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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  Be Careful, known stalling issue - 2013 Nissan Sentra
  By ramets5 - October 6 - 8:19 am

  The 2013 has a known stalling issue that the Corporation is having trouble solving. The Power steering and Power brakes go out when it stalls, which basically makes the car an Olympic Toboggan if it stalls. When I returned it to the Dealer, they begged the Corporate Office to give us a rental car while they tried to figure out the problem. Nissan Corporate would not call me back (even though the Dealer supported the claim completely). The car was in the garage for 9 days. Corporate kept telling me the claim was in "elevated status" and I would receive a call the next day. They never called, and the Dealer would not return the car due to the known Safety Issue. We got it back on day 10.

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  7 years and still going - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By mikeh - October 6 - 5:20 am

  Bought new in 02. Have had to put very little money in it even with 125000+ miles. Drove it like I stole it in NC Beaches, Western MD Snow, and torrential downpouring T storms. This thing can handle the abuse. Well worth the money and cant see trading it in anytime soon. CD Changer is temperamental, has some CDs hostage now, but overall I cant complain.

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  2007 altima fails to start - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By shirley - October 6 - 2:03 am

  I purchased my car brand new, I have very low kms. 7500 kms. 6 months after the car would not start, they put a new battery in and now another 5 months later the problem returned. The dealership says there is nothing wrong, but I even had to buy a portable booster to carry with me at all times. They refuse to fix the problem and tell me that its my fault that I dont drive it enough, even taking it out for over 20 minutes on the highway the car will not start the next day. I have had two other mechanics tell me that is is an electrical problem and to keep on taking it back to nissan to have it fixed. they will not do anything further, even though the warranty has over 1 more year.. not happy

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  Very reliable car - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Theron - October 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought it new and have always enjoyed it. I purchased it for economy and reliability and it has not disappointed me. These cars have very good trade-in value and are even good to keep as a commuter.

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  What a beast - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By DK - October 2 - 12:53 pm

  I bought this vehicle used after I wrecked my 99 4Runner and I have not regretted the purchase. It now has 107k and Ive really only had to replace the rear muffler because of rust (I had to replace other things but I was the cause of the other things I replace). It drives amazing and has plenty of power, well a lot more power then my 4Runner. I love to go offroading and this vehicle has aced everything that I have thrown at it. It rides comfortably on the highway and maintaining a certain speed is easy due to its potent v6 engine. Towing is easy though its only rated at 3500 lb for the 5 speed manual. I am hoping to keep this vehicle until it dies!!

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  2004 Maxima- OH NO - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Jan - October 2 - 3:43 am

  The worst turn radius ever imaginable, it turns like a bus. After hearing about its safety, I see why its equipped with so many air bags. Reports say that it has the worst safety rating in its class. My car was hit by a shopping cart in a parking lot and sustained unbelievable damage. A SHOPPING CART!! Its a comfortable, beautiful car. I cant get over the fact that it dents so easily, which is backed up by the safety rating, In an accident you are probably totalled out. For this reason after only 9000 miles, Im looking for another car. And the deal I received at Victory Nissan is a whole different story. Avoid them at all costs. BUYER BEWARE.I should have listened to others.

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  Nissan Armada a refreshing experience - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Orange Nutcutter - September 30 - 2:00 am

  The Nissan Armada is our second experience into the SUV market. It is fun to drive, handles well and is an eye catcher from other SUV drivers. The Armada does not have the clumsy feel that our last SUV had and corners better than the Yukon and Expedition we test drove. For the money, you get more quality and more room than the Armadas domestic competition.

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  What an SUV used to be - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Puts - September 30 - 2:00 am

  At one time an SUV was an on/off road vehicle. Now they are simply status symbols. If you are in the market for what an SUV was origonally intended for, then this is for you. It rides well on and off road. We added a tow package, Power Package, and a Sport Package all of which are a must. We never got the Electrochromic mirror which was not offered on the model we got. I think it is a must if you want to be off road and in the bush

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  Lovin it so far! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By bbfan97 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I use to own a Lexus GS 300 and the lease ran out so rather than purchase that car at $22k I looked into buying a new mid size car. Im sure glad I did because my new Maxima has greater acceleration and more front and rear leg room. I had bought my lexus new back in 1999 and remember had great I thought that car was fun to drive but this car will pin you to the seat if you hit the gas. I did have great luck from a quality stand point from my Lexus so Im extremely interested in how this Nissan will hold up. If it holds up over time I think I will have made a great decision. I will have also saved a ton of money.

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  Do your shopping well! - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By Happy Mom! - September 29 - 10:00 am

  We just purchased this vehicle 2 days ago. I am very pleased with it! Tons of features! Test drove just about all of them out there, this is best ride! Test drove Honda and Nissan back to back. Honda had too much road noise! For all the features we got with Nissan we would have paid $7000 more for Honda! Haggle on phone and e-mail. Less stressful! Good Luck!