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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  WOW... 2001 Nissan Xterra - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By jake - March 6 - 2:06 am

  I absolutely love my Xterra. It is comfy and stylish. I love how sporty it feels. I also love how well it is in the snow. (But then again when your used to a three quarter ton 99 ford ranger it doesnt take much to beat!)

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  Budget friendly to the Max - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By sdaigle - March 5 - 3:52 am

  The Versa is definitely geared towards people who shop for a car with their head rather than their heart. Its extremely practical and efficient, what economy cars generally aim to be. Its the cheapest car to buy in its class. Its near tops in fuel efficiency. Running costs are low. It offers a lot of room for its size. Overall, its a fantastic value. If you want something stylish, fun-to-drive, with loads of personality, the Versa will disappoint. Think economy car for middle-age folks. Its like driving a well-engineered appliance. It does its job well, but isnt inspiring and wont win over your heart. I recommend the Kia Rio or Chevy Sonic if thats where your priorities reside.

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  "Dont Watch the gas gauge is Right!" - 2012 Nissan Juke
  By speedboat2 - March 5 - 2:03 am

  Other reviews regarding poor gas mileage is what I found to be true. Fun car to drive, especially with the turbo that all models have, but gas mileage is bad. Alot of plastic parts inside that I can see not lasting the lie of the vehicle.

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  Nissan wont back their product - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By mikey - March 4 - 12:00 am

  I bought the truck used with 15K and it now has 53K. For relatively few miles there has been some real issues! -Constant squeaks in the suspension will never be corrected. -I had the common fuel sending unit go out at 49K miles. It should have been covered under the 60K 5 yr warranty but they denied the coverage and I am currently fighting with them -The paint quality is terrible. With little research I was able to find I am not the only one that has paint just randomly start bubbling and peeling with no chip or scratch even starting it! Nissan consumer affairs is totally unprofessional and untimely to be in coherts with. Very disappointing they cant stand behind their product.

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  Interior drama - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Keisha - March 1 - 8:23 pm

  I bought my car wanting something dependable and that I wouldnt have to mess much with since Im a single mother. But was I wrong in part. Interior of my car is really cheaply made. Took out extended warranty til its paid off too. Sun visors have broke, 2 of the drivers and one of the passengers which passengers was broke at dealership when I got the car. Now Nissan doesnt wanna replace anymore visors for my car even though I dont really even use them and my car still has a long way to go til the warranty is gone. Side mirror breaks easily someone broke ours in a parking lot. Tire sensor has been on at least 14 months of the 17 months owned it even though reset a million times!

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  My New 2005 Pathfinder - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By LM - March 1 - 1:56 pm

  Looks great, drives great, the price is great! Has lots of squeeks and rattles for a new car. Make sure you test drive with the radio off and listen carefully to squeaks (from seats) and rattles (from tires area).

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  Good Car w/Rip-off service - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By ganoi - March 1 - 2:00 am

  The 00 Max SE is a great car til 42K miles. The SES light came on w/stuttering effect. Dealer diag($100)& suggest:replace not 1 but ALL 6 ignition coils.Why not just 1? Nissan Tech(Vince Peterson): we cant pinpoint the specific coil. So we had all 6 coils replaced. Once done, Nissan called to say that coil #1 was it.Folks, dont get ripped-off by Nissan service. They can diagnose the problem to the specific coil.Also the service mgr. mentioned that Nissan Co. recommends changing all 6 ignition coils for this problem for 00 Maximas.I think this only points to poor quality product(ignition coil) that Nissan isnt admitting and doing nothing about.

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  Luv my Blue Xterra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By NCkimber - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Always loved the looks of the Xterra. Finally decided To get a Blue one for myself. Love the styling, Size, reliability. Didnt buy the 4X4 but it did great in this last ice/snow storm.

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  some problems - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Grannyat62 - March 1 - 2:00 am

  Have had some problems with the car. Have had it to not change gears twice. Had to turn off engine and restart. Will not start when it is below freezing outside. Rattle in the side sliding doors. When taking it to dealship we get the same ol "Cant fix if it is not broke" Once it starts all the problems go away.

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  Perfect - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By New_Murano_Owner - March 1 - 2:00 am

  * First of all I got a great deal on it. * This is one of the best vehicle Ive ever driven and it just takes regular gas unlike the Infiniti FX 35. Infiniti bundles a little bit of luxury into it, which I really dont or may not need. * Exterior styling, Interior comfort and its fun to drive. * Best buy for the buck.