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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  Went for a Juke, got a Rogue. - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By robcowling - July 12 - 9:36 am

  Drove the Juke and liked it...but it was small and had a lot of wind noise at 50 mph. Not knocking the Juke as it seemed like a fine car for the right kind of buyer. We decided to look at the Rogue and are glad we did. They had the Rogues mixed with the Muranos and the only way to tell the difference was in the sticker price. They seriously look nearly identical. Anyway, the Rogue is roomy, comfortable and rides and drives very well. It wont win a drag race, but will get you out of the way if need be. Got SL package with leather, sunroof, Bose, nav, back up camera, xenon headlights, etc...for 25K in a 2011 model. Only complaint so far is that the sunroof does not open all the way.

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  Worst car experience ever! - 2014 Nissan Pathfinder
  By lodinpdx - July 12 - 7:33 am

  This has been the absolute worst car experience I have ever had. We really wanted an SUV with three rows and decent gas mileage. We were exited when we found the Pathfinder Hybrid with promises of 25 miles to the gallon in the city and 28 on the highway. This all seemed too good to be true so we bought it. By day 2 I was very frustrated as I was getting 14 miles to the gallon! I tried to return the car but was told to keep driving, it would get better or Nissan would have to do something. Now I have driven over 1000 miles and seem to be getting about 17 miles to the gallon a far cry form 25! I have talked to Consumer Affairs as well as the dealership and no one has done anything.

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  2005 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE-R - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By SE-R Fanatic - July 11 - 4:36 pm

  I bought this car at a large auto auction. I was looking for a 2005 Altima SE or Maxima SE. Came across this one and fell in love with its design. This car has it all for a stock 4-door sedan. The gas mileage is okay, I am averaging 21 MPG, but that is probably due to the fact that this car wants to be driven hard. This car will flat out fly. I had to by the automatic b/c the wife refuses to learn a manual. The ride quality of this car is good, but not great. This is due to the 18 inch low profile wheels and super stiff sport suspension. This is not your grandpas Caddy. Bottom line, I would buy this over the competition. Nissan is making some of the best cars on the road.

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  07 max review - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By b2stunt - July 11 - 1:13 pm

  I purchased my silver on black SE about two weeks ago. It only has 300 miles but i tested out all my features. The heated seats do not get as warm as my olds aurora, the glove box is kind of small besides that there are no other complaints. Its a great car for the price.

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  One of my Better Decisions - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By mainemarty - July 11 - 2:43 am

  Bought used in 2001 with 41,600 miles on it-have 144000+ on it now without a squeak or rattle. Its a workhorse, but also a funhorse! A rock solid, reliable multitasker that hauls people, boats, kayaks and auction treasures. An enjoyable drive except for the lack of power and a wider-than-expected turning radius. Interior fit and finish is solid. Significant blind spots, though, and deafening wind noise when the moon roof is open - cant hear the radio on the highway! Seat belts drive me nuts - dont retract properly, even after several visits to the dealer. Took off running board tubes - rusted out on the driver side. Small stuff - will keep until it falls apart.

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  Dependable and easy to drive Mini-Van - 2001 Nissan Quest
  By ulvy - July 10 - 6:50 pm

  We bought this mini-van brand new. Normal maintenance is all we really performed on this vehicle. The rear cooling feature is a must as it cools the people in the back seat quickly. I am very happy with this purchase. The engine runs smoothly and quietly even though it has over 100k miles.

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  04 maxima SL not worth it - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By avalonlady - July 10 - 6:44 pm

  I bought this car new in white diamond pearl with heated seats, Bose 6cd changer, sunroof, etc. This car made a rattling noise since about 30,000mi. Dealer claimed they couldnt hear it as always. Rear struts gone< 30,000 mi, tires worn @ 18,000mi despite rotating every 4,000 mi w/oil change. Gas mileage sucked until I got 100,000mi.then 25mpg. The Bose speakers went out and radio/ 6cd changer failed around 24,000 mi n was replaced with a so- called new 1. At $32,000, I expected better quality.warranty out 110,000mi had 2 replace another radio aftermkt now,tune up @$750, front and rear hub n barrens over $1200. New front struts @ $500.New tires every year at $700 set.no throttle now... Saddd

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  Be ware of this vehicle!! - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By soc77mai - July 10 - 2:36 pm

  I am very dissapoinded in my 2001 Nissan Pathfinder LE. I traded a 97 GMC Jimmy, and I am sorry I did. On the Nissan, the exhaust system gave out, a coil burnt out, all four O2 sensors have been replaced, and the check engine light will not stay off. I even changed the spark plugs, that did not solve the check engine problem. This vehicle has failed inspection two of the three years I have owned it, and I service it by the book! The gas mileage is awfull ( I do 55 to save fuel) and it still costs $70 dollars a week to fill it! Below 35 degrees,the windows will not roll up without me pushing on them, and below 10 forget it. I will never buy a Nissan again.

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  After over a year of ownership - 2011 Nissan Leaf
  By eniac - July 10 - 1:48 pm

  Ive owned my LEAF for over a year now and have put just over 10,000 miles on it. The car is still really fun to drive and weve enjoyed every single mile. Everything is still tight, no rattles or wind noise. As for operating costs, I had the tires rotated twice (for fre at Discount Tires), annual battery check at the dealership (also free), and I replaced the cabin filter for $11 and had it detailed on its birthday for $60. Other than $342 in electricity to "fuel" it for the entire year, thats my total costs so far.

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  I Love This Car! - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Ron - July 10 - 4:30 am

  We compared Pilots, Highlanders, Outlanders, Edge, Mazda, etc; the Murano offered the most bang for your buck. Stylish exterior, not boxy looking. The interior is roomy and very comfortable. The optioned out SL AWD with the leather interior is luxurious and a class above the previously mentioned SUVs. The engine is smooth, quiet and offers plenty of power. Comfortable on long trips and minimal road noise on the highway. Plenty of storage and cargo room. Its a pleasure to drive and more car like than other SUVs. After 1500 miles, we have no complaints or problems. Also, for the engine size, vehicle weight and AWD the mileage is decent, 20.7 combined highway and city driving on regular.