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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  Great Car - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By wsnyderco - January 9 - 5:23 pm

  Havent had my Versa for very long, but I have not complaints so far. It handles well, fuel economy is great, and its a very good looking car. My car is a 2008 Nissan Versa S hatchback 6 speed manual. The price and look brought me to this car and I am happy I found it.

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  2005 Pathfinder Defect. Read B4 U Buy - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Roger - January 9 - 4:43 pm

  A defect was found on the exterior of my 2005 Pathfinder. It has been reported by other owners who bought at my same dealership. It does not affect all, but present on many of the new Pathfinders. Look at the drivers side passenger door at the top left. The shape of the metal body should curve slightly inward to run flush with the drivers door. However, many including mine have more of a BENT shape not FLUSH at all. My dealership says that this has been reported by many and is a MFR defect. Since Nissan has not announced a recall, they will not repair or compensate.

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  Bought Brand New 2003 - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By abou7alab@gmail.com - January 9 - 12:50 pm

  Hi, I bought this car Brand new few days after came out in the market it was a WOW everywhere. I had some problems but thanks God I got the extended warranty when I first bought. biggest problem is LOSS of Power when taking off or accelerating I told the dealer few times but couldnt find the problem, I took it to another dealer they change the o2 sensor and the catalytic converter. all was under warranty it ran me another 20000 miles but now I am facing the same problem. OIL LEAK from the engine, rattling noises from parts inside cabin. cup holders are easy broken. changed visor clips 3 times, change pedal distance adjuster under warranty. cheap leather cracked everywhere

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  Great features but needs engine work - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By smrftte76 - January 8 - 2:56 pm

  Ive been reading everyones reviews about the engine clunking at around 40 mph and Im having that same problem with my vehicle, Im afraid that this car isnt gonna last too long with the engine being the way it is, they need to recall this year vehicle, I knew I shouldve bought a Toyota but I wanted something with more power which this vehicle has as well as great features but if the engine isnt gonna last that long, Im trading it in for a Toyota, I know Toyotas last a long time as far as the engine goes.

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  Effortless Operation - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Daddy - January 8 - 7:46 am

  Purchased the car one month ago as a lease. Coming from a 2006 VW Passat. The Nissan does everything effortlessly. It accelerates like smooth butter. It has plenty of power and is as smooth as a Cadillac DTS, but has more of a sport feel when you need it to. It is not a huge vehicle but your seating position is nice and high and you have a commanding view of the road. The VW Passat is a great car and is underated when it comes to value and performance. That being said I feel the same about the Nissan. Great car, good price. The only thing I can find to complain about is the leather on the door feels cheap and scratches easily and the storage is somewhat small. Buy it you will like it!

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  Quality Small Sedan - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Q - January 6 - 10:23 pm

  Ive had the car for almost a year with 20,000+ miles. No major complaints. Road noise could be a touch less, but better tires may help. One window open at 45+ mph creates some bad wind effects. Bluetooth microphone leaves a lot to be desired but call quality inside the car is great. Sound system does well compared to custom systems Ive installed in previous vehicles. I wish I wouldve pinched for the sat radio. Trunk space is very roomy and I love the separator. Massive glove compartment with a convenient tray in the door. Site lines are good, A pillars could be a touch smaller. Seats are comfortable. Drivers arm rest padding is already breaking down. 27 MPG real avg city/hwy.

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  King Titan rules! (well Crew Cab) - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By phlydude - January 6 - 10:00 pm

  I recently purchased the truck and have put 500 miles on it in the past 5 days. Compared to the Accord is replaces, the interior isnt as glamorous but what do you expect? ITS A TRUCK!! Acceleration is peppy and spirited and braking is top notch. Standard 6-disc stereo is OK but the AUX port is a very nice feature and adds to its worthiness. Rear sliding window is awesome and cabin noise is minimal. Engine and tranny doesnt skip a beat and you often have to check to see if it is still running because of it being so quiet. Got the Big-tow pckg because for $400, why not for the "just in case" moment. Insurance only went up $13 every 6 months, not bad there either. This Titan Rules!!!

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  Too many repairs - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By pdupuy - January 6 - 8:50 pm

  I have had to bring this car back to the dealership numerous times. Ive always had to bring it back more than once for the same repair. Now I keep having sensors go out, its out of warranty and Im spending a small fortune in repairs. Want to trade it in, not sure at this point if i ever want another Nissan. I love the design but the reliability is extremely disappointing. No way I should be having this much trouble, this car should last 200,000 miles easily.

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  Great Value - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By ruff n tumble - January 6 - 2:00 am

  The car is certainly not the fastest or best compact performance sedan out there, but for the price it is hard to beat. Shifter feels good, but can catch you off guard going from 4th to 5th. Power is great for a naturally aspirated 4 cyl. Brakes are powerful and linear. Great price! Lease for $156/month with $3,000 down and 15k miles a year. Fun to drive fast.

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  better than most...but not perfect... - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By qwert - January 5 - 3:46 pm

  The Frontier is a Chryler Roadrunner. A very powerful package surrounded by metal, plastic, and a basic interior that keep the price down. If I sell this vehicle earlier than originally planned, it will be due to lack of front seat comfort.