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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  Good so far - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By PG - June 11 - 5:10 am

  Hard to tell with only 700 miles, but I like it so far. Smooth running, plenty of power and roomy. I had a Nissan before this and at 147,000 miles it ran like new. I hope i have the same experience this time.

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  Sweet & Sour - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Robert Norton - June 10 - 3:33 pm

  Just bought car used from a new car dealer with approximately 30,000 miles by CARFAX ratings which were misleading. Drove car for 400 miles found it had squeaking, jerky brakes, told by crappy car dealer it was brake dust. Googled this Altima found out it had technical service bulletin for brake issues. Luckily had just enough warranty left to have brakes replaced by Nissan dealer, praying it will last. Dont care for CVT transmission but accelerates nicely otherwise. Interior & stereo is nice, like AC controls, but fogs up too easily during significant rains. Comfortable car, beautiful exterior design. But wondering when next foot will drop with brakes. Probably wont buy another Nissan.

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  So far so good - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Tanyarmorris - June 9 - 5:23 pm

  I went from having a Jeep Wrangler with a 4 inch lift to this little car at my husbands suggestion (saving $ on fuel, of course). I was extremely hesitant until I drove the car. Its fun to drive with plenty of room for my kids and a trunk large enough to fit several bodies in.

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  Great car, very reliable - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Michael - June 9 - 1:30 pm

  Bought my Maxima at 3 years-old and coming off a lease with 30k. Ive driven it 100k in the last 7 years and the car has performed almost flawlessly. Well equipped with leather, moon roof, Bose premium audio and alloys. I drive it as a commuter car in town and a lot of business trips on the highway and it performs great in either case. Maintenance has been routine, minor items (brakes, exhaust, battery, tires). Only hiccup was a new anti-knock sensor that put me back $700. The 3.0L V-6 in these cars might be one of the best drive trains ever built.

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  A wonderful and reliable truck - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By staples93 - June 9 - 5:48 am

  I bought this truck 9 months ago with about 149,000 miles. It now has about 154,000 miles on it. Only had one problem besides a couple minor things. Even though it was never a real problem nor was it noticeable, the transmission had to be rebuilt. Also had to replace the clutch from normal wear. It was the first time it was replaced. Very reliable and has amazing offroad capabilities. Poor gas mileage though. I only get an average of 13-15mpg depending on how and where I drive. Other Xterras tend to do better I think. It is also a little sluggish. Also I am 65" and I fit just fine in the drivers seat.

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  Long Term Review - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By Ramoman - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car brand-new at the end of 1995 and have managed to put on around 133,000 miles on it since then. I love the interior and high quality of materials that Nissan has used. I also love the engine. It can out-accelerate most other vehicles in its class. What I dont like is the costs for maintaining the vehicle. Twice, Ive had to replace the O2 Sensor. That cost me somewhere around $350 each time. Also, Im now having to replace the clutch because it makes really loud noises. This is going to set me back approximately $800 since the kit replaces the clutch and the AC compressors.

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  Little bit disppointed - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By No more Volkswagen - June 7 - 10:00 am

  I get the new Quest because of its radical styling. I like Oddessey, but it is outdated. The new Sienna has very conservative stying. For the power, I feel it has less power than it supposes to have. Maybe the van weighs heavy. It is pretty slow to pick up speed for the first 2 gears. Also, it is kind of noisy for Japanese engines. The new Quest is one of the best van out there, but it is absolutely not the leader.

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  Great run-about. Cute and comfortable. - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By cholmes92 - June 6 - 10:20 am

  This car is quiet and refined, something not usually found in this class. I love the ride (long wheel base makes the car feel bigger). The hatchback is practical although without the seats folded, the trunk is not very big (big enough for 6 or 7 bags of groceries). Rear seat area is roomy and comfortable for 2 large adults. Best gas mileage is achieved without passengers and cargo: I get 32 mpg on my commute (11 miles each way; half is city, half is hwy.) Controls are easy to use although the satellite channel surfing took a bit of getting used to. Excellent sound system. Quiet engine. Fun and peppy!

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  Not Sure? - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By Christy - June 5 - 12:43 pm

  Just purchased my new Nissan Armada a little less than two months ago and Ive already had it back at the dealership for service 4 times! Im a little disappointed because I love this vehicle and my husband it now wishing we would have stuck to a Chevy or Ford! I have had the sound system already replaced because the back four speakers never worked, the sunroof worked on because of the loud rattling noise it made as you drove down the road and it had only been opened twice and Ive also had problems with my windshield wipers/washers and its not even due for the first oil change yet! This is my first Nissan and they have yet to prove to me what they stand for!

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  Still happy 4 years later - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Chip - June 4 - 7:50 pm

  I bought my XT used in 05. Had 24K on it at the time, and Ive since added another 70K. It has been very dependable, and Ive only has to deal with general maintenance issues so far. I also find it funny that people are complaining about the fuel mileage. What did you expect? Its a big box sitting on a truck chassis. If youre worried about fuel economy, buy a sedan. Ive actually found it to get decent mileage for what it is. Theres a ton of space, it tows well, and looks good.