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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  2009 Nissan Frontier/ XE - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By Dennis - January 17 - 12:03 am

  This is my second Nissan Frontier, Ive owned and drove my 2001 for 8 years and I must say it has been the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned, I still own it. Ive owned the new Frontier for 2 months now and the only complaints I have thus far is the drivers seat and the center console.

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  Good buy for the money - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By John - January 16 - 10:26 pm

  Having purchased the Versa three weeks ago, I have to say I am impressed. Having to commute 72 mi a day, I am getting 30 miles to the gallon. My vehicle now has 800 miles on it. Having a manual, and owning three prior autos with manual transmission including Toyota Corolla, I have to say that for the price, the Versa is well worth it. The only drawback which I am getting used to is in regards to shifting. There is very little room for error in shifting from second to third as well as from fifth to fourth gear. There is plenty of headroom in the drivers seat as well as plenty of room in the rear. If youre looking for a reduced priced subcompact. I would recommend the Versa over the Corolla.

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  Great mid-size SUV - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Gil - January 16 - 3:40 pm

  Overall a great midsize SUV. I also researched and compared the Chevy Trailblazer, Toyota 4runner, Honda Pilot, and Subaru Outback. I chose the Pathfinder because of its reliability and price paid with options selected. I went with the fully loaded SE model and am very happy with my choice. Another reason for selecting the Pathfinder was that my prior vehicle was a 91 Nissan Maxima that I put on 180,000 miles and never had a major problem. I believe the best quality manufacturers are Toyota, Honda, and Nissan and you couldnt go wrong with any of them. However, Nissan offers the best price of the three, with similar options selected.

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  Good car so far knock on wood - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By mommastash - January 16 - 1:13 pm

  Car had an o ring leak at one month of age. At 6 months of age head gasket went leaked anti freeze on belt, Dealership replace head gasket but refuse to replace belt that still from this day squeals cause of glazing. Paint is chipped on bottom of doors due to stones and road salt. Car interior seats stain badly. Car flooded in cold weather just from moving car off driveway onto side of road. Handles great on turns and awesome braking. Great on gas. Small interior for leg room not meant for a family car. handles okay on icy roads.

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  My first non gm - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By kfj743 - January 15 - 10:00 am

  sky light leake fixedd, was replaced, right rear door had rattles,fixed somewhat

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  95% solution - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By philtrav1 - January 15 - 2:13 am

  The Murano is a fun, reliable and relatively inexpensive cross-over SUV. Frankly, I like the somewhat unusual design. Ive had my Murano in Europe now for about 6 months and it gets a lot of attention. In the land of BMW X5s and X3s, Mercs and Rovers, it nice to know that Ive got a really great preformer with solid workmanship for a fraction of the cost of the other SUVs. I appreciate the looks of approval from the drivers of the competition.

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  Squeaky Driver Seat - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Perfecto - January 13 - 4:26 pm

  Just bought a 2017 Maxima S at Virginia Beach and 2 weeks later the driver seat started to squeak. The spring in the back area makes so much noise it gets annoying. Every time I move, turn, back up and getting off the car I can hear the springs squeak. I had it serviced at the dealer yesterday and was told they could not do anything about it because it is an a safety issue which to me is a bunch of bull crap. Furthermore, they compared it to another new car and that too makes the same squeaky noise. Is this a design flaw? At any rate I left very frustrated that nothing was done and no resolution offered. So for those thinking about buying a maxima, think twice. Either that or start using ear plugs!!

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  Not bad! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Randy Collier - January 13 - 4:56 am

  Okay, I was in love with the truck at first sight but the gas mileage (mpg) was bad. Still very shocked that the fuel economy on this truck was that low. I am driving mostly on the freeway and I am only getting 18-19 mpg. The turning radius is abysmal. I have driven smaller and larger trucks and both had better turning radiuses. The radio stinks! Also the the trim on the steering wheel started to rub off. Did you know they use black plastic with a silver finish? They should keep it black so there will not be any rubbing off.

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  2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Charles Minauskas - January 12 - 5:00 pm

  Nice Ride and power.

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  Well built, loved the quiet - 2011 Nissan Leaf
  By rufustf - January 11 - 3:06 am

  We are in TN, so only Nissan dealers are supplying the charging stations making "range anxiety" a very real concern for me after hours driving. It will just take more planning until I adjust to it. When DC quick charging stations are more available, range anxiety will be much reduced. Handles very well.