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:

• 

  Fun and Fast - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Big E - August 15 - 11:33 am

  I have added an injen cold air intake which boosted my horsepower to 252 and my gas mileage up 4 mpg. Although Ive had some problems with my CD player overall its a great truck!

• 

  Happy with the Versa - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Jason - August 15 - 12:03 am

  I bought the car new in July of this year. Am happy with it to date. I dont know about the 1.6, but I find the 1.8 has more than enough power. I do a lot of highway mileage, and the car never has any problem reaching highway speeds. Fuel consumption is Ok... I guess thats the price you pay for having a car with more power and that is slightly larger than the competition. Due to the cars height and its low weight it tends to get blown around a little on windy days, but again I suppose that is to be expected. I think the interior space is exceptional. My father has a Pathfinder and it has nowhere near the interior room that the Versa has. Overall a nice little car, I would buy another!

• 

  Build Quality OK...Great Vehicle!! - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Tiny Tunerz - August 14 - 9:06 pm

  My experience so far with the 2005 Nissan Quest S has been very positive. I have just over 20,000 miles and I am very happy with the Quest. There have been a few build quality annoyances like inoperable cd player and the drivers side manual sliding door was tough to open. The engine is strong and smooth; its a great cruising vehicle. Lots of great standard features like power rear hatch and passenger sliding door. Cavernous interior.

• 

  Good SUV - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Sean - August 14 - 3:46 am

  I bought this used at 68K and currently have 135K on it. It runs well and Ive had no major issues. Everything I have fixed I would consider it maintenance with most being done after 100K. Starter, alternator, water pump, timing belt, brakes, shocks, struts, tires, exhaust. Has a "tick" in the engine at colder temps but goes away. The brakes are "grabby" but it could be the calipers going.

• 

  Nissan Needs to brush up on fit & finish - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Nayeem - August 13 - 6:20 am

  At 4200 miles lost the transmission actuator. Could not put it to reverse. At Park vehicle could move freely with ignition off. Had it towed to dealer. NISSAN Corporate was POOR in pleasing the customer.

• 

  2001 Nissa Altima - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Robbie - August 13 - 1:00 am

  I purchased this car 2 years ago and I actually like it a lot. I do not speed excessively, my tire pressure is where it should be and its recently been serviced, in town I get 14 mpg at best. I might have sold it, but its been reliable for the most part.

• 

  2009 370Z Touring - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By G.D. Monhollen - August 12 - 3:46 am

  The car looks great and is fun to drive. The ride is a little tight, which is to be expected with the sport suspension. With the seven speed automatic transmission, the shifts are at the correct rpm and the engine idles at highway speed. The high school teens drool at the sight of the new "Z" car. I hope to keep this car for a long time...

• 

  Dont Judge a Book by its Cover - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By JTB - August 11 - 11:03 pm

  Love to drive this SUV. Responsive and good looking however it has become the most unreliable vehicle that I have ever owned. Bearing froze on idler pully causing it to fail, fly apart and damange engine components. Then transfer case for 4WD failed. Two tows in two consecutive months all with 22,000 miles. Add to this the air duct design flaw of being too close to the engine therefore always blowing warm air through the vehicle even when outside temperatures are 70 degrees. Also, when car has more than two people in it the ride feels as if there are no shock absorbors. Even with these deficiencies, I have recommended the car to others.

• 

  Annoying whining sound - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By myaltima15 - August 11 - 9:39 pm

  I recently purchased a 2015 Nissan Altima after my 2012 Altima was declared a total loss. A few days after my purchase I started to hear a loud whining sound when walking to my car after using the remote engine start. This noise is so loud that I am even embarassed to use the remote engine start or drive it in my parking garage at work. I took it in to a Nissan dealer and they stated that its normal. This is what gives you that extra gas mileage. But honestly, I would much rather loose the gas mileage and drive a quiet car. This is pretty ridiculous. Not a happy camper!!

• 

  Great truck - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Brandyn - August 11 - 5:53 pm

  In 07 my grandma bought our XT used. Unfortunately, my grandma passed away in December of 07 and she left me the vehicle. I got my license 2 months ago and I absolutely love my XT, except that the check engine light comes on at random times and the front piece is faded pretty bad. I feel very lucky to get to start out my driving experience with this vehicle and I would recommend it to anyone.