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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  Too many problems - its a lemon! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Completely UNSAT! - September 14 - 5:43 am

  Currently going through the process of getting van bought back by Nissan through LEMON LAW. Been in for service 9 times (27 total days in shop)! SLIDING DOORS rattle, squeek, shake, grind and do not open, close, align, or latch properly. Sliding doors are extremely UNSAFE. Van has had 6 RECALLS performed, along with the entire drivers side REPAINTED due to rock chips since doors were misaligned. Nissan extended OEM warranty to 5yrs/60k miles, but that doesnt account for the POOR BUILD QUALITY. Vehicle pulled to the left, transmission pan leaked, CV boot ripped, sun visor label fell off, left rear quarterpanel loose - PROBLEMS are too many to list. Buy a HONDA or TOYOTA!!!

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  A Decent SUV - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By sailnkayakman - September 11 - 2:30 pm

  No major problems maintenance with the truck. The engine and drivetrain are great. Fun to drive with a great 4x4 system. FRAME RUST IS A REAL PROBLEM. IT WILL NOT PASS A STATE SAFETY INSPECTION ANYMORE. Exhaust manifold leaks and always has. Been thru numerous alternators. Had to replace both front drive shafts. After 9 years, it will be scrapped - frame is rusted so bad it will likely break at the rear axle.

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  Average Vehicle - 2000 Nissan Quest
  By Davethentman - September 8 - 4:43 am

  Overall a pretty good vehicle - gets good mileage (I average about 20-22 mpg) for the kind of vehicle it is. Lots of little interior problems - entertainment center, front cup holder ratchet on both sides broke after only 1 1/2 years, door handle chrome paint is peeling on both sides. Have had to replace 1 fuel injector, and have had to constantly clean them (service engine soon light blinks for short periods and the idle goes very rough - mechanic says its the fuel injectors).

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  Stay away - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By fish4life - September 6 - 9:56 pm

  Multiple problems - Brakes problem replaced and then returned - Nissan would not replace again. Transmission Leaks, Oil Cooler leaks, Window switches and motors. Oil pressure is all over the place but Nissan and dealer say it is normal. Of course out of warranty and no help from dealer or Nissan. Now the tire pressure sensors are bad. No more Nissans for me, ever.

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  Expensive Repairs - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Richard B - September 6 - 6:46 pm

  Very expensive to repair. Complete brakes over $1000, Alternator $1000, Check engine light, coil, o2 & Knock sensors $1000 and counting. Clock to small and located in the wrong place, Small trunk, seats tear easily. Cant get sticker with check engine light always on.

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  Not What I Expected..... - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By kcire10 - September 2 - 12:59 pm

  I purchased the 2007 Maxima SE new and Ive had nothing but trouble from the start. Had it for almost 5 years and Ive had to get the AC compressor replaced, the motor mounts, belts (because of the compressor), and hoses for the AC. I also have trouble every now and again with the keyless entry. Plus, you pay an arm and a leg for 30,000 mile services ($600+). This is my first and my last Nissan. I should have bought a Honda!

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  what hasnt broke is a shorter list - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By john c - September 2 - 1:00 am

  heres a list of repairs (that i can remember) rear differential, rear axle shafts, power steering pump, both exhaust manifolds, u joint, front drive shaft, hub assemblies, condenser fan, wiring harness, window leak, air pressure sensors, back up sensors 4xs, rear axle shaft seals, drive shaft seals, rear axle breather, tailgate hinge, power steering lines, power steering tub/hose assembly, throttle speed sensor, anti lock brake sensor

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  Tranny - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By sandy - September 1 - 2:36 am

  There is a problem with the pathfinder that seems to be happening everywhere. For some reason the coolant from the radiator is leaking into the tranmisson and it is killing the tranny. Nissan says that is your problem not theirs. That is a cost of 7000 to fix. Can not afford to take that chance. Traded in my nissan and got another car and will never buy a nissan again.

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  Disappointed - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By dmontoya - August 31 - 2:33 am

  Purchased in April, the car has been to the dealership 3 times for repairs (over 30 days in the shop and counting, it is there now). First visit was for a misaligned hood and pax airbag issue. Second was for same Pax airbag issue and CVT, currently in for a new transmission due to cvt issues (stuttering between 15 and 20 mph). We are invoking our states lemon law to have Nissan buy back, we will see how that goes. Great looking car, quality is the worse I have ever seen in my 30 years of purchasing vehicles.

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  Nice looking, rough ride - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Jimbo - August 30 - 8:50 pm

  Xterras are really nice looking, however, they ride rough on the pavement. If you primarily drive this on the pavement I dont recommend it. Buyers should get a Honda CRV, Element, or Toyota Rav 4 instead of this gas hog!