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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  Car is just ok... - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By Sharkie - December 13 - 10:11 am

  this car has no guts.... poor Transmission.... the interior is cheap and easy to get dirty

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  Computer/Electrical Problem - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Sharkeykw - December 8 - 5:50 pm

  We have the car less than a month and its been back to the dealer twice. First for a faulty low tire light issue and presently for a major (computer/harness)problem??> "they dont know yet"!! With that aside, and the few miles that we did put on the vehicle, it is unimpressive. Its an overpriced vehicle "without" the problems...

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  Its a Nissan! - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Josh - December 8 - 5:56 am

  Bought in 2005, with 70,000 miles, as a good compromise between power and economy. Overall, have been dissatisfied with the experience. I have replaced 2 sets of brakes, and they have begun to make noise again. Suspension has aged poorly, especially in rear, transmission slips (and is more to fix than the car is worth to me). I have put a lot of highway miles on the car (60,000), and it has not taken them well. Fortunately, I installed an expensive aftermarket stereo, which drowns out most of the road, wind, and mechanical noises the car makes. Requires premium fuel for not-so-snappy performance. I have also had to replace coils, radiator, and thermostat. Engineering is mediocre at best.

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  NOT BAD FOR THE CASH!! - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By NISSAN_DRIVEN!! - December 8 - 2:00 am

  I have the same clunking in the front end after one week!! Americans can NOT build quality in the states... Truck looks very cool, great price, great deal on my trade from this dealership as well. This is for all you people complaining about the GAS MILEAGE, its a TRUCK get over it or drive a compact car!!!!

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  Reliable Engine, Some Quality Issues.... - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Jeff - December 6 - 6:16 am

  I have had my Sentra for about 3 months In the 3 months I have had this car there have been some quality issues both mechanically and build quality Mechanically the engine is very reliable but I will advise you there is a recall on the brakes and most 2008 Sentras have this problem if you take it to Nissan they will fix it free of charge under the warranty. Also the CVT is reliable and smooth but it does make a droning sound when windows are down and does lack on acceleration when not really pushing the car. As for build quality I have to say the exterior is well made but avoid the beige interior it scratches very easily and get very dirty. Overall average car at a average value.

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  soon to be tacoma owner - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By taco2come - December 4 - 3:46 pm

  where do i start...bought it from an older gentleman in 2002 with 33000 miles and no damage or sign of being abused. At 75000 seal went bad in timing chain cover leaked/burnt oil.=engine overhaul. At 100k replaced all bearings in man.trans & clutch. Trans case leaky,stays out of alignment,instrument panel lights go off while driving & overall its just poorly designed when it comes to dependability. Compare side by side with a tacoma & its obvious. Its serviced every 3k miles, only non pavement use is an occasional hay field or dirt road. Looking back I wish I would have spent the extra money and bought a far superior toyota tacoma!

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  Replacing engine at 40K - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By tobyc - December 4 - 7:19 am

  Bought our 2011 Juke at 27k. At 40k, it developed a knock in the engine. Took it to dealer where it was purchased and was told the seals in the lower engine were gone and engine needed replaced. The worst part of the experience was the inference by the service advisor that the problem was caused by not replacing the oil regularly, which is completely untrue. I felt he was trying to cast blame for an issue other may also be experiencing. Looks like this car will be gone before the warranty is up on the engine in a few years. Second thought here about Nissan???

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  No thanks, Id rather have my GMC back - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By botran - November 26 - 10:00 am

  Comfort is lacking. Front seats are lousy. Rear seat needs more room. Sound system sounds cheap. At first I liked the ride, but once you inflate the tires to an appropriate level the ride goes all jiggly on you due to chassis flimsiness. Replaced shocks with decent ones which helped but still sucks. Nissan cant fix driveshaft issue after 3 tries, common problem Im told. Runs out of breath on the frreway.

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  Repairs a Nightmare - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Carol - November 25 - 7:42 am

  I have had this car for going on 9 years, I have had to change the struts, CV Boots leaked, the transmission blew up (TWICE), (Thank God It was still under warranty) The drivers side window motor doesnt work and I cant afford to have it replaced yet. Because the Dealers are too damn expensive. The front head lamp lenses are too foggy (AGAIN Too expensive to replace). There were at least two other major problems on this SUV, I cant remember what they were right now., But Yes, I will truly look at other makes and models next time I go looking for another car. Everything interior was mostly good, however, the mechanics of the vehicle have NOT been reliable to me. It has cost me too much to have, and I will be looking other places for sure!

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  2007 Versa S Automatic, Power Package - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By SamNC - November 16 - 9:40 pm

  It downshifts between 20-45 mph at which speeds to merge on highways are dangerous. There is a second or 2 delay in shifting gears, seems in neutral with high revs. It accelerates well from 60 to 70 mph and is equally well accelerating from 70 to 80 or 90 mph. Very good steering and handling when driving below 65 mph. Anything above 65 mph, steering becomes bad and sway a little within the driving lane. The car is now at 800 miles. With about 45% highway 55% city and I am easy on throttle and look way ahead for stop driving, I get about 25 mpg, way below the expected 32 mpg. Remotes and keys are quite bulky.