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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  Sorry we bought this!! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Pat Evans - November 21 - 8:23 am

  We purchased this car thinking we would never have another new car since we are retired and getting old and wont be driving that many years. The wind noise in this car is so bad we cant talk. We have taken it back to dealer any number of times. First they said Nissan was working on the problems and to come back in a month, we did that, after 3 trips to dealership we are getting that is a characteristic of this car and nothing can be done about it. We are very unhappy with the way we have been treated. I am really not just an old woman trying to grip, we do have a problem and can not get any one to help us. All I can say dont buy a Nissan Rouge, it is a waste of good money.

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  Great Value, Nice Style - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By rufus1959 - November 21 - 5:50 am

  I was really torn between the Altima, Camry, and Accord. I chose the Altima basically because of the sale price which was considerably lower mainly due to the 1500 dollar rebate. The Altima style is nicer in the 2005 model over previous years,in my opinion. Great fit and finish. More horsepower than the Camry and Accord.Good standard features included. More room than the Camry and Accord.Handling is good and things are kept simple, but have an elegant glow.Plenty of trunk space.The only "cons", if you can call them that, are ABS brakes are not standard, somewhat noisy ride, and auto tranny shifts a bit harsh. But these are very minor and are not bothersome. Besides, I like that engine growl.

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  Drove4ever - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By LUVMYPATHFINDER - November 21 - 2:06 am

  This SUV was given to me by my father and I love it. I have had it since 1998 and it currently has 138,000 miles and still rolling strong. Snow is never a problem and the highway is a great cruise. Changed the stereo needed a cd player and did some minor work like brakes, tires, oil changes, tune-ups, but nothing major. Gas milage could be better since I drive it to work and it only gets 15 miles/gallon but If you need a work horse this is your car. I expect it to get me to 200,000 miles easy.

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  Even Better - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By cmgmd01 - November 20 - 3:23 pm

  Where the 2006 was good, the 2009 is great. Super comfy on long drives, better sound insulation, higher quality fit and finish all around. Cross shopped against Lexus RX (too expensive) and Infiniti EX (too small). This should be on your short list if you need a 5-seat vehicle.

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  116000 miles and still going!! - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Momma to the Max - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Fabulous car for the money and age. I bought my car new- its the black/green metallic with buff leather interior,moon roof, heated seats(nice) and ABS brakes & all other options which came with the car. Its been to Florida & back several times, Canada (opened her up to over 100mph on the Northway) and she cruised at 75-80 mph. You would never know how fast youre going until you look at the speedometer...I LOVE THIS CAR! Oxygen sensor after 110000 miles and brakes/tires only repairs made.NOT EVEN A TUNE UP. I changed filters and plugs..thats it! I dont want to give it up its just a fab car ...scale 1 - 10 its "10" !!!!

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  Poor quality - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By MMBUZZ - November 20 - 2:00 am

  The poor quality has me looking to dump it. With 35k family / street miles and keep in a garage, the transmission is already slipping in all gears, the rear hatch rattles and has rubbed the paint off, oxygen sensor has been replaces 3 times and the side molding is coming off. This vehicle will be nothing but problem into the future.

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  Good as they say... - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By himura_kenshin - November 20 - 2:00 am

  I was finally fed up with all of the reliablility and fit and finish issues with my 1999 Ford SVT Contour and was looking for a new vehicle. All of the reveiws said that the Sentra SE-R Spec V was an affordable and fun to drive car (including Edmunds)and I have to say that they were correct.

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  I love my truck! - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By kas00 - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my truck for 2 years, drive it pretty steadily, and have never had any problems with it. Its a great truck.

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  Love that Altima! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By audiologist - November 20 - 2:00 am

  Have owned 3 sentras and a 95 altima, this is by far the best. Great reliablility in a car. I have had the 2003 Altima for a week now and still cant get over the smooth, quiet ride. Considered Jetta and Accord but they have boring styling, this V6 has pep even in an automatic. Drove the 2002 Maxima for a day while removing pinstripes on new Altima. Altima much improved over Maxima. Watch out for the new 2004 maxima though.

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  WOW - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By jmaxima - November 19 - 5:30 pm

  I looked and looked and Maxima was finally my choice. You cant beat the rebate and you cant beat what you get. Mine is a fully loaded SE. The ride is a little harsher than the GLE....but its a sports car! The closest in price ans features would have to be the Acura TL Type S which to me feels like a much bigger car. When you compare you see you cant go wrong with MAX!