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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  Cost-wise - best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By Nancy - August 17 - 11:13 pm

  No, its not the most comfortable but its not a luxury vehicle. When I paid it off 2 yrs ago, I knew I wanted to keep it for another 2 or 3 yrs and so I put $2100 in it to get a/c fixed, tune-up and timing belt replaced. Other than that all Ive ever replaced was a battery, tires and brakes.

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  Good All-Rounder - 2011 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Happy Mountain Climbers - August 17 - 6:14 pm

  High marks for style, comfort, and driveability. I would like to see better mileage from a six cylinder, though. Excellent views to the rear for lane changing with just the right height for visibility all directions.

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  Fantastic Car - 1996 Nissan Sentra
  By DoubleA - August 17 - 8:13 am

  This was the first car my wife and I bought together. Got it from a second owner 8 years ago with 72,000 miles on it for $3,000. Its had all new gaskets, brakes/rotors, rebuilt transmission (I think a mechanic loosened the plug and it dropped out while driving), starter. The thing is with all that Ive only put about $3,000 more into it to keep it going for this long. It just wont die. Now Im in northern Michigan and I want a Subaru for the winters. This thing is a manual and gets 40 mpg, yes 40 and on all highway driving Ive gotten up to 43mpg. Its now at 188,000 miles and its good for at least another 30 or 40,000 more. Finding a new owner for it will be bitter sweet.

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  Fun car to drive - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By shad82 - August 16 - 10:23 am

  Ive had my car for almost 6 years and it is still a fun little car to drive. And it handles very well. My biggest problems with it was the faulty pre cat failure and I had to replace the ignition coils a few times as well. Another thing that I dont like about my car is the gas mileage, its a good car for local runs but I dont think its good car for long distance trips.

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  Mixed Max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Jon - August 15 - 3:53 pm

  I always liked the Maxima and when the new design came out in 2004 - I had to have it. This was my first "brand new car". I enjoyed it for a while but problems developed early on. I had both front struts replaced at 10K miles. Two headlights (requires removing the front fender). Front brakes at 22k miles - I had to pay but I feel that should have been covered by the dealer. The glass roof has been replaced three times, a brake sensor was replaced, two tires and one rim (pot hole). I feel I have gotten to know the service department much more than I would ever want to.

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  Perfect Compact Truck - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Swole37 - August 15 - 2:06 am

  I use my frontier for work and play. I drive anywhere from 20 to 100 miles a day for work. I am an avid hunter and outdoorsman. I drive my fronier off road a good bit. I pull a trailer sometimes with either one or two four wheel ATVs. Sometimes I load one ATV in the bed when I dont pull a trailer. The truck pulls great. My frontier has never broken down and left me stranded. The only problem that I have ever had if a freon leak in the air conditioning system. I ride comforably with my wife and two small children. Sometimes I put two adults in the back seat. It is a little cramped for them, but bearable.

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  Work horse - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By NatG83 - August 14 - 3:43 pm

  Engine is powerful, but could be more fuel efficient if given cylinder deactivate. Never strained even with full load. Cargo area is durable, but scratches easily. Ride could be smoother if Live-axle and leaf springs were traded for independent suspension. HVAC works surprisingly well, considering there are only vents in the front of the truck. Vehicle is great in weather even when in RWD mode. Use 4WD, and nothing stops it.

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  bad brake and steering system - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By cerritosdealer - August 14 - 10:00 am

  when i drive over 75mph, i brake and the steering shaking a lot. when i drive over 80mph the steering shake, and the rear seat incomfortable.

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  Our first ever Nissan - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By FirstNissan - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Great styling and fun to drive. Great center console. Comfy seats and killer Bose sounds system. Had problems with rear distance sensor and driver side sliding door not closing. Dealer fixed eventually and everthing works well... except the radio. Not sure if they used college students in Nepal to design it but the reception is worse than my clock radio next to my bed. They should be ashamed of how aweful that is. Glad we got the CD player! Got two flat tires in the first month (sorry not under warranty). Really like the power everything for side doors and trunk

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  ABS Brakes - PLEASE - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By Ty - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Yes, I have that chirping noise in the morning before the car is warmed. It started at $11k miles. I thought it was the brand of gas I was using. NOT! Okay, the brakes. The car skids even at 15 to 25 miles. I drive two to three cars back on the highway and streets rain or shine. Its a great car - but it needs a better braking system.