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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  Just Not That Impressed! - 2016 Nissan Juke
  By Karin Shuli - March 28 - 1:39 am

  I test drove Several Hatchbacks. The Juke was quirkey in looks and I liked that. But upon driving it, the handling was sloppy and the headroom was terrible for my boyfriend as a passenger and anyone sitting in the back seat. Also, the Cargo area was not sufficient. I train dogs and not having enough head room for even 2 dogs was a problem. Trying to squeeze in a weeks worth of groceries would not have happened either. For the money, I chose a Jeep Renegade. Im very happy.

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  Getting rid of after 2 months of suffering. - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By bradhenson - March 13 - 11:28 am

  Trading today. Best day of my life... By far the worst car Ive ever owned. Keep your sanity and avoid this car at all cost! I am dead serious. I gave the ratings what slack I could since Ive reviewed before and cant delete previous ones. If powers that be can delete the others, feel free...

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  2 "Rouge" Transmissions @ 145,500 miles - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By bp35209@gmail.com - March 12 - 4:59 am

  I have had two transmissions put in and the car is at 145,000 miles and it needs a 3rd one. Nissan is not going to replace. All they tell me it is out of warranty. The 2nd Transmission was put in December 2014 with 90,000 miles. Previous years have the same issues with the transmission and Nissan will not own up to the problem with them being made by hand and there is a human error when building the transmission. I even told them I would pay for the labor if they payed for the transmission. But they are not changing there mind. I am about to go drop the car off in Franklin, TN at there office with a TV Crew with me. Then they may do something when media gets involved.

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  THIS VAN SUCKS SOO MUCH!!! **BEWARNED INTO BUYING** - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By kobebryant - March 10 - 12:22 pm

  First of all, i hate this van so much. i have had terrible experiences with it. I have way to many to tell you. First off, the van is WAY to low and this causes my catalytic converter to break and change. The transmission is now seeming to have trouble and thats what many people say. IT only has 93k on it and many problems i have with it. the doors do not open at all and you have to tug really hard and the automatic trunk will not budge open without pulling on it and breaking off the latch that covers it! Too many noises such as creaking noises, outside noises, and many more. Blower motor goes out, and brakes will not last for more than 6 months!! I REGRET BUYING IT AND IM WARNING YOU NOT T

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  Juke makes you wanna puke - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By wessica007 - March 2 - 11:49 pm

  The juke is sadly not an economical car. Advertising at 27-32 mpg, I am mortified to get a 19-23mpg average. Buy a truck people! The sound system is horrid, no armrest, a flashlight would be better than the interior lighting. No trunk space. Nissan also does not back up their product. They falsly advertise, then say its your problem. I used to have an infinity fx35 with bose and leather and gave it up for this economical car.....NOT>>>>buyer beware!

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  $25K car with non-deploying airbags - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By hoopee - March 1 - 5:18 pm

  A car recently started crossing into my lane. I swerved to avoid an accident and the pavement had erroded and my car went in the ditch. After going in the ditch, it launched me in the air, doing $20,000 on my 2month old Altima. My car was totaled. Nissan and their Air Safety Bag rep was all over me, then would no longer take my calls, nor would the dealer that I my car. Over 1.1 million Nissans have been recalled. I bought mine on March 15, Car reccalled on March 25. No one ever told from dealer to manufacturer. Dont trust your safety to Nissan or a nice looking car. I was almost killed.

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  goodlooking -bad driving - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By santo - February 14 - 1:00 am

  I bought this car because of its looks. But was disappointed by the performance. The brakes are super sensitive and it jerks when braking and my back hurts every time. Poor visibility for a short person. Very bad on ice and slick roads. In real life look can be deceiving.

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  2004 a bad year to buy - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By tpk - February 2 - 4:00 am

  Well my experience with this vechile still continues. The quality factor is awful compared to what nissans used to be. Trying to get nissan to buy this vehicle back or give me a new one..

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  transmission problem, - 2011 Nissan Quest
  By djohnny999 - January 28 - 4:37 pm

  when I first purchase , I had couple screw lose on drive side, check engine light come on, computer technology still not stability. axe have noise when you back up....

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  WORST CAR OF THE YEAR NISSAN ALTIMA 2.5 S 2016 - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By Kashif - January 28 - 2:39 am

  I purchased Nissan Altima 2016 on May 21, 2016. I have only driven 800 miles on it. Air condition stop working, Inside the Trunk underneath the carpet there is a sealant melting causing rubber Mat also melting, All door windows rubber leaving black color on window frame, Trunk rubber Torn day 1 when drove off, Car start running heavy gas mileage has gone up after Air condition is not working. Car seat is sinking at one side. I have been offered Loaner Nissan Santra. It has been 14 business day dealer has not called me back with updates. The last time I called Service department for status was 8 days ago and I was told nothing wrong with AC and we will be involving BODY shop for Trunk and for window we will put OIL in rubber. I am paying almost $400 for New car yet I am not enjoying and driving cheap alternative more than 15 days. Nissan has assigned Case # but not responded as promised. Stay away from Nissan Altima or buy extended warranty over extended warranty. I wish I was not influenced in my decision making. I paid $23,000 for this junk car. I wish I had purchased Toyota Camry. I am taking legal action against Nissan and dealer see how it goes. I will update.