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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  Worst car in this size - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By ROBER - February 13 - 10:00 am

  In two years 5 problems, the roof leaking, solenoid, valve, airbags, battery, window and two problem with solutions. Mechanical service, Maroone of Miami is the worst thing in this matter. The final point is new car with to many problems, whats next

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  Superior interior room to competition - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Louie - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought this Versa last year in order to visit my grandson about 6 hours away. It has performed very well and reliably. It has 22k miles with only one service call for check engine which was just a sensor. My Versa is an S with a hatchback, 1.8L engine, automatic, power windows, ABS and cruise control. I am so glad that it has these options as it has made this car so comfortable over the long haul.

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  Brakes or noise - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Alene Hill - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive taken this car back to Nissan 5 times because when I apply brakes theres a grinding noise even after the rotors have been checked and new brake pads have been installed after I got a second opinion this noise still occurs Im afraid that if this continues to happen a worst problem will occur Ive driven enough cars to know that is not normal, but Im being told by the sales people and the service manager that this is no problem. Im a senior citizen and I feel that Ive been sold a lemon and that I will have to deal with it for 72 months the length of my contract. Per auto check this car has been in an accident. I need to know the Truth about.

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  Nice, but... - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By NWO - February 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my 6th Sentra. 1. Who is dummy at Nissan who allowed Driver Visor to hit mirror? And no extension! Can cause accidents. 2. Extreme glare on window from dash. 3. Gold color radio and digital fuel readout very annoying. Pls switch bank to analog. 4. Temp gauge not correct. 5. Weak acceleration on slightest uphill, especially when entering on-ramp to freeway. 6. Dont be fooled by post "plants". 7. Cheesy speakers (vibrate to much). 8. No lock on glove box - what? (probabaly same design dummy at Nissan). 9. Very load interior noise (this is why dealership has heat or air on full blast so U cant hear road noise). 10. Drives nice, though, and look nice too.

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  Nissan of Old - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By JasonIL - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Car is awesome, reminds me of the quality of nissan of old. Car rocks, its solid, FAST, and feels like it was built well. This is my 5th new Nissan, and its the best one Ive had. Im really hoping these first impression of quality is lasting..

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  Dissatisfied Customer - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Dissatisfied Custome - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Purchased 09 Altima last December. We havent owned the car one yr and the engine began to knock like a diesel. Took car in for servicing by dealer and informed it needed a new engine. After much scrutiny by NISSAN, warranty covered the engine replacement. Had the car back for 2 days, engine wouldnt turn over. Radio, lights, windows would work, but car would not start. Replaced battery at my own expense, still happening. Just wishing we had the Chevy Trailblazer back, and rid of this nightmare.

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  Dependable, but... - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By badgerone5 - February 13 - 2:19 am

  cant understand how the frame could deteriorate so badly that it is virtually undrivable now. For a car that is 17 years old, I expected more--even if we are in the north. Have had the vehicle for about 2.5 years, and it has been dependable for our daughter, driving to and from college (some 400 miles away), generally requiring just regular maintenance overall. But, the car is virtually junk now because of the frame--with only 126,500 miles on it. Very disappointed. Other issues: a check engine light comes on often (oxygen sensor?), and it has a lot of rust. But the frame is the main issue. If purchasing vehicle used, have a pre-purchase check--especially the frame.

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  No Regrets - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Good choice - February 12 - 6:40 pm

  It has been 3 months and 3 thousand miles since my purchase. The car rides smooth and quiet. I test drove a 4 and it had enough power but I was willing to sacrifice some mpg for a very quiet 6. Im noise sensitive. Getting 24 mpg suburban driving, highway 28-29 with a ton of get up and go! Bose sound system is fabulous with the quiet engine. Interior feels very spacious. Dash not cluttered. Controls nicely positioned. Nice leg space. Trunk offers plenty of suitcase and stuff space. Good sight lines through rear window when backing up. The transmission is very smooth, quiet, and easy to get used to. No need for a stick shift.

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  So Far, Super Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By KYBruce - February 12 - 6:06 pm

  We found this on ebay. Had 45k on it and paid $9900. Can get over 30MPG on hwy. Bose 6CD sounds great. My wife likes the light emerald green color. Leather htd seats are very comfortable. Have always owned Hondas, and this is first Nissan, and so far impressed. The engine is smooth and seems more like 6 cyl. Only negative is this car should have std ABS and side airbags (which ours does not) Would certainly recommend!

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  My first new car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Monique - February 12 - 6:56 am

  My 2005 Nissan Altima is my first new car. Prior to this I had a used Honda Accord. I was looking for a car that was comparable and I exceeded my goal. This is a great car to drive.