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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  All in all, not bad. - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By KMP - July 24 - 2:30 am

  Power steering fluid leaks. I have to keep checking and topping up when necessary. Makes a squeaky noise on the drivers side, front end as I drive over bumps (speed bumps). Makes a squealing noise under the hood, mostly on wet days. CD player didnt want to give back a CD. I had to take it to the dealership. They replaced the CD Player but didnt return my CD. The trunk release no longer works from inside the car nor does the remote control open it.

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  Solid SUV - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Mattm - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Nice style and reliability. Lacks the engine power and gas mileage is very poor. The truck is good for someone with a short daily commute or longer highway trips. This is not the truck for you if you commute 40+ miles a day. Youll end up spending a ton on gas money. Im trading mine in for a better fuel efficent Nissan.

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  Much Bang For Your Buck - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By g6leaser - July 23 - 2:18 am

  Although we just picked up our 2011 AWD SV Rogue with SL package (leather seats, nav, bluetooth,usb, sunroof,backup cam) from the dealer yesterday, I wanted to share a few words and will give a more detailed review after 1,000 miles. The Rogue drives more like a car which my wife enjoys - quiet, comfortable, safe (steering wheel mounted features) and classy design. I was skeptical of the CVT Transmission but so far it has performed flawlessly. If you are looking for an economical upscale SUV, I would check out the Rogue - but it is too early to comment on milage and durability - will update after 1,000 miles.

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  Good used vehicle - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By syclone - July 22 - 11:43 pm

  No problems so far except for an automatic transmission overdrive switch.

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  206 Maxima love to hate it... - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Atlfalcons09 - July 22 - 2:06 am

  Bought my car in Jan.2007, very excited about finally owning a Maxima, just recently my transmission went out, struts are horrible and the car is very noisy, has knocking sounds under the car that the dealer cant figure out the problem, which is strange how they can figure out the major expensive stuff! The good things are the comfort and space...very good car to travel in and alot of trunk space. The car has very good pick up. The tires are very expensive and wear easily for some reason the dealer cant explain this either. Nice stereo system and speakers. Another complaint is this car has no change holder, 2 cup holders but no where to store change. Overall its a nice car.

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  Nice SUV - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By malcsmith - July 21 - 3:46 pm

  This performs more like a 350z than an SUV. The engine is VERY powerful, almost too fast for an SUV. The gas mileage is HORRIBLE, however. Ive averaged 13 MPG since Ive had it. Maybe b/c I drive too fast, but either way, its bad. Interior is great, no problems at all.

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  In one word: Practical - 2013 Nissan Rogue
  By it4life - July 19 - 3:02 pm

  This is my first SUV, and is also my first CVT transmission vehicle. Coming from a V8 engine with automatic trans, it took a little time getting used to the gearless shifting and lack of instant pick-up. However, Im a huge fan now. The fuel savings really adds up! It drives just as well now that Ive gotten the feel of how to accelerate smoothly with the CVT. Havent had any of the CVT issues that seemed to plague older Nissan models. Plenty of interior space to haul foldable furniture, etc. Maintenance is a breeze. For a 4-cyl, it has decent power! Handling is good; the AWD and ABS kick in when necessary. Owned for 1 yr. now with no problems whatsoever. Avg. 1000 miles/mo. city.

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  Cant Complain - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Sabs - July 16 - 7:53 am

  I have owned 6 new cars in the past 4 years, with the Nissan Sentra being my 6th car. I got a more basic model. Granted this is no Toyota Camry or Infiniti G35x, it serves its purpose - a commuter car where I didnt have to dish out an extra $10K for a Prius and averaged 30.5 mpg (mixed city/hwy). For anyone who complains about the quality, the way I see it, you get what you pay for. You didnt buy a luxury car. Personally, I think this is a fun car to drive. Its the smallest car Ive driven so far, but it has some good power and acceleration. If you are looking for a reliable car to get you from point A to B, then keep the Sentra in mind.

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  funto drive - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By mrmugs - July 16 - 2:00 am

  Owned since June-love the performance,but already see that the factory Bridgestone Potenzas HAVE to GO!With the power this car has,lousy wet traction and easy hydroplaning.Looking into winter tires,but a very hard size to find.

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  Overall, Im Impressed - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By jkwstone - July 15 - 6:03 pm

  Like a lot of people I looked at the Frontier and Tacoma. When it came down to it, the price steered me towards the Frontier. The size is right, good power, comfort, capability, looks. Ive been getting 18-19 mpg mixed driving, not bad for a capable 4x4 pickup.