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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  you can find better - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Manny Espinoza - July 30 - 8:19 pm

  At 32K the transmission was swapped due to shuddering at randoms speeds. From day one I complained about the transmission shudder and was told by 3 different dealerships that it was in good working order. The new transmission is doing the same thing so I will be getting a lawyer if Nissan does not buy my buyback my Altima. My next car will be a Honda /accord with a manual transmission or maybe a Camry since they are not having issues with their CVTs, at least not nearly as bad as Nissan. What I was told by a Nissan mechanic is that Renault bought Nissan about 10 years ago and that since then the quality has been going doing down. Nissan knows there is an issue with their transmission but will not do anything about it. I also had issues with the outside temperature sensor and the back up camera, which they replaced a week ago, only to have the same issues. I own a 1999 Altima with over 300k miles on it never han problems like these with it. Nissans quality is not what it used to be, do not buy Nissan, I will not buy another Nissan my self.

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  Professional Critics: Stop saying the same things - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Frank - July 30 - 7:39 pm

  You will notice the professionals who review cars say the same things over and over! Here is a different view to them where I agree and disagree. First, I love the Xtronic (CVT) Transmission. After driving the Maxima for a while, and then driving other cars with a regular transmission, I love the CVT!! It is smooth and sounds so much better - so relax "car pros" - you think you are sooooo smart to shake your head at the CVT, but I LIKE IT!! The interior is amazing and the looks suite me just fine. The handling is good, but I will agree with the pros that front wheel drive can be a negative for some (until you drive in the snow) - and all wheel drive would be nice as well (but would add cost). It is a FUN CAR TO DRIVE, so sorry "Pros," I am good with the 4DSC moniker. (so there!)

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  Truly a "Shift" in the Nissan sense - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By JH in TX - July 30 - 7:16 pm

  Traded in an 02 Maxima SE for my Xterra (different needs) and I love my new rig. Nissan really has their stuff together and I am glad to benefit from their change in styling, performance, and quality. I made the move from Honda to Nissan in 98 and havent regretted it at all. I thoroughly enjoy my new Xterra from its powerful engine to the great stereo. The ride is firm but controlled, and the stereo is fantastic (much better than the Bose in my Maxima). Combine that with great reliablity and a strong dealership--this Xterra makes the ninth Nissan purchased by our family or neighbors from Peacock Nissan in the last 4 years--and you cant go wrong. My dogs love it too.

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  I love my Armada - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Jennifer17 - July 30 - 6:20 pm

  We purchased this vehicle after researching several other options, including the Tahoe/Yukon, Escalade and Sequoia. I fell in love with the automatic lifting back hatch, with a 3 yar old and newborn it is very accommodating. My husband loves the 3rd row seating, it is very spacious and your knees arent in your face. Very comfortable and I would highly reccomend this vehicle for someone looking for a large SUV.

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  would definitely buy again - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By JARTREK - July 30 - 3:03 pm

  very roomy inside, handles very well interior controls easy to navigate feels like driving a car great cargo space only getting 14 mpg but I do only city driving

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  Poor - Body Problems - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Heather Friedline - July 30 - 12:36 pm

  My first experience with Nissan has been horrible. My car is 6 months old and is rusting on both sides, back panel, below the doors. Nissan will not cover the defect even though there are many of the same make and model with the same problem. It drives well and I enjoy the vehicle but the interior plastic is also a problem with scratches from just normal use.

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  My First New Car - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By J Las Vegas - July 30 - 1:26 am

  I drove up from Las Vegas to South East Washington to buy this Car (I saved 2k doing so). I was some what worried because I didnt have the ABS pkg. and there were icy conditions. Well on the way back my buddy who had bought a pre-owned 4x4 truck got hit buy a gust of wind, lost traction and rolled it. 4 of us were now in 1 car. We had some icy roads all the way down into central Nevada but by brand new Sentra handled like champ! I did a lot (I mean obsessive amounts) of research on cars in this class and price range. I was going to get a used Honda Civic but when given the opportunity to get a Brand New Sentra I jump on it. Honda and Toyota make you pay for all the nice stuff.

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  Crusin Titan - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Curt - July 29 - 3:00 pm

  I have owned this truck since new and it has been one of the best trucks I have ever had. I have never had a problem with it. I had a 04 titan and it was a good but I wanted a longer bed. I did have some problems with the 04 such as the brakes witch dealer fixed. As for my 2008 its been a great truck. I pulled a trailer all over for the first year I had it and I had no trouble at all. I got 10 to 12 mpg towing the trailer witch is better than my chev with a 454 that got 6 to 9 mpg.

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  Very Impressed after 15K miles - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By jmg1977 - July 28 - 10:10 pm

  This is actually my wifes car, but I am often "allowed" to drive it. We also use it on long trips from North Carolina to the midwest. Since purchased, it has had absolutely no problems or defects whatsoever, a first for any car I have ever purchased new. The fuel economy is excellent in city driving (25) and decent on the highway (30). Like the interior and exterior styling. Plenty of leg room, even in the back, for its size. Fit and finish is good, and it performs well for only having a 4 cylinder motor. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend it to someone looking for a good midsized SUV that gets sedan mileage.

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  New Block needs Old "chip" - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Jay and Karen - July 28 - 9:46 pm

  Really like the truck, it handles mother nature pretty well. However someone needs to tell me how closely they "drafted" the test truck to claim 20mpg. Maybe a new programmable chip (like the ones available for Ford F- series diesels or other performance vehicles) is in order?!