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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  Transmission Issues - 2014 Nissan Pathfinder
  By sancarlos1 - May 4 - 8:16 pm

  Like many posters here, were having serious issues with our Nissan Pathfinder transmission. At low RPMs the entire car shakes. Weve had it in for service several times. The issue has yet to be resolved. There are less than 10K miles on the car.

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  Love My New Altima Hybrid - 2011 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By davepw - May 4 - 1:15 pm

  This car is exactly what I was looking for -- great mileage, exceptional styling, sporty/fun to drive, reliable, excellent value.

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  o4 elite - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By 04max elite - May 4 - 9:56 am

  i have the radiant amber/brunt orange elite pak all eyes on me a better ride than bmw,lex,benz the can move when needed i had a 1990 max it could run also so i wanted to see what this one was all about its tiiiiiigggghhht

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  What a snow car - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By bohunk49 - May 4 - 9:08 am

  As a retired professional truck driver I have drive numerous cars and trucks over the years, but never on that has handled as well in the snow. With 5 men and their luggage we went over the mountain pass when chains or all wheel drive were required. No problem with power or traction. We passed everything on the road. We saw at least a dozen 4 wheel drive vehicles and 18 wheelers in the ditch. It cut through the deep heavy slush without a problem. Its too crowded in the back seat with 3 adults. but 2 adults and a child would be ok.

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  Bang for our buck - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By rtyard2000 - May 4 - 5:50 am

  I always knew this car was a performer. I have only owned domestic vehicles my whole life because I knew how to work on them with ease. I decided to make a change and try out a foreign vehicle. The Maxima was my first choice. I have not regretted buying this car and have enjoyed everyday commuting in it. It is comfortable with leather seats, fun to drive with a 222 hp engine and sport suspension, and classy enough to drive into any yuppified area of town. This car is a vehicle of all traits and will prove it upon any dare presented. If you need a car that does it all with a budget in mind, this one is for you.

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  Engine Knock! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Manny Garcia - May 4 - 3:26 am

  Purchased the car the summer of 2007 everything was fine until 3000 miles. I noticed a faint knock coming from the engine bay so I took it to the dealer for a check. The service adviser told me that I was using the wrong oil filter, not! Second visit they told me it was a heat shield, not! Finally, I got them to admit the knock is from inside the engine and got some inside info as well. They told me that engine parts are from different vendors so quality varies from part to part? The engine knock was from a piston slap in the block and that most 2.5l suffer from it, right around the first oil change and on. Nissan is aware of the issue but claims that there is no excessive damage so SOL..?

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  I have mixed feelings about this car. - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By gelo7 - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I had put 17,000 miles on this car,it has 67,000 miles on it so far. Problems: 1)Nissan Ignition Immobilizer system failed(car would not start)($ 140) 2)Fake interior wood trim started to deteriorate due to ultraviolet radiation from the Sun($ 235 online). 3)Rough idle,I will probably have to replace ALL the six fuel injectors which cost about $800. My parents own a 99 Suzuki Esteem and a 99 Honda Accord EX V6 for more than two years and NEVER had a single problem with them,thats what I call reliability.(The Honda Accord needs no major maintenance until 100,000 miles).

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  New Armada Replaced My Suburban - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By New Armada Driver - May 4 - 2:00 am

  After 3 Chevrolet Suburbans I was not actively shopping for another type of vehicle. The Armada became it when we saw the legroom in the second row and better styling inside. Its a lot nicer then the Suburban that has a clunky, utilitarian style.

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  dads rocket - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By nimmer - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Look at it ! Father of two now, and proud to fly in and out of mall, grocery, or home depot... dont care Im driving the quest!

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  The Best Quest! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By D. Brewer - May 4 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Quest and we couldnt be happier. The center console is very convenient and there is room for everything! We love the DVD with cordless headphones, and it handles like a dream! The dual power doors are perfect for families on the go and the remote door open function is priceless! We are very happy with our new Quest and wouldnt trade it for anything. Did I mention the neat bag to keep the headrests in if you have to take them off for your car seat to fit properly? Or the grocery bag hooks? Pure genious!