a really good turn radius- It can handle just about any tight spot.

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  Fun, Reliable, and Economical - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By AZShawn - December 9 - 2:00 am

  At 170,000 miles, my Maxima SE 5-speed is still running strong. Average 27mpg is great and the car is still fast and fun to drive. The reliability of this car is outstanding; however the suspension and steering are less than adequate. I cant think of a better value.

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  best vehicle ever - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By ugga - December 9 - 2:00 am

  I drove it 37 hours straight on the first trip and couldnt find a thing to complain about.

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  Simply Awesome! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Jidda - December 9 - 2:00 am

  I recently purchase the new Armada and find it hands down better than the competition. I test drove the Sequoia, Tahoe and Yukon. This V-8 engine is awesome. It blows away the competition. I drove a Nissan Pathfinder for 5 years and loved the V-6 240hp engine on my 2002. This vehicle blows the mid-size Pathfinder away. There is so much here I dont have time to list. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone interested in purchasing a full size SUV. The one downfall of this SUV is the mileage, but for all the fun it is to drive, it is well worth the headache to fill up more frequently. Happy trails to everyone who buys this SUV!

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  Ultimate Altima - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By casexxman - December 9 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car for my wife but I have fell in love with it myself. What a gutsy, responsive vehicle that is very pleasing to the eye! I really enjoy driving this car. The V6 is so powerful that you better hold on when you dump the gas.