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:

• 

  Bought a used Altima that had 150k on it. - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Matt - June 11 - 9:01 pm

  The vehicle its great to drive every day the stock stereo is clear and has good sound. Upgraded air cleaner helps with mileage and performance. I really like this car for my daily commute. Has room in back for 2 car seats with the center console down.

• 

  Best Car ever, except for Bose Speakers - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Charles - June 11 - 3:30 pm

  I got this car brand new with 2 miles on it and have not stopped loving it ever since. I was looking at the Camry as well as the Accord, but the Altima stood up ahead of the other two. The CVT is awesome. For a 4 cylinder, it drives like a 6 cylinder. My only problem is that there is a rattling noise when I turn up the Bose speakers to volume 15 of 32. It sounds like something is loose in either the dash or the passenger door.

• 

  Buyer Beware! - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Unhappy Z Owner - June 11 - 10:00 am

  The 2003 Z has a known and admitted front tire wear and nosie problem that Nissan declines to address for its buyers. If you dont mind buying new tires evry 5,000 miles, this car is for you. My Z began the problem at 8,000 miles; got the Nissan temp fix; and returned at 12,000 miles. Its days are numbered. See the problem at www.nissantireproblems.com

• 

  Fun family car. - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By 14a10 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This car is a fun to drive family car. I really enjoy the handleing and acceleration. I bought this car used, and after a couple months the engine would blow blue smoke on accelerating. A new engine later (warrany replacement) and I am one happy camper. I am 66", I feel a little cramped, but they really dont make a car for my size.

• 

  First Nissan Owned - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By CRE - June 11 - 10:00 am

  What a great vehicle which has been underrated by the press. This SUV is very well engineered inside and out and appears to be solidly constructed (owned for 3 months). It drives very well for an SUV and even handles better than many cars on the road. The purchase process with the Nissan dealer was better than I ever imagined buying a new car could be.

• 

  Intermittent Cruise Control - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By D. Land - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I love Nissan.Leased a 98 before buying.Had problems from day 1.The inside is often noisy,the rattles vary in volume,frequency and location. The cruise is intermittent & they cant find the problem.It works on restart but is a concern.A rear speaker has blown repeatedly w/o resolve.Also the entry remotes work off/on. Otherwise, the car is great.Their lack of competency & empathy is disappointing.If resolved,Id have bought another Nissan.The fact that Ive had problems in a new car over 2 years, makes it hard to trust Nissan. Would like to know if others are having this happen, Nissan says no.

• 

  Great SUV - Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Carole Ann - June 11 - 10:00 am

  After going to the Atlanta car show and seeing the Armada I had to drive it. I have test driven almost every SUV on the market and the Nissan Armada came up 1st. I travel often long distances and need a comfortable well handling vehicle and I have it with the Armada. Extremely happy with this vehicle.

• 

  New Quest hesitate to drive in 3 months - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Quest04 User - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I liked the Van initially when I bought 3 months ago, but now some what I am going away from its first impression. The van started hesitating to drive and I had to tow it to the dealership. Believe me it was not a happy scene as everybody was looking at the tow truck with this van being towed. It took more than a week to fix the problem. Very disappointing!

• 

  Happy Quest Owner - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By 1SEP - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Tried all and selected the SE for the power/engine, the sky view roof to avoid the cave feeling, and the looks. Worried about the reliability, but so far no issues and no rattles after 7 months of daily use (8k mi) with 2 active kids. The 5 speed transmission is a must. Averaging ~18 mpg in daily city driving.

• 

  Im afraid of liking this too much! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Dodge Shuler - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Only have 1,400 miles on new Murano, but so far absolutely thrilled. Computer says averaging 23mpg... rides nice... very quiet (even when sunroof open)... great stereo...comfortable (especially ease of entry)... moveable pedals etc, with memory, quite handy...dual zone air a big plus...transmission a beaut...heated seats a "necessity"...xeon headlights a huge advancement...so far; Dealer A+.