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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  Great FWD car!! - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By kpad1ne - July 16 - 12:03 pm

  I have had my spec-v for almost 2 years now and I love it. Amazingly the vehicle handles great for a front wheel drive and it continues to stick to the road the more you push it. Great torque through the mid-range and braking system is awesome. 24k and still do not need to replace brakes and Im a very aggressive driver. Best bang for the buck!!!! Outperforms majority of 4 cylinders out there and even 6 cyl.cars-speaking from experience

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  One Fantastic Package - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Red Rider - July 16 - 4:00 am

  This car has got the LOOK !!!!! It runs smooth as silk... The new interior design and color combinations match the exterior colors perfectly... The BOSE 6 CD/8 Speaker system has excellent sound reproduction. Nissan has really amped up the performance/fun factor !!! I just cant stop staring at it....

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  All show - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By charles schell - July 16 - 2:30 am

  Poor handling at high speed. Car shakes at high speed. Car seems to float at 80 mph. Very top heavy in curves. Car tight into curves, loose in the center and loose out of curves. Car performance seems to go away during after being driven through out day. Low gear is too high, poor performance at start. A/C fan blower very low. Door locks should lock when car is in gear.

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  The fit for me - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Paul - July 15 - 2:03 pm

  Im a big guy and needed room. I fit comfortably , even in the back. The transmission is a wonder! The heated seats are great for the winter and my old bones. CD player and stereo system rivel my Volvos system -great feature.

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  Transmission problem - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By jloth - July 15 - 1:18 pm

  I purchased my 2009 Cube in July of 2009. I now have 10,500 miles on it. Recently, on a trip to view the Fall colors, I noticed a surging feeling when going over 50 mph. It was like every 10 seconds, the RPMs would rev between the 2 and 3 on the dial. Called the dealer and took it in for service. Diagnosis, a solenoid was not working properly. I have to have a brand new transmission put in the car. Yes it is under warranty, but still, this concerns me. So to everyone considering the Cube, do your research. It is a fun car to drive, you wont see yourself coming and going,it is good on gas, a piece of cake to park.. but this transmission issue had taken the glimmer off of it for me.

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  really not impressed! - 2014 Nissan Pathfinder
  By nwfscott1984 - July 15 - 6:13 am

  over all its exactly what we wanted in its class but have had nothing but problems. long story we had a 2013 pathfinder s class for 2 weeks and a Nissan tech smashed it into another customers car. they gave us a 2014 in place. We got it in Aug 2013, we reported a burning coolant smell in Nov 2013 with only 10 500 km. even though I can smell it in the car with my wife and 4 kids present, Nissan still says its within normal running operations. I also had both front wheel bearings replaced at 30000 km. now Nissan is refusing to take the coolant issue any further. not impressed what so ever! they say that its a common problem yet we looked online & nobody has had the same problem.

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  1000 miles so far - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By hphyslp - July 14 - 11:43 pm

  Sharp looking. Smooth ride. Good gas mileage for an SUV.

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  I Love My 2016 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By JCon21 - July 14 - 6:15 pm

  I absolutely love my 2016 Nissan Altima 2.5 SR. I was in the market for a mid-size car, and didnt know where to start as I have only owned trucks my entire life. I did a lot of research online on Edmunds, KBB, and The Car Connection before going to dealerships. I pretty much made up my mind on the Altima from the first test drive. It just looked and felt great. The Altima handles great, the SR model looks sporty yet classy, and the comfort is a solid 10 out of 10. I still cannot believe how comfortable the seats are. Not only in front, but also in the back. I have a sore lower back that always hurts when sitting, and honestly it does not hurt in these Anti Gravity seats. Also it is so roomy, even in the back, and Im 61" and 240lbs. Also the trunk has a lot of space. The only real complaints I have about the car is that there is a fair amount of road noise, but I think it may be the stock Dunlop tires. Ive been thinking about getting some better tires to see if it would help. Also the nissanconnect stuff is pretty worthless. I can only use Pandora, IHeart Radio, or Facebook. I dont subscribe to any of those apps, but do subscribe to spotify which streams great through bluetooth audio. I think they should add some useful and helpful apps like google maps, waze, or yelp. Overall I am extremely happy with my purchase.

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  Go for it !!!!!! - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By barkpr - July 14 - 4:13 pm

  I love this car and so will you. It is definitely the class of its class,as well as much more expensive cars. I feel good looking at its incredible styling,and I feel good driving it. No car has ever stirred like this one,and I am 57.

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  first time nissan buyer - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By lavona truitt - July 14 - 4:06 pm

  this vehicle has been very reliable and fun to driver. i have not had any problems with this vehicle as i have always kept the oil changed etc on a timely basis. i would recommend this to any potential buyers.