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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  Great Choice for Comfort and Economy - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By EJJE - November 4 - 9:00 pm

  I have had my Sentra for over a year now. The new Sentra design is much better than the previous models. This is really a French Car with Renault roots. Built for ride quality, comfort and quiet traveling. Also inside it is as big as a mid size car although the outside looks very compact. I enjoyed several trips in this car and I do not miss having a bigger mid size car at all. CVT tranny takes a little getting use to and car will drift a little on very windy days due to the height of the car. Everyone interested in a compact car should drive a Sentra for sure!

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  Solid Reliable and a great value - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By k374 - November 2 - 8:06 am

  Ive owned my 04 for 4 years now. Just got done with a 1500 mile trip to Lake Tahoe and not a single problem, fuel economy average was 26.95 mpg!!! Its true that it lacks power but just use the lower gears and you will be just fine! I have towed 2000 lbs regularly without issues. As far as reliability goes, it is GOLD, I havent had a single problem so far. In the last 4 years and 55,000 miles I only had a flat tire once!! For the money you cant get anything better in the entry level compact truck segment.

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  Armada - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Hvy Dee - November 1 - 4:03 pm

  I had a 03 expedition and it had numerous problems. I traded for the Beast about one year ago. I am very happy I did, the beast is fun to drive and pulls a 7800# boat much better. Over all I feel it is a better vehicle.

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  Needs to Improve comfort for Americans ! - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By captmark - October 31 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my Frontier about a week ago. Its a nice truck on the outside! I didnt realize that its not too big inside,when I was looking at it. I am 60 and have long legs, if my seat is back far, then no one can sit in the back of me. Also, the arm rest is very short! Theres not enough compartments in the interior for stuff,not even a coin holder~! I had to buy one at Pepboys. I have to buy accessories in Auto stores to improve the comfort in this vehicle. American vehicles are made for owners to feel comfortable. I guess I am spoiled from my old American 1996 Chevy Blazer LT that was loaded to the Max!

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  OK but still not a Honda - 2001 Nissan Quest
  By dlass10 - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Performance only marginal. Good around town, bad through hilly/ mountain areas on the highway. Driver side window has problem going up/down. Radio display goes in/out at times. Comfortable seating. With 45,000 miles, van has been very reliable. Some squeeks..side and rear windows???

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  xterra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By nickker - October 31 - 10:00 am

  great ride....lots of get up and go...good quality construction

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  the 2002 altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By hazel - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is the first brand new car that I bought. I really liked it at first until problems started coming up. when it was about 7 months old, it had to be towed due to crank sensor problems.while just a year old, car at times wont accelerate despite pressing down gas pedal all the way --- now in dealer to check problem. steering wheel used to shimy, transmission gets stuck at times, too.

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  Its all about the VQ - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By braddock - October 31 - 10:00 am

  This is a sexy car, with an awesome rear end, but only mediocre from the front. The engine is the velvety smooth 3.5 VQ V-6. It has hustle to spare, and will out perform similiar vehicles in its category. The ride on the SE is very firm, and most road imperfections are felt. It handles very nice, and is comodeous inside. The skyview is cool, but no moonroof.

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  Fun while it lasted - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Zidanet2 - October 30 - 9:46 am

  My 1999 Nissan Altima was a very nice car. Ii had some work done to it, like a full ground effects kit, a cold air intake, and some subs and new speakers, beside the tranny giving out on me at 55,000 miles and battery dying at 62,000 miles it was a fun, reliable car to drive. It had the power to smoke Honda Civics and Acoords and a lot of other 4 door middle grade sedns. It was a safe car as well, I totaled it after hiting a guardrail doing 75 mph and it kept togther very well. It was definitely repairable, but my insurance company just totaled it because it experienced some frame damage. I reccommend this car to any one who wants a car they can trust and have fun with at the same time.

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  Transmission Issues... - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Mayra - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I to have a 2005 Pathfinder and like the other reviews on this site, I have had the same problems. The transmission is slipping and I just had to have a major repair with the coolant and fliud mixing together. There were no signs of this and suddenly while driving on the highway my car overheated. I also have the vibration of the car at certain speeds. Its awful that Nissan will not admit to the issue and resolve it. I have been telling Nissan (Meadowlands) about the vibrations since I purchased the vehicle and they just think its me. My mechanic indicated that he has never seen this happen. He couldnt believe that there were no warning signs either.