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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  Technology Crap - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By Joe - August 14 - 8:10 pm

  Voice navigation cant detect simple words like publix, Wells Fargo. The list goes on. Its pathetic. Use your phone. Also for some reason blue tooth will work sporadically with pandora and sportily. The Nissan connect has 6 apps you can use no updates. Nissan connect is junk. Leather is beginning to feel dry on passenger seat.

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  Dont ever buy this car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By theresamon - August 9 - 12:20 am

  I own 2004 Maxima. Worst car on road. Bad struts, bad brakes. Makes clunking noises. Nissan USA has denied any problems with this car, but I have been plagued by many. Will never again by a Nissan vehicle. I think they will be facing worse problems than Toyota is currently facing. They are denying brake problems, but I guess after I get killed when mine fail theyll listen.

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  Disappointing - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Terrible Gas Mileage - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 03 Murano for an 04 Maxima SL! What a difference. The design of the Murano was what sold me on the vehicle; the lousy gas mileage and horror stories re:front end problems made me trade for a Maxima after one cross-country trip. Two dealers confirmed that there were numerous complaints about the Muranos gas mileage; I think the "new" transmission was a key factor. The best mileage I ever got with the Murano was 17; with the Maxima, I never get less than 22 and up to 32mpg.

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  Probably the worst car Ive owned - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By yankee3423 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Just got rid of the 2004 Maxima I got in June. First it was a brutal wind noise that after 4 visits to the dealership was finally fixed. Then, the sun roof stopped closing. It would open fine but would tricky to get closed. I could not handle another trip to Nissan Service to fix. Hence, I am the happy drive of a previously owned BMW 525I with 9,000 miles on it. Take my advice, go to BMW and go with a proven winner. This is a 30K car but if you need service you are relegated to the no frills Nissan Dealership. If you must buy from Nissan at least step up to the Infiniti, that way when your car has its problems you will at least be treated well.

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  Not Reliable - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Not Reliable - August 6 - 5:23 am

  Only 85k miles. Sentra has mechanical problems. Recent dealer service quote: “will need to replace head gasket, valve cover seal, front crank seal, exhaust manifold gasket, and the intake gasket and all spark plugs. Drive belts are heavily cracked. Timing chain stretched needs tensioner and guides.” Past issues: Oil dip stick broke resulting in removal of oil pan with NTB and dealer service pointing fingers. Brake calipers malfunctioning causing abnormal pad wear and short rotor life on left front. After +$2,000 in repairs, the Sentra just is not worth it. Have owned a Geo Storm, Honda Accord, Chevy Blazer, Ford Mustang, and Jeep Cherokee. All lasted +130k miles.

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  Reliability???? - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Dan - July 24 - 1:03 am

  Have had this van for 3 years. Biggest complaint are tires. Nissan corporate gives you the runaround when you try to call in & complain about the substandard tire wear. Corporate tells you its a tire manufacturer problem & to call the tire manufacturer. DO NOT BUT THAT LINE FROM CORPORATE!!! They are the ones who send out the specs for tires to the tire folks. Averaging only 20K to 30K til tire replace. Were on our 5th pair of tires with only 41K miles on it. Had a complete brake job at 30K miles. CD was stuck in the CD player. Slider door seals keep detaching. Lower engine cover keeps falling off. Van sits too low to the ground. Overall maintenance & reliability are very, very poor

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  Nissan Joke - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By consumerguy - July 19 - 2:00 am

  This car is overpriced. Corners are skipped everywhere. lift up the rear flap up and what do you find? Carboard! Seats do not lay down flat.

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  This is a lemon - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Moberly - July 11 - 7:50 pm

  I have had to service this vehicle 8 times in 6 months. It leaked transmission fluids, needed a new windshield, the brakes have been replaced 3 times and I have had to replace 6 interior plasic pieces. I tell everyone not to buy one. This car is all style and no substance. I have a 7 year old Lexus LX470 that drives better, is more reliable and has 110K miles. Nissan of America will not do anything to support this hunk o junk. Scott

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  BAD TRANSMISSIONS - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By jerrius - July 6 - 6:36 am

  If you drive this car long enough, you might run into a transmission problem. Not only has this affected my car, but many other rogues. Hence, the extended transmission warranty Nissan has given for this car. Right now, my car is in the shop with 128,000 miles, needing a completely new transmission. I would highly recommend thinking of other makes or models (especially one that doesnt have the same type of transmission.)

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  Wish I hadnt and wont again. - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Auburn - June 29 - 2:33 pm

  It is not a well-built vehicle. Cheap plastic inside breaks, CD player kaput at 40k, washer fluid reservoir cracked and leaks out, fuel-sending unit/gauge out at 45k (Nissan hasnt included 05 in the recall of 06 and 08s -thanks for nothing- even though they know its a defect), and now a problem with my transmission at 71k. Cant seem to get a specific diagnosis yet but I can guess what it is ---radiator leaking into the trans? Nissan hasnt paid for the fuel s.u. or recalled the defective part(s) leading to the trans failure. This was my 3rd Nissan. Time to trade and never buy Nissan again.