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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  It does exactly what I need it to do. - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By thepatriot - January 12 - 7:50 am

  I purchased this truck new about a year and a half ago. I have driven it nearly 17,000 miles in that time. There are a few complaints, but mostly good comments to make. This truck does exactly what I need it to do. The engine is powerful enough to accommodate standard needs, and still gets decent, for its class, MPG. The 4WD system and HDC all work smoothly, and the brakes certainly get the job done. The one negative I have overall is the transmission. Its not horrible, but on long trips through mountain passes you will notice it can be a bit of a gear hunter unless you try and tame it down by taking OD off. If you do that, it is much smoother, but revs higher and it will reduce your MPG.

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  Poor craftmanship - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Neil W - January 10 - 7:30 pm

  I purchased my vehicle in 4/2004 and I must say, I was quite happy with the performance of the vehicle. In terms of driveability,The car handles corners very well, overtaking was never a problem performance I would say was superb But I had a few problems with my vehicle and the list are as follows. At around 300 miles I encountered my first problem with my right front strut. It began leaking fluid.The front rotors was warp.The strut was replaced and the rotor resurfaced. At around 4500 miles I noticed waterleaking into the terior from the sun roof. The front drivers doors and passengers would touch if the driverss door opened simultaneously with the passenger door.

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  trooper - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By rubyrad - January 8 - 7:26 pm

  I own a 2006 model and I get an average of 32 mpg. I drive this car everywhere: Mexico, camping, OFF-ROAD, alot of highway/freeway driving, go to the snow resorts, put my dirtbike in the back of the seat/trunk (when open). So far this car has over 150,000 miles and runs perfect! not a single problem. I always change the oil and air filter (and maintain the car clean). Im sure my little trooper will last over 200,000 miles. =D

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  stolen lights and grill - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By sharie - January 6 - 10:00 am

  This is my third XLE, and I just learned that the 2003 headlight were mounted or designed to be easily taken. I learned this after it happened to me. I have 4,000 miles on the car. It is at the car dealer being repaired. There is over 3,200 worth of damage, I am hesitate to take it when it is finished. As, the police told me, they know where you live and will be back,this car is always being hit on. The lights just pop out. I check with the dealer who confirmed this, Nisson has not recalled them or come up with a anti theft devise. I feel like a sitting duck. If anyone knows how to avoid having the lights taken, please tell me. Thank You, Sharon

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  The wifes truck - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By 1200BANDIT - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a Murano but the "dealer" wouldnt deal. This truck was on the lot for over 6 months and was a deal. The wife loved it so at 14k less than a Murano, bought it. With 600 miles on the odom, we took it out west on a 4800 mile trip w/cycle and stuff in back. Under 65 averaged 18-20mpg. Over 65 lookout. Very comfortable on the two 800 mile days. Great on highway and had a ball with the quasi offroad trips. Lots of comments from many people. This is our 6th Nissan(3 Maximas, 2 Altimas). 520,000 miles and no complaints.

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  holds up well during accident - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By ellablue - January 6 - 10:00 am

  I love my Xterra! Unfortuntly i was in a major accident in my Xterra that resulted in $12,000 worth of damage. If not for my Xterra i would have been badly injured or even worse. Instead i am very lucky to have walked away with only a broken arm. So you can have the peace of mind knowing that your Xterra will hold up very well in a accident. The air bags deployed as the should have and remember to always wear your seat belt it could save your life.

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  Old Faithful - 1999 Nissan Sentra
  By NATE - January 5 - 1:00 pm

  Aside from being extreme;y reliable (although the timing belt broke at about 110k miles) I feel extra safe in it. I was involved in 4 accidents in this car and it still goes like a pro. Now, 126k miles later-my car still runs like a new pro..

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  tough truck - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By coucoui6 - January 3 - 11:13 pm

  I really like my suv, no way near top ten by todays standards but considering that this is 95, its great. The truck is very capable for offroading and towing use (within limitation). Dont tow something that out weights the truck... big safety issue. But as for offroad climbing, its very fun. My Pathy is pretty stock and I can climb most moderate level trails in socal area. I only have LSD and not lockers.

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  Peppy and Fun - 2013 Nissan Juke
  By Rich Arthur - January 3 - 9:47 pm

  Love my Juke for its pep and maneuverability. The turbo has great pick up and the traction is great for a small car in the snow. If I had to improve on anything it would be the lack of s center console for storage and the climate control. Always too hot or cold and the defroster is not the greatest. Overall, its a fun ride!

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  Not as good as youd think - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Tombo123 - January 3 - 3:13 pm

  Wind noise, streaking wipers, creaking/binding sounds, headlight misalignment, right rear seat continually falls forward even though its locked, air entering passenger compartment from somewhere up front, left front door handle had to be replaced as FOB signal failed, poor AM radio reception. Only item dealership repaired satisfactorily was the door handle. Averaging 14 mpg yet I travel on hwys 80% of the time. Our Altima was far superior MPG wise. CVT grinds between 30 & 40 mph.