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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  The worst initial quality on the market - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Ryan - May 10 - 12:16 pm

  I purchased a 2004 Quest in March of 04. I have been disappointed ever since. In the 11 months that I have owned the vehicle, I have accumulated a total of 23 quality problems that need to be addressed by the dealer. Nissan has issued a quality recall for most 04 quests, which included items from poor insulation to replacing trottle pedals. I have experienced loss of power at stop lights, seat belt latches that stick, audio buttons that dont function, Driver door that is loose and tries to pry open at highway speeds. If your money and safety are important to you, I would seriously consider another vehicle. Nissan rushed this car to the market and it shows in every way.

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  2014 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By m_z - May 6 - 10:41 pm

  Bought the new car which was the showroom model with <90 miles. It performs relatively well. Drivers seat are comfortable (has tile seat function which is lacking in other car makers models) and family said the other seats were comfortable as well. The CVT is LOUD upon start up and during acceleration but calms down at cruising speed. It does take time to accelerate. Nice leather with some hard plastic and soft-touch plastic in cabin.

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  Transmission Issues - 2014 Nissan Pathfinder
  By sancarlos1 - May 4 - 8:16 pm

  Like many posters here, were having serious issues with our Nissan Pathfinder transmission. At low RPMs the entire car shakes. Weve had it in for service several times. The issue has yet to be resolved. There are less than 10K miles on the car.

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  2008 Sentra 2.0 Pros N Cons - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By ronjr69 - May 2 - 11:04 am

  Pros, Nice color (Onyx Blue) good paint finish, decent stereo, decent mpg (31-34 mpg @ 70 mph), quiet ride, roomy, good AC, adjustable cupholder, reliable (so far) Cons, No ABS standard, no cruise control, hard seats, aux. in should be in center console, drivers seat should be centered behind steering wheel, steering wheel should be a softer material, cant read LCD displays with polarized sunglasses on, oversteer, cant fit my foot between brake pedal and center console to reach gas pedal (have to push tippy-to and is uncomfortable on long drives), lots of body sway when windy or near trucks at speed, bland performance, handling, car is seriously under engineered, cant believe no ABS

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  So Sad! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Sad cuber - April 25 - 5:43 am

  As a first-time Nissan buyer, I was thrilled to own this new car! Loved everything about it and was its best advertisement ... until at just 1,200 miles, the transmission stopped working. Its been at a dealer for a week now, with no ETA of a replacement transmission.

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  The repairs just keep adding up - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By rupkinmae - April 22 - 11:36 pm

  Im so disappointed in this van. Every time I think its going to be okay, another expensive repair is required. Were throwing good money after bad on this vehicle now and we havent even reached 90,000 miles. I have read more reviews than I can count regarding the timing chain issue. I think its time to get a class action suit going against Nissan. Im utterly disgusted that my vehicle has spent more time broken down over the last year than it has spent running properly. Nissan knows theres a problem and theyre making good money fixing their own mistakes. The timing chain repairs need to be a recall immediately or Nissan needs to pay for their sub-par components in court.

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  2002 Nissan Pathfinder LE - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By effort12 - April 21 - 3:39 am

  Purchased in 2005 with 30K mileage. 110K miles currently. Complaints - Dreadful fuel economy and requires premium. Defective exhaust manifold . Hairline cracks create increasingly noisy engine and allow exhaust fumes to leak into interior. Replacement manifold plus installation is almost $4K. Manufacturer claims this not a defect but is just normal wear and tear. Front end vibration when brakes are applied. Defective 6 disc cd changer quit functioning with 6 discs inside. Estimates for repair $3-400. Interior - Very comfortable with nice assortment of features. Would not purchase another Nissan product.

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  A Great Way To Save Some Cash - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By toddp77 - April 17 - 11:55 pm

  I have enjoyed saving cash and driving a manual transmission. I drove a 1983 Nissan Sentra in high school and this car provides some nostalgia for me. This is a very inexpensive vehicle and it shows in several ways that may be deal breakers for some people but reminds me of how much money I saved. The handling and power are sacrificed for savings and fuel efficiency. I was also swayed by the large interior with numerous air bags and better than you would expect safety ratings.

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  Tin Can - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By 1stnissan - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Can you say tin can.....hood dented by a pine cone, numerous door dings...I think its made of aluminum foil.....the trunk lid also rattles when you close it....TIP: dont park next to any other cars or get a very low deductible with your insurance company...the engine is powerful but pulls badly to the right with quick acceleration

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  Safety issues - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By sadsack - April 15 - 3:43 pm

  This car was bought new in 2002. I loved the styling, room, and power. It seemed to be a a great value compared to Toyota and Honda. Then the recall notices started. One involved the crankshaft sensor. It seemed the car could lose power while driving at any speed. It shut down while on the interstate at 65 mph. Sheer panic!! I was lucky to make it off to the shoulder. The crankshaft sensor was replaced (2005). Just two weeks ago it went out again while pulling out across traffic. I was almost broadsided. We paid for this new sensor. Forget customer service, five unreturned calls and no help. This could have been a really good car, but it is dangerous. I am trading.