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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  Disappointed - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By DD - August 29 - 4:50 am

  I purchased my 2005 Nissan Maxima with 13 miles on it. It has a very sporty look to it however, I dont like the fact that when you get into it you have to be very careful not to bump your head as you enter the car because it sits low. When you pay good money for a car the chrome should not tarnish from washing the car. I experience a groan and/or moan sound when I make a left turn with the steering wheel and have no idea what that is. Of course everytime I take it in they say they do not hear it. I would not recommend a Nissan to anybody and I will never purchase a Nissan again. The sad part is that I owned an Nissan Exteria and it made the same groan noise when turning.

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  Unsafe for a tall driver - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By steve koomar - August 28 - 5:16 pm

  I bought the car for my 64" son. The dealer assured me it would accommodate his height. His head nearly hits the ceiling and comes dangerously close to hitting the visor. A crash risks a broken neck. The Oversized mirror creates a bind spot for any driver, but an especially large blindspot for a tall driver.

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  My Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Jamie - August 28 - 4:56 pm

  I have only owned this vehicle for a little over a month and I really love it. The amount of space in this vehicle is amazing! Its perfect for a large family like mine! The only thing I have a hard time with is the gas.

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  pass it over - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By gski1 - August 28 - 1:59 pm

  I couldnt say enough bad things about this car. Bought it brand new. Notice you can select the production date for the reviews...horrible quality before November 2012. After November, I dont think theyve fixed anything either, but addressed the crash tests. CVT problems, radio replaced, heated seats didnt work, moonroof rattles (numerous repair/replacement attempts), rear deck and dash rattle, alternator replaced. If it can go wrong, it did. Took about 2K miles to start falling apart on me. Worse than the car was dealing w/nissan consumer affairs. Left me no choice but to contact an attorney who got my $ back in 2 weeks. STAY AWAY from Nissan.

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  I love it! - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By stacyleenolan - August 28 - 6:30 am

  Love my Murano. It is smooth riding and I feel secure in it. The gas economy is much better than my last car a Nissan Pathfinder. The Murano is so stylish and comfy inside. I absolutely love it even though Ive only had it for few weeks I recommend it already!

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  So far so good - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Kevin - August 27 - 11:11 am

  I have put over 70K on my Altima since purchasing in July 2013. Most of the miles are road miles. The original Michelins are still on the car and should be good for another 4 to 5000 miles by appearance. The one major complaint that I have had with the car was recently fixed. The annoying 20 to 40 mph rattle/groan from the right front side of the car. After a lot of research and speaking with a Nissan mechanic at another dealership, I got my hands on the service bulletin that described the problem and appropriate repairs. I after talking with my dealer and Nissan corporate, I was able to negotiate 50% payment to replace the alternator. The car is so much quieter and smoother since. Otherwise, the car has been great. Gas mileage is super.

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  So reliable - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Picky - August 27 - 10:30 am

  I have had the Xterra since new and love it. I have had only one mechanical issue and that was the A/C TCA (thermal control amplifier)causing the a/c compressor to kick on and off. I changed it myself. I carry all my sporting goods in the back with plenty of space left over. Backseat passengers have plenty of legroom. The front seats are extremely comfortable for long trips. For those complaining of interior plastic, I use Aerospace 303 on all plastic surfaces and they all look new. The paint has looked great since day one. I upgraded the sound system as stock system was lacking. It is extremely cheap to maintain. Parts are dirt cheap for it.

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  Disappointed - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By George - August 27 - 9:21 am

  In my Rogue there is excessive vibration in steering wheel when accelerating at speeds 25 to 50 MPH. Attribute the cause to the powertrain, probably the horrible belt drive transmission Nissan seems to be married to. Could be a bad tranny but I am sure I will get no satisfaction at the dealership. Seats uncomfortable, very hard, not the zero-gravity comfortable seats found in the Altima. Car came with badly out of balance tires. Car is noisy at highway speeds. On the positive side, very beautiful styling, big improvement over the former models. Also, outstanding bodywork and paint. By far the best paint work of any Nissan, especially the ones manufactured in Mexico. I suspect that this car is manufactured in a Kia factory but with a Nissan engine and transmission. Anyway, I am very depressed that I bought this car. Fortunately I am leasing it for only 3 years. I really hate getting stuck with a car that feels cheaply made. Hopefully the dealership can do something about the powertrain vibration. Could be my last Nissan. Dont want anymore CVT transmissions. Horrible. I love Nissan styling. Right now I own 4. But no more unless Nissan puts real transmissions in their cars. I also worry about dependability and being faced with expensive transmission replacements at 90,000 miles.

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  My 04 Titan has been a good truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By 04 TITAN - August 27 - 5:13 am

  I really like this truck. At 40,000 miles it drives like new, no problems. I like how the rear doors open out of the way. Tie down system in the bed is very handy.

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  Not confident with Nissan reliability - 2013 Nissan Sentra
  By mred72 - August 27 - 1:11 am

  Had a review I previously submitted and Edmunds never posted. My SL now has close to 18,000 miles on it. Within the first 500 miles the Fuel sending Unit failed. I had to wait 2 months to get the part and I had to get Nissan Consumer Affairs involved. Good style inside and out, but poorly executed. Quality control is all over the place with Nissan; no consistency with different loaners I was given to fix other issues. CVT transmission among the worst built CVTs in the industry.