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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  Econosport = Cheap fun - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By intimidator - November 30 - 2:00 am

  A great car for the price - youll swear the engines not a 4 banger. Im 61", and the head room and leg room in the front are plenty roomy. This car loves mountain roads - the tires are nice, until you wear them out from spinning them on fast starts... The front end Skyline look is awesome, but the rear needs work, even with the decent spoiler. Tends to burn oil quickly...

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  Stunning reliability - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Togoshiman - November 27 - 7:50 am

  Passed 150,000kms this week. Nothing has gone wrong with this car in nine years of continuous operation. While regular maintenance has helped, Im astonished that I have done nothing but tires, oil changes, brake pads and a new oil dipstick the entire time. Nissan has been quick about recalls - the throttle issues seem limited to those who fail to heed the recalls. I dont baby the car at all - cars are meant to be driven. Its been on dirt roads to cottage country and through nine Canadian winters with salted roads without rust (save for one muffler bracket which was replaced for $60). While the design is showing its age and its no luxury car, I am very impressed overall.

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  Disappointed - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By chill68 - November 25 - 12:25 am

  Purchased in 2004. Happy with the overall look and performance. Did not buy it for gas milege just wanted a safe vehicle for wifey. Check engine light stays on due to a bad Catalytic Convertor. Which in subsequent models was repaired. This causes the engine to burn oil because of particle blowback. The only sensible repair is a new engine. About 2-3 quarts every 2K miles. Driver side seat panels and arm rest cracked and peeled apart. During hot weather the door locks stick. Have to hold the unlock button and let the windows roll down to get in. The gas tank door opener stop working. I just disconnected from the system versus paying $300 for the part. Cannot wait to part with.

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  Whats Wrong with Nissan - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By WhyMe - November 24 - 3:50 pm

  I got a great deal on this car and I guess I know why. Being a mechanic, I can tell you these cars have problems not worth fixing. On the 2000-2003 Maxima, the computers give faulty signals saying sensors arent functioning properly. After manually checking each sensor to determine that the mass-airflow sensor needed to be replaced and not the O2 sensors, I replaced that. In addition, the O2 and cooling sensors will go and theyre $200 each for parts and there are 12 total (6 cooling, 6 O2). And that wont fix it. Ive now ran all electrical/computer test and the only way to fix it is to take parts off one that runs and put them on mine. Imagine the cost for a non mechanic.

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  Little Econobox - 1996 Nissan Sentra
  By sky1 - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Mines a stripper model, power nothing, 5spd. Im not really attached to it. It has an ok amount of power, but you have to work to drive it fast. Handling again is alright, but nothing to brag about. Sryling again, nothing to brag about. The interior, boring and basic, well designed and built, but basic. I guess the only bragging rights this car has is an EPA rating of 30/40mpg (personally I average 30mpg over mostly city driving). Anyway, to be honest, I wish I had gotten a Honda Civic - they seem to have a little more character. The Sentra is a fine car - its just boring, thats all.

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  great fun - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By R Parker - November 22 - 10:53 am

  fun to drive, fast and comfortable, great handling. five speed automatic is super. utility is great.

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  Very reliable - 1999 Nissan Sentra
  By ljar - November 22 - 6:36 am

  This little car has been extemely reliable. It has had required very few repairs and has excellent gas mileage. This Sentra isnt the most stylish car, but I am very pleased with the car, overall.

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  dont overlook Murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By dadoftay - November 20 - 8:46 pm

  This is a great crossover SUV. Ride is great, handling is more sporty than most others in class. Standard features list is impressive. Room inside will shock you. Lots of power on tap. CVT is nice but takes a little snap away from an otherwise strong drivetrain. Manuverability is excellent. Interior feels very rich and luxurious. Definitley look at this vehicle in your search.

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  Love/Hate - 2012 Nissan Xterra
  By hhilde - November 19 - 6:47 pm

  If I had the need I would buy this truck again and have two of them. That means I like the truck and I am happy I can get a tuck with all its functional capability in this particular size. I feel like I can go anywhere in any condition living in MN. All the professional reviews seem accurate so use those but what they dont say that I dont like is: I think the breaks are touchy and lacking feel. I also think the accelerator is jumpy meaning when you step on the gas get ready to jump and go go go! I find this annoying when trying to get out of a parallel parking spot gracefully without hitting the car in from of me. Especially downtown Seattle on a hill. Yikes!

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  Ok for the money - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Dawson1 - November 19 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle is ok. It tends to drink a lot of gas, and thn engine is not that large. The windows sometimes radle when the car hits rough spots. I also wish the tank was larger, that would cut down on the requent fill ups. All a round it is an ok vehicle.