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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  Nice Car BUT... - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By cherryja - March 17 - 9:00 am

  Overall, this car is a mess. I purchased a Nissan because I thought they were reliable cars. My Murano has been nothing but trouble, I had the car stop on me in the middle of traffic 3 times: 1. alternater 2. transmission (which had to be repaired 3 times) 3. battery. 4. Now I have to pay for a catalytic converter. Nissan did nothing to me make me happy except take my money. Because I drive a great distance to work, I was anticipating a reliable car, instead I got a over priced piece of junk that just looks good on the exterior. I will never buy another Nissan again.

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  I wish I had never bought IT!!! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Heather White - March 16 - 2:23 pm

  It was love at first sight but I think I was completely blind. We have had nothing but trouble from this van since day 1. Our van has been the shop around 100 time and that is not including regular maintance. Our sliding doors have came apart and we have had doors adjusted and not been able to open them. The trunk leaked and messed the carpet up and that is just to start. On top of that we have not had the best of service workers. We have had nothing but trouble with them. As we speak it is in the shop once again. I cant wait till we can get rid of it. Oh yeah and the trade it value had dropped b/c of the problems. I will never buy a Nissan agian.

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  WHITESENTRA - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By SONIAJW - March 16 - 2:00 am

  STEARING IS NOT VERY SMOOTH. SEATS ARE NOT VERY COMFORTABLE AN ARM REST WOULD BE HELPFUL. CENTRAL CONSOLE IS VERYSMALL SO YOUR ARE UNABLE TO USE IT AS AN ARMREST. I FEEL LIKE I AM IN AN UNCOMFORTABLE BED WITH NO POSITION THAT IS COMFORTABLE. FREEWAY DRIVING IS QUIT NOISEY,NOT AS QUIET AS MY SISTERS COROLLA.

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  Not the car Nissan claims it to be - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By jessefrank - March 13 - 7:43 pm

  If you are looking of a performance sedan Id look elsewhere. Not bad, but the interior build quality steered me away after owning for 2.5 years. Also all that power isnt of any use if it cant get to the road. Despite my tire choices I still lost traction not only in the winter, but durning the summer with wet roads. Roads only have to be slightly wet to lose traction especaially on take-off. Car developed a harsh ride despite not handling all that well.

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  Too many defects - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By blair - March 13 - 9:16 am

  This was my 2nd Sentra and our familys 6th Nissan since 1988. I also purchased the same model/year for my daughter, which was clearly a mistake. This will be my last Nissan as both the quality and reliability have decreased tremendously! My daughter and I both have problems with the fuel pumps needing replaced multiple times because of a defect. We are getting ready to take our vehicles back to the dealership for the 3rd time for fuel pump issues. Belts had to be replaced at 20k miles, because as dealership said, "theyre inferior". Back window jammed due to defective part in door (back window was hardly used). These arent quality cars anymore.

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  OK but leaves one wanting more - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Ken - March 12 - 11:40 pm

  This is a pretty good car overall. Not sure I would pay again for the same model. The 07 re-design is not bad but the 09 is far better.

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  Improving but not ready for prime time - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By INOU - March 12 - 4:20 pm

  This SUV will get you from A to B, it rides decently, and gets decent mileage. I had it for two years and I purchased it when it was 2 yrs old. No major problems. Its safe and designed well specifically the exterior. The interior lacks leg room, and needs more pep from a stopped position. The clutch was not as smooth as others, and the gas mileage was average. Middle of the road, not in the Toyota or other big boys league but improving.

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  Could be better ...... - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Warrior - March 9 - 5:20 am

  Erratic transmission shifts with the 5- speed auto. Noise in cabin after 35 MPH or on highways. Excellent suspension settings. Great exterior view.

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  When Can I Afford One? - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By RealityCheck - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Cmon, Someone make a SUV like this for an affordable price. 30K plus? for a small SUV. Think Ill get a Seqouia. Atleast there is size with the price

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  Point A to B - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By twoutes1 - February 26 - 12:46 am

  Reliable vehicle. I am not a big fan of SUVs, so right off the bat Im biased, however, for the price it was worth it. It doesnt compare to the big guys in terms of comfort, the acceleration from a stop is fair at best. It does not have decent gas mileage nor, if you need it, leg room.