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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  ??? windowshield wipers and brakes - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By loren whan - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I have had nissian trucks since 1984 and this is the second one from this dealer and frankly was not happy about the service given I am taking back again for the brakes to be checked out. The wipers smear in different spots. AND THE THING THAT ALL MY NISSIANS HAVE DONE IS THE DRIVERS OUTSIDE MIRROR SHAKES AT 45MPH AND THE PASSENGER SIDE DOES NOT.

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  AWESOME Car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Kenny D - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I havent bought an Altima yet but have rented several of the 4 cylinder automatics from Budget and I have to say that I will be buying one soon. I have never considered a 4 cylinder before but after experiencing this 4 cylinder Im not even interested in the V6 anymore. VERY fast, handles great and good on gas. I cruised several times from LA to San Fran at 85mph with the A/C and cruise going and it still had power to spare. I would buy one in a heartbeat (and will!!)

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  I did like it - 2007 Nissan Pathfinder
  By half and half - October 24 - 11:13 pm

  I bought the truck with a whole 25 miles on it. I love the power and performance this thing puts out. Its great and its so comfortable. The heated seats are great and so is the individual climate control. I would like to say the Bose is great but most of the time its broken. Im now on the 3 head deck because all the ones before have just broken. Not to mention the air conditioning went out. I took it into the dealer, they said they fixed it but the second I pulled out of the dealer it went out again. The problem still hasnt stopped. Just yesterday I went to start it and it wouldnt turn over. I talked to the dealer today and theyre telling me the electronics are fried so Im stuck in a rental.

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  second rogue (LAST?) - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By douglas - October 24 - 4:10 am

  This is the second Rogue we have purchased(had an 2008) We had electrical problems with the first one that were taken care of by the selling dealer. The one we have now also has had electrical problems with the keyless system. The selling dealer has been great but nissan has dropped trhe ball. After 3 times not repaired ( writing this review while waiting in dealership) If not fixed this time want it replaced. we do like the vehicle, averages 27 MPG rides well, handles well on interstate(9455 miles). But will probably not buy another due to 2 for 2 having electrical issues. Like the sound system not so happy with CVT (had a 2007 Maxima with CVT didnt like the trans).

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  Very nice - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By kanya - October 22 - 9:40 pm

  I like it very much because it has very good Fuel Economy and Comfort.

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  Windows & lights - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Brenda - October 22 - 11:53 am

  I really like my little car but have more trouble with the electric windows. Have always had elec windows but motor replaced once and still in cold weather refuses to go down. Second never had to scrape my headlights off. The shape of these makes it necessary. Hope it lasts me 5 yrs because other than that really like.

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  Repairs Have Been Painful - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Dana - October 22 - 2:10 am

  My Xterra is only 4 years old and Ive had to replace the fuel sensor (a year and a half before the recall) and now the radiator. Thank goodness I was able to get the full sensor reimbursement from Nissan but I pretty much had to call and threaten to file a written complaint just to get it. I have always enjoyed having Nissan cars but this is becoming painful and expensive. I wanna hang in there with my "black beauty" but one more major repair and well have to part ways (bye).

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  My Xtreme Xterra - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By angela - October 21 - 7:53 pm

  I love my Xterra and feel it is everything I expected it to be. I have yet to see how dependable it is, but if it is like the rest of the Nissans I have owned, no problems. I am not too keen on the comfort zone, but it was built for xtreme usage so I overlooked that aspect. I dont have the courage to take off road yet, but plan to soon. I dont think it gets near the gas mileage they claim it gets. All around this vehicle gets a darn good review from me.

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  Been a Great Car - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Michelle Francis - October 21 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned a 1997 Pathfinder since 1997 and as a busy Realtor, Ive put over 133,000 miles on it. The only major repair that has been done is a new timing chain put in back in 2003. GREAT VEHICLE -- my only hangup is how Nissan designs their cars to where only the dealership can fix it.

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  What a Bang for the Buck - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Knav - October 21 - 10:00 am

  My parents just bought me this car for my first vehicle and its a blast. Its a bullet when accelerating, quite when crusiing, and has a sweet tune when the engine is revved. Its faster than my dads V8 sedan and my brothers sports car. I couldnt have asked for a better car.