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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  After one year with our 2011 SR - 2011 Nissan Sentra
  By bridgecross - February 23 - 2:27 pm

  After 20 years owning various Hondas, we test drove nearly everything in this class/price range, and nothing even came close. This has a smoother ride than the Civic, better handling (by far!) than the Corolla, and is roomier than all others. So roomy, in fact, that the EPA classifies it as a mid-size sedan. With the larger tires on the SR model it feels as though youre driving a much bigger vehicle, and Ive noticed that Im sitting ABOVE Altima drivers! The styling is not as frumpy as some reviewers say, it seems to look different from various angles. From the front its positively sleek. Next to it, the new Toyotas and Hondas look dull. We have no regrets.

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  Like it but not keeping it.. - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Lucy - February 23 - 2:00 pm

  Since the day I drove off the dealer lot I have had a constant problem with the windows making a snapping-like sound regardless if the windows are up or down. I took it back in about a week after I leased it, told the service shop about the problem with the window noise and they said they didnt hear it. I mention this all the time I take it in for its maintenance schedule and no one seems to be able to "duplicate" the noise. Other people have heard it when they ride with me but Im sorry, the Nissan service shops are either avoiding the problem or are deaf. I expected this SUV to be somewhat quality-built, but with the window problem Im not impressed with Nissan.

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  Rear End Problem - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By 203 - February 23 - 12:43 pm

  After 43,000 miles the rear-end destroyed itself. Over the course of 43,000 miles it was used to haul a 1000 pound load 10-12 times. Other than that, it was used only for light weight items. The 4 cylinder version severely suffers from acceleration underperformace problems but the fuel milage is good. Dont expect the dealership to suggest that a repair may be covered under warranty. They may act like that the truck doesnt have a warranty.

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  Replaced clutch at 35,000 miles - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Rolland weeks - February 22 - 10:00 am

  Bought my son a Frontier. Replacing the clutch at 35,000 miles this week. This is not what I expected at 35,00 miles. My toyota pickup clutch was replaced at 260,000 miles. I guess you get what you pay for.

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  A Cut above the rest of the pack - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By julwal - February 19 - 8:30 pm

  Owned for about two weeks, Very impressed with this newly designed Pathfinder. Design is very clean, with modern looks, but still gives the suv rugged feel. Driving impressions are very good, alot of power on tap, great VQ engine, sounds great when driving, but is not too loud due to the well insulated and designed cabin. Very quiet a high speed. Good handling around twisty roads, suspension seems to work very well on this newly introduced truck platform. Good storage and seating options. Plenty of room in second row seating even when driver seat is all the way back. 3rd row seating in ok, probably comfortable for kids. Huge size trunk

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  171k miles - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By 171k miles - February 18 - 7:53 am

  I bought this car used with 171k miles for my girlfriend to drive. I paid $1800.00 and the car has new tires and paint. I invested another $100.00 in a radio and a hubcap (both missing). I took the car to my mechanic who suggested an alignment, then took the car for CA emmissions. It passed. Since then I have had to replace clogged windshield washer sprayers.

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  Basic - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Heather Dankovich - February 17 - 11:46 pm

  Ive had this car for about six months and Im already tired of it. I previously owned an 06 Hyundai Sonata that I adored until I totaled it. The Versa gets great gas mileage, and I trust the Nissan name. However, it has depreciated $6000 already! I expected a small, foreign-made car to retain its value today but I was sadly mistaken! I have cruise control and ABS options. Im mostly disappointed at the high price Ill be paying off for several years for a tiny, basic car. It is absolutely frightening to drive this car in the snow/ice or even high-wind (I was actually blown off the road once). There is poor get-up (when compared to my Sonata) and poor storage up front (lacks a console).

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  Love It - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By RK - February 17 - 5:46 pm

  We leased an AWD SL and have had the vehicle for about two weeks. So far, we are well pleased. We had an Explorer and while it was a nice vehicle, we really didnt need to be hauling around so much iron. I have not checked the fuel mileage but the little mileage minder on the trip computer shows an over all average of about 25.4 It is fairly comfortable for a smaller cross over. I love the exterior design. It performs adequately for us. Im adapting well to the CVT with no up shifting. Im well pleased with this vehicle thus far.

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  Nice Car - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Nice Car - February 17 - 8:16 am

  Bought this car used for a dealership and had nothing but good experiences. The car has punch to it and its options are unmatched. Resale price holds pretty high as well. Great looking car!

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  Had 36,000 miles so battery only good for about 72 - 2013 Nissan Leaf
  By Rich Schiller - February 16 - 3:42 pm

  Low mileage on battery