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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  Odometer - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By RAJESHKUMAR - April 14 - 10:00 am

  I had 100k warranty, my odometer went down at 85,000 mile and seat heater also Nissan did not stand for this, my seat heater and odometer still not work, I will never buy any Nissan car any more, it is not only me but many of Nissan quest owner are complaining about odometer this must be an recall

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  Good commuter car, Faulty Head Gasket - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By Idaho Commuter - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Used as as commuter car, it has done really pretty well until the head gasket issue hit us. Nissan should have recalled these vehicles since it is a known defect. It sure seems like every 2005 Sentra WILL eventually have to have the head gasket repaired at $1000+ ($1200 in our region). Shame on Nissan. It has performed admirably other than this major issue. Nice mileage (Avg 36 mpg), and a work horse for us commuting long distances. With the defective head gasket on these cars, we cannot recommend them. We feel our loyalty to Nissan is forever damaged since they have shown no loyalty back to us by not recalling a known major issue. Buyer beware if the head gasket has not been replaced!

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  Defects on Nissan Rogues - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Kathy Swanger - April 13 - 8:01 am

  I have a 2008 Rogue. Have had for five years. Having acceleration problems. After driving on hwy..then stop at a stop sign..will not go. Very scary!!!! If you put a bad part on a car...they should fix it..no matter what! It had to do with the CVT Transmission

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  Absolute rattlebox- dont buy! - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By zookeeper711 - April 10 - 8:02 pm

  I traded in a 4Runner for my Murano just over a year ago and wish I hadnt! It didnt take long for the Murano to develop rattles. Seems like as soon as I figure out one rattle, another one starts. It has a very rough ride and it makes the rattles that much worse. The car does look nice and has some nice features, but those are the only positive things I can say about it. I was hoping for great gas mileage, but it has been a big disappointment. I get 19-20 mpg on the highway. My husband recently purchased a 2004 4Runner with a V6 for himself and so far, it gets better gas mileage, has a much smoother ride and has way more room. Do not buy a 2006 model!

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  The Enthusiasm has worn off.. - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By nicoletheo81 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I was ecstatic when I first drove away in my 350Z! A year later I doubt the long-term quality of this sports car. I was tempted to trade it in, but the dealership I bought it from offered me $26,000 for a car that was worth $34,000 when I signed. Not a smooth ride, the tires are loud, the warning light system is not reliable, & the engine makes a constant clicking sound. Have you ever heard the phrase "Death Trap"? Just thought Id ask.. $40 to fill up the tank isnt helping either w/ gas prices on the rise. All in all I still enjoy the look of the 350Z but will not be interested in buying out the car at the end of the lease or leasing a new one.

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  Can we say Buyers Remorse - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By regrets1 - April 2 - 9:48 pm

  I owned a 2011 Versa Hatchback that was stolen out of my driveway so I decided to look at the Versa Sedan. I wish I hadnt. I ended up buying a 2012 Versa Sedan SV mainly for the gas mileage. This car does indeed have a cheap interior and doesnt even have clothes hooks in the back seat. The CVT transmission is almost impossible to get used to. The vehicle is bland and dont believe what others say. It is not fun to drive.

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  2nd MAXIMA...LAST MAXIMA - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By 2ndMAX..LastMAX - April 2 - 10:00 am

  This car has been problems from the time it was about 3 months old until now. I have had the car in the shop 7 times now in 9 months. Bose radio was replaced, hood shakes when going highway speeds, electrical problems, and it has also died on me 4 times in the last 2 weeks. Dealership cant fix several of the problems.

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  bad transmission & endless recalls - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By THEPILGRIMS - April 1 - 12:16 pm

  My car has less than 30000 miles and the transmission already has to be replaced. My rotors had to be turned already and dont get a remote starter to the tune of 549.00 for this really bad car. Im trading this thing in next week. Whats it gonna be like at 40000 miles?? If I get one more recall I will scream!!

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  Would not reccomment another Nissan - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Prof - March 29 - 12:16 pm

  I bought the Nissan altima 02 new and had planned o drive for at least 10 yrs. In the beginning it had recalls every other 3 mths. Every thing was ok since I made sure I took it in for every service the manufacturer recommended. This was until it go to 95,000 miles. It could not start in the mornings and the dealer said I had to replace the head gasket ($1500). This is after they replaced the body throttle 2 weeks before ($600). 3 mths later it just loses power while driving on the highway. I took it to the Nissan dealer 3 times ad they could not figure the problem out. I drove it to 3 mechanics who could not fix the problem. I had to buy another car. I do not recommend Nissan car to anyone. That engine?

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  old blue - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By thedmk55 - March 27 - 4:16 am

  Its was a good car but there is better out there. replaced it with new 2011 civic lx.