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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  Xterra problems - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By showcode - April 9 - 10:00 am

  At first I was thrilled, bought it new. But at 37000 all four automatic windows quit working and nissan said it was out of warranty by 1,000 miles so I was stuck paying for them. At 42000 miles the suspension became veryrough and after several trips to the mechanic still cant be fixed. Now at 50000 miles the air conditioning died and the back window wiper quit working. Im trading in the end of this month for a toyota.

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  Gotta Love it - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Bobo - April 9 - 3:30 am

  I love my truck. Its rough but its not meant for comfort. Nothing i cant go over and nothing i cant clear. TIGHT vehicle. Its a gasaholic. I knew that though when i bought it. Everything i would want such as more storage and easier fold down rear were addressed in the second generation model. Its a Ballsy Truck.

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  2015 Altima- new transmission at 10k miles - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By dendy - April 8 - 9:52 am

  Purchased a new 2015 Altima SV with convenience package. Had to have the CVT transmission replaced at only 10k miles. Nissan does not offer new transmissions, only remanufactured units. Nissan consumer affairs offered me some free oil changes, something I was already getting from the dealer, as compensation for my inconvenience. Will not buy another Nissan.

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  Low mileage - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By ty_parry - April 7 - 8:16 am

  Traded in Honda Accord that got better mileage than the 24 mpg for the 2007 Sentra. Fun to drive with a big cabin and large trunk. The keyless starting and smooth quiet ride, make it a great car except for the low mpg.

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  Should I have gone Passat 4 Motion? - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By northstarme - April 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Maxima because it is sportier than the Passat4M, as well as a little bit less expensive. The problem which is not the cars fault, is after driving it around for 2 weekes and racking 2000 miles, I find my self asking " do I really like Japanese cars? It is definately cheaper inside and out, the handling is ok, not as good a feel as the Passat, but most of all it just seems to lack a personality? It does everything well, looks great but do I crave to get behind the wheel...sadly no. It is a good basic car, but more like an auotmaotive robot vs a trusted old friend that I cant wait to play with in some fun road.

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  Poor Brakes - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By LC - April 5 - 10:16 am

  I purchased my 2008 Altima in March 08 and I have already had to have my rear brakes replaced and rotors filed down. Mind you I have only 10k miles on my car. I really like my car a lot however I dont know if I am too thrilled that I am having brake problems already.

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  Ts "Terra" - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Chocolate - April 5 - 7:00 am

  I LOVE IT! I LOVE IT! Ive driven Nissans before and I always said that I would get another one. I went to the dealership to get an Altima and left with an Xterra. It is SHARP,CUTE and I know for a fact that all nissans are dependable. I have been looking at the Xterra since it came out in 2000. I have always adored it. It has great storage the seats letting down was also a perk. To me, its a step down from the Armada. Yes, I said it. I have teenage and a school age children, plus a dog and we all love it. Try cruising in it on a pretty Spring day and everybody has a window. Then you will know what you are missing. This is 1 SUV that is worth the money. I chose this over Honda HAPPILY!!!

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  Great midsize SUV so far. - 2007 Nissan Pathfinder
  By pathoutwest - April 4 - 9:37 am

  Bought our used 2007 Pathfinder LS 4X4 in Dec 10 55K miles. After purchase I read horror stories about transmission/radiator commingling issues. Nissan will now warranty the radiator and any other components (transmission) that fail as a result of the radiator defect. Warranty is up to 8 years or 80,000 miles. We owned a 97 Pathfinder with no major issues except the mass air flow sensor. This newer Pathfinder is light years ahead of our old one. It is very quiet at highway speeds both engine and road noise seem very dampened. The third row is for kids only In 4 months weve averaged 17mpg city and 20 - 21 highway trips. Head room could be another 2 inches. Great 4 towing our camper.

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  Immobilization Problems - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Lorenzo May - April 3 - 10:40 pm

  I had the vehicle for just under one year, when I started to experience power drain problems and complete "shut-downs". I have used roadside assistance four times in the last five months, since the car was completely dead. The dealership has tried to fix the problem, but they havent yet. Other, than this major problem, I loved the car: great ride, great power for a four cylinder, great design, great fuel economy. I have had four Nissans in the last 10 years. This is the only one with a major problem, however, this one is fully equipped with navigation, back- up camera, heated seats, and everything possible.

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  Great Car! - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Andrea - April 3 - 5:13 pm

  I bought my 97 almost 4 years ago for $2800 with 162,000 miles on it. Its up to 215,000 now and is running great. I did have some major repairs the first year but since I switched mechanics I havent had any problems. Definitely worth the money.