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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  Z Be Nimble......by Marcus - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By SD30LUCKY - September 18 - 11:23 am

  This is a nimble machine, which you can tell has nearly perfect weight balance. There is exhilirating performance but I am not going to say there isnt room for some minor improvements. Second gear in this car is a total joy, I would like to see a higher redline and the shift points set a bit differently. This probably has one of the best and most consistent power bands of any manual car I have ever driven. Unfortunately, it doesnt take much effort to exhaust this cars limitations in gears 1 thru 4. I get more compliments on this car than I can count and thoroughly enjoy driving it around with the top down. The short wheelbase is surprisingly not a problem except at high speeds.

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  Wooooo Hooooo! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By frata - September 18 - 6:40 am

  I bought my 03 3.5SE brand new. I knew I was going to buy it as soon as I turned the key and heard that "vroom!" I have put 83,000 miles on it in 3 years and have not had a single mechanical problem. My check engine light came on one time but just because I left the fuel-cap door open, it was very expensive to have the computer re-set. The plastic latch on the center console broke three times, minor nuisance. At idle it sounds like a Jetta but when you get it over 4,500 RPM the sound is knee weakening. Over-all an extremely reliable car. I would recommend this to anyone. I just saw the re-designed 2007 model and am planning on trading this one in soon.

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  Top-flight 13 Altima - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Matt West - September 18 - 5:54 am

  This car gets the best gas mileage of cars in its class with as powerful an engine as we can get in this cars class. Its quite a pretty good car.

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  Woulda Coulda been a great car - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By D. Bombus - September 18 - 5:32 am

  First couple of years were good with no problems. Acceleration from a stop is spotty at best. In the summer, its very sluggish to start, transmission whines. Wife noticed a transmission whine and slipping on a highway trip a few months ago. Took it to AutoNation Nissan Arapahoe where its had ALL servicing done. I complained about loss of gas mileage, whine, and sluggish starts. They said the transmission was over-filled. What? Youre the only place that services this vehicle. No explanation. They also over-fill the tires. Maybe its their way of trying to get gas mileage up. With almost 49k miles, Im worried the CVT is going to give out. The 5 years will be up soon. I do like the car. Its comfortable and pleasant. Took it from Denver to Mt. Rushmore to Billings to Denver that 1st summer, 2012. It was great. MPG was 28+. With a change of tires its noisier and now MPG is down to 26. Still acceptable, but Im not liking the trend. Knowing about transmission issues and the lurking ones I might have, I wouldnt recommend it.

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  cars not built the same - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By aharter - September 18 - 1:15 am

  I have a 2005 nissan sentra 1.8 . this car is fun to drive and gets good mileage. The problems with this car are crazy for its age and mileage. Two worm gears replaced in the tranny, new head gasket, radio cant get stations in, front windows hardly work when wet, fuel filter is in fuel pump, clear coat in really bad shape, already has rusted and repaired spots, and I really am afraid for my kids and thier future car choices...planned break down vehicles?

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  I would highly recommend!! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By ljones263 - September 17 - 3:45 pm

  Exterior design is awesome! Interior is holding up very well. Vehicle has been very dependable for over 5 years. I love my Murano even after over 140,000 miles. Vehicle has not been perfect, but all things considered, thumbs up! Muranos are notorious for having front suspension issues, wheel bearings, etc... After 8 years, expect it, its not too bad. Other minor issues, cable for tail gate had to be replaced. Shocks had to be replaced. Thats about it :)

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  Wonderful Maxima - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By jamalfisher - September 17 - 2:40 pm

  We purchased our 2006 Maxima with about 60K miles on it and has been a dream. The car drives amazing, has plenty of luxury features and proves to be a good sedan. A few reviews have noted issues but those seem relatively normal for a vehicle with 100K miles or more. I will say this, the vehicle is Nissans flagship so it will cost you more to operate. Premium sedans require premium maintenance. Chances are if you complain about the cost of repair, you probably cannot afford this vehicle. Whenever you have a performance vehicle, you will likely put it to the test thus be prepared to service it as you would any other sports car. We personally have had no repair issues other than normal items.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Rob - September 17 - 1:43 pm

  I fell in love with the Pathfinder the moment I saw it. It is my first SUV and is better than I could have imagined. I especially like all the extras in the interior. Nissan went all out on this one.

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  Can you say reliable? - 2011 Nissan Versa
  By plagenzamama - September 17 - 9:14 am

  =) Love my 2011 Versa! I have 2 children and Im going to be commuting a lot for school. Lots of space and GREAT mileage! I can get an average of 30-32 mpg. I was looking into the Honda Civics but their so much more expensive than the Versa for pretty much the same thing!! for the price of an SL Versa with a Nav AND sun roof it would have only gotten me a Base model of the Honda Civic. =/

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  Hals King Cab XE - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Huckaby - September 17 - 8:16 am

  The cab is spaceous and comfortable. Great power. A former Dodge owner, this is much more vehicle for the money. The gas mileage is less than desirable, but its a V8. Had to get use to rolling the windows down and making sure I locked the doors when exiting. Also had to get used to adjusting the side view mirrors from the outside, no power. Yet, a great vehicle for the money. Fog lamps are not an option. A feature almost a necessity here in Georgia.