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:

• 

  GOOD CAR HAS BEEN BUILT VERY CHEAPLY - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Dave12114 - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Nice, solid car killed by cheap tricks in attemps to keep costs down. Next time will get Acura 3.2TL or like For this sticker price VDC ( taking on account horrible steer tork) MUST BE standard - hey, NISSAN - if you screwed something up - be honest - PAY FOR IT! Cheapest insterior materials Ive ever seen for this price! Suggested Improvements "SKYVIEW" made only to force pay more for "regular" sunroof - cheap trick Options - they put together to make you pay for the stuff you dont want! Warranty period - comeon guys - you (NISSAn) dont trust your car?

• 

  Poor performance - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By kim - July 3 - 9:56 am

  Having problems with the CVT trans. Hesitates upon acceleration. Took it to the shop and said that is normal. Car is getting used to your driving. Tries to anticipate what you are going to do. Now I am having problems with the windows opening on their own only the 2 front ones. Has done it 3 times since I bought in June. Dealer cannot find anything wrong. Just have to live with it. NOT ACCEPTABLE!!!! But Nissan will fix it if the inside gets ruined by rain. I am not pleased. Sure they will argue that I left the windows down. At this point I will NEVER buy another Nissan. Very unhappy after all of the great reviews.

• 

  Best I Ever Owned - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Chris M - July 3 - 7:36 am

  Im not one to post reviews about things i buy or have, but once i bought this car i knew I had to let people know that one. Its a great Hybrid and well built too. Very good on gas. I have the fully loaded one so its very comfortable And last but least ITS A NISSAN. So it will last a life time five stars all the way!

• 

  Luv my Xterra ! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Kelly in Charleston - July 2 - 4:10 pm

  I am past the "soccer mom" stage and wanted something FUN to drive. My entire family drives, or has previously driven, Nissans so the choice was easy. I would only trade my 2003 Xterra for a new one. It is the perfect weekend and/or tailgate vehicle. The seats are a bit uncomfortable but the Rockford Fosgate stereo ROCKS ! You dont buy an Xterra for the mileage but it is as good or better than most SUVs. I highly recommend the Nissan Xterra !

• 

  Performance + Features + Looks = Awesome - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Scott in SF - July 2 - 9:13 am

  Ive had the car for two weeks and couldnt be happier. The V6 CVT engine is quite the performer and its great not having the "shifting gears" feel on conventional automatics. The turning is phenomenal. The car both looks and feels sporty. I got the performance and tech package and the quality of the interior feels like a upper end luxury car. The fuel economy for a 270hp 3.5L is rather decent (who needs a hybrid). The best part about the looks of the car is the back of it (have to see it in person). I like having all of the accessories put into two packages instead of 20+ add ons. Anyone in the market for a two door coupe should definitely test drive an Altima coupe.

• 

  Love it! - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By Wafubu - July 2 - 6:33 am

  Ive owned 4 Hondas of which 2 were CR-v (07 and 08). Compared to the Xterra they didnt stand a chance. The Xterra is solidly built and they thought of everything. Also you get so many features compared to the Hondas and the Xterra is customizable. I really love mine. Ive had it for 3 days so far, but I am really enjoying the ride. Its high up, visibility is great, and its built so solid. No annoying rattles, etc. The plastic interior is very high quality and I feel that its laid out perfect. Everything is in the right place. Power everything, mirrors, doors, windows. and it came with high quality mats even! I hope Nissan keeps up with not sacrificing quality.

• 

  Number 2 - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Ramon - July 2 - 12:53 am

  I had a 2005 that I bought used at the end of 2005. Traded that one in for an 2006 because of the wonderful deal I got from Ferman Nissan. As a previous Nissan Maxima owner, owning a 91, 97, 2002 I went from the norm and went to an Altima 1 for price and two the difference is no longer worth spending the extra $3000 on a Maxima. While its is not as classy as a Maxima it does deliver excellent performace and Nissan reliability. Over all th4 car is steal for what you get yes you ca get into other cars like an Acura TSX for a base BMW 325i(and I dare you to find one) Besides maybe an base Infinti G35 6mt it is the most car your gonna get for the money

• 

  Dont even think to buy this car - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By denis18 - July 1 - 1:29 am

  In 3+ years I owned this car I had nothing but problems with engine. The Idle Control Valve, the Engine Control and the ignitions coils went down several times. The engine stalled many times, which makes this car very unsafe to drive. By the end A/C was down too. Never buy any Nissan again

• 

  Wish I was a lucky one!! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By oneofeach4me - July 1 - 12:49 am

  I bought this van used, in 08, with 34K miles on it, and 4K down with an extended warranty. I loved my Quest, it was perfect for us and fit my stylish personality. However, I started having issues with the van making noises. I kept taking it to the dealership but they couldnt figure it out. Well, 2 months after my warranty was up, with 90K miles on it, they tell me the van needs $4K worth of work but Nissan wouldnt honor my warranty that never got used. Issues: 80K heat compressor failed, 98K alternator failed, interior lights falling out of ceiling, tailgate replaced twice 1st at 45K, 110K failed timing chain! Engine work at 100K miles on a Nissan?! Now making payments on undriveable van!

• 

  Good enough to keep - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By KP - July 1 - 12:10 am

  Had some issues with the power windows and had them replaced under warranty. Still have occasional problems with it. Had a significant problem with the A/C, basically had it replaced only after 3 years. The first repair under warranty was poorly done by dealer. So, I had to pay out of pocket. I drive several hours at a time occasionally and would like to have a more comfortable seat. Fuel economy approaches 20 at 65 using fully synthetic oil. Needs a bit more highway merging power about 15-20% would do.