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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  2004 Altima 2.5L SL - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Bugeye - November 15 - 12:16 am

  After 150,000 miles, this car still runs and rides like new. The 2.5 L, 4 sp automatic has plenty of pep and delivers an average of 27 mpg for this daily commuter. The ride is smooth and handling is above average. There is plenty of head and leg room front and back, the seats are comfortable, and the Bose sound system is fantastic. Maintenance has been minimal, replacing the front right wheel bearing at 90,000 (extended warranty work) and the crankshaft position sensor at 102,000 ($120 parts and labor). I replaced the upper motor mount and idler pulley at 135K in 1 hour for less than $100. The road noise is the only thing that I can say bad about this car. This car has given us great service.

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  Reliable Car - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Peggy - November 14 - 11:10 pm

  Ive had this Maxima for almost ten years and have replaced the MAF, an O2 sensor, front axle, and three out of six ignition coils. The coils are easy to replace on your own (especially coils 2, 4, and 6) Anything thats ever broken on it didnt leave me stranded on the road! Overall, this is the most reliable car Ive ever owned. Its still quiet as a mouse and rides great. It still gets terrific gas mileage and I run it on 89 octane.

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  Pleased but a few minor problems - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Chris - November 14 - 5:16 pm

  My wife needed a new car so after much searching we decided on the Rogue. It is a fine car for her and she really loves it. We have had many people stop us and ask about the car and everybody seems to have some interest in it. I really tested it 2 days later is 9" of wet and heavy snow and it exceded my expectations for sure. We have had our ignition keyswitch lock on us about 4 times and I had to rock the vehicle back and forth and shake the wheel to get it to release, since using the e-brake before parking it seems to take the pressure off of it. A grocery cart even at slow speeds will do damage to the plastic way to easily because of no bumpers. The rearview has a blind spot be careful.

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  Great so far - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Newby Nissan - November 14 - 4:00 pm

  I have only had my Frontier for a few weeks but by far it is a great improvement over my 2005 F150. Had tranny problems with that at 15,000 miles. Got tired of fighting it and traded off. This is faster, drives better and gets way better mileage then F150. great value. Toyota was way out of line on price and a dog compared to this Frontier.

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  "Doesnt get no respect" - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Carloskid - November 13 - 4:33 pm

  This is my second Murano. I love it. I just drove 900 miles form S.C to Long Island, NY and got just about 25 mpg. I always get about 22/23 around home on our flat roads. I can get two fullsize bikes in the back of my Murano with the seats folded. No rack needed. I just use movers blankets for protection.

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  2016 Rogue SL AWD - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Sundar - November 13 - 1:33 am

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  Perfect Upgrade - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By drumbob - November 12 - 10:06 pm

  Went from a 2001 Nissan Frontier SE DR to the 2005 CC Nismo. Its a great ride and my gas mileage is better. Even though its a Nismo Off Road it still rides better than my old 2001. Plenty of power if I need it. Can take it on a road trip and really enjoy the ride. Dont plan on much off roading but it may help here in the mountains in the winter.

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  Couldnt be happier! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Heather12 - November 12 - 4:00 pm

  My husband and I originally shopped the Altima Coupe, but eventually let practicality win the day, and went with the sedan. We havent regretted it for a moment. I have always been a die-hard American girl, and hated sedans with a passion. Until this car. With the exception of rear visibility being a little difficult, I dont even know I am driving a sedan. The handling of this car is amazing, and the CVT is my new best friend. The 3.5 SL has everything we looked for in other cars, and then some, and you cant beat the price. It has more power than I will ever need, and makes driving this car a joy. The IntelliKey system, with the push-button start, is pure genius!

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  Great Car - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By george - November 11 - 12:53 pm

  The car feels heavy and solid,and is as fast as a rocket. The sound system is amazing. The design inside and out is exciting and practical. This car is worth the money. Gas mileage is around 26 per gallon. The dashboard is layed out well. Braking is also very good. This is a car that is built to last. Built in the USA.

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  Not children friendly. - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Not child friendly - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Overall great car with some costly quirks in the design. Superb engine and great style to go with. Riding comfort is excellent. Needs some maintenance though. Some design goof ups include giving children access to some fragile things.