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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  Stay Away from these SUVs - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Icewarped - January 6 - 4:23 am

  I purchased the pathfinder based on previous years reliability. Google "Pathfinder Transmission" or search Edmunds discussion groups. The transmission cooler in the radiator will leak, causing anti- freeze to enter into your transmission fluid. With 70,000 miles I need a new radiator and transmission. (Warranty good up til 60K) Interior plastic is very cheap (rear cupholders broke). Squeeks everywhere Just a poorly engineered and built vehicle. Whoever the engineering team is responsible for this transmission cooler design should be beaten with blunt instruments. This will be my last nissan product. Im selling this to purchase an older american made truck (2002-2004).

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  Safety Technology is Behind Times - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Jeff - December 25 - 8:20 am

  If you purchase the 2016 Murano with the Technology package be aware that there are NO beeping sensors on this vehicle. In other words, although you have a front and back camera, the vehicle will not make a beep sound if you are starting to get too close to a stationary item. What a disappointment given that these beep sensors have been around since dinosaurs.

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  bad mistake - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By amoore - December 23 - 9:16 am

  purchase in 8/2004 only has 4,000 miles on it and rattles everywhere rides like a log truck, gas not so good. trying to trade cant do that nobody wants it.

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  DO NOT BUY - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By pmz3 - November 28 - 7:42 pm

  Ill keep this simple.... 1. Replaced transmission with less than 4000 miles 2. Replaced entire sunroof assembly immediately after multiple attempts to fix 3. whistling wind sound addressed twice now 4. multiple attempts to fix an "axle cap" which was not seated properly at the factory Got up to my 30 days in the shop under the lemon law in three months. Not too good. Either poorly designed or poorly put together. You wanna take a chance at finding out?

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  Manufacturer defective drivers side seat - 2016 Nissan Frontier
  By Robert W. McReynolds - November 3 - 4:53 pm

  My new 2016 Frontier is missing a bunch of padding near the backrest in the drivers seat. Feels like you are sitting in a hole and hurts my back. Nissan is not willing to replace or repair the seat. Passengers seat has the padding and is comfortable. 100% dissatisfied with Nissan Customer Service. I purchased a new 2011 Frontier and was very happy with the truck, so purchased a new 2016 exact copy. Both driver and passenger seats on the 2011 were identical and comfortable. After dealing with Nissan Customer Service, I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER NISSAN PRODUCT! The dealer and Nissan indicated they would write no more repair/complaints. So much for the LEMON LAW!

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  THE WORST CAR I HAVE EVER DRIVEN.....THE WORST - 2015 Nissan NV200
  By Robb G - October 20 - 9:29 pm

  This van does not belong on the road and Nissan should be ashamed of them selves for putting it on the road. I have 12,000 miles on mine and have hated every mile. Its so slow, tires are garbage(way to small for highway travel)...need new tires at 12,000 miles(worn out already), VERY unstable at highway speeds...anything over 60MPH you better hang on for your life. The back door is already off alignment(doesnt close right). The transmission is dull....you cant get out of your own way...forget about passing anyone. The engine light came on at 7 miles on the odometer....the fuel mileage sucks!! I can go on and on....FYI....its a company vehicle not my own

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  Murano-proof the Japanese make shoddy products too - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By G - October 14 - 9:10 am

  Edmunds have the manufactures in their back pocket so Im betting this review gets pulled. Here is the truth (remember its never libel if it is true). Our Murano has been the worst money pit of any vehicle we have ever owned. I AM METICULOUS ABOUT DATA and our Murano clocked in at over USD $23,000 in repairs (out of warranty) - specifically this is for the hold period of year 4 to year 10 (6 inclusive years). Things that went wrong with this vehicle (fuel dampeners, wheel bearings, visors, control arms, exhaust system is a joke, etc) are well above and beyond any car we have ever owned. Case in point - the common Honda we owned during the same period was less than 7,000. Muranos are akin to the attractive women that gets ugly real fast then needs a fortune in plastic surgery. I NO LONGER TRUST CONSUMER REPORTS EITHeR FOR RECOMMENDING THIS PIECE OF JUNK. Lots of cheap Chinese parts assembled in Canton, Mississippi..yeah, right thats a recipe for a quality vehicle. IF YOU BUY GET YOUR REPAIR SINKING FUND Ready. You are going to need it.

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  52000 Miles. NO MORE CVTS!! - 2013 Nissan Sentra
  By Wallz - September 28 - 2:40 am

  I got the car "certified used" from the local Nissan dealer in May 2015. I have had a couple issues with a check engine light saying the mass air flow sensor being slow. Shortly after that issue was fixed, the trans began to shutter at times. 28th just becoming more frequent in the last 2 days. The year has not even ended and this morning on my way to pick up tools to put my daughters new stuff together and in the middle of an intersection the transmission stopped the car. Would not go into gear and if you put it in nuetral it is difficult to move by yourself in the rain I had to rock it back and forth to get it to move out of the intersection but BEWARE ONCE YOU GET IT MOVING IN NEUTRAL WHEN YOU STOP PUSHING MAKE SURE IT IS IN PARK OR USE THE PARKING BRAKE IT WILL ROLL OFF IN NEUTRAL WITHOUT HELP for some reason the car will barely propel itself in neutral. Found that out after he got it off the tow truck haha. Luckily it was very early on Sunday morning and I didnt have my 2 year old daughter with me. But needless to say I WILL NOT EVER BUY ANOTHER CVT TRANSMISSION CAR AGAIN. I bought the car out of necessity and not what I wanted and so I cant blame the salesman I should have been more vigilant in my decision. Wont be making that mistake again.

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  timing belt broke at 64k and nissan wont honor - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By cm57 - September 4 - 8:38 pm

  Nissan juke is an engineering flawed mess. Everybody is having the same issue we had. The timing belt snaps at a mile after the warranty ends. 60k. Then Nissan wants 7000 dollars for a new engine. It is happening to everyone all over the country. Do your research folks. We have already gotten a lawyer and are having to go a big legal mess to get Nissan to stand behind their flawed design and product.

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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.