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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  Quality? - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Igor B - May 14 - 7:13 am

  I have this car for less then a year and its been in service couple of times already. First: front struts went down at 6000 mi; Second: harsh shift from 1 to 2 gear. Feels like about to loose a transmission. Could not reproduce at service. Now nissan published bulletin that it is true. Will be taking care of; Third: Radio reception is awful. Nissan Bulletin also states that the radio unit has to be changed; Last (for now) problem: Glass in the drivers door is shaking when rolled down. I like the car even with these problems, but my patience is running out. My second car(truck) is Nissan Xterra (3 years old) and not a single problem. NISSAN. WHAT HEPPENED WITH YOUR QUALITY???

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  Suspension issue - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By David Matt - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Front-end suspension design issue is prevalent in the 350Z leading to excessive road noise and premature front tire wear.Technical Service Bulletin NTB03006. The problem is not alleviated by Nissans quick fix and must be addressed. Nissan has not returned my requests by email on whether the matter is being looked into.

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  I Love my Z and so does everyone else - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By sandyZ - May 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is a work of art. I fell in love with it at first sight and I knew I had to have it. Its affordable! My biggest problem is I drive it too much, Im racking up the miles.

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  a - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By abu ali - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Good ride, not so good fuel consumption, not enough leg room for the second row

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  Xterra - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By Rach - May 13 - 9:00 pm

  I love the way this vehicle rides and drives. My only complaint is the sunroof. It is extremely noisy on the highway and there is nothing you can do to fix it.

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  Best Value in a Sports Car - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Best Value - May 13 - 4:06 pm

  Ive had 3 Zs and this is the best. Performance is excellent; handling is as good as a Porsche and driving it is fun. The ride is harsh, but thats the way it is with a true sports car. The rear visibility is poor and the stock tires are terrible in wet or snowy weather, so you have to replace them with quality G/T sports car tires that have a good rating is wet weather. Terrific performance for the money.

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  not applicable - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By JACQUES NEREE - May 13 - 10:00 am

  All these kind of NISSAN model have the same particular of major problems. There are two major design problem that customers kept encounter on: First is in the manifold (main muffler separated between engine) This type of problems can cost us a fortune to be fix. The second problem is THE TRANSMISSION because of the overheated TRANS. OIL which could put a big hole on consumer products faulty of bad design.

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  Big Disappointment - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By buyer - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I waited for three years before buying this car. I shouldve saved my money for something more worthwhile. I loved the car at first but things just keep cropping up. The drive by wire throttle sucks, creaks and rattles are starting to develop, the exterior fit and finish leaves something to be desired and the paint job is of very low quality. The resale value on this car is also way below what youd think. Yes, Im already trying to sell it. Do yourself a favor and save your money for an Acura TL or Lexus I30 or a BMW 3 series.

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  great car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By thomas lee daugherty - May 13 - 10:00 am

  i replaced my 92 lincoln town car that i had for 9 years. being 75 years old, my wife was concerned that we were buying a young persons car. love my altima. the four cyl. performs great and the gas mileage is awesome. just as roomy as my lincoln even though the car is smaller outside. had to raise the passenger seat 3/4 inch to please my wife. wish the inside looked as expensive as the outside, otherwise, no complaints.

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  New Maxima - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By John Coontz - May 12 - 3:06 am

  First Maxima, shopped for 3 months before settling on the SL. Great ride, sufficient get up and go. Noticed the oversteer, but disengaging the TCS seemed to fix that. If you want a tighter ride, suggest the SE. The SL feels luxurious and the interior is solid. Still feeling out the quality, havent had an issue yet.