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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  What a great SUV! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Don P - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Im extremely impressed with the SUV and LOVE driving it. The Armada drives much smaller than it is and is surpisingly maneuverable in tight situations/ downtown. Auto folding mirrors would be a nice touch for narrow garages however. The engine and drive train is phenomenal. The transmission is smooth and there is a lot of power... Im surpised that its only rated at 305hp... seems like more. The ride is a bit stiff but will soften over time. I have not experience any of the resonance issues.. perhaps this is not a problem with more recent builds. This is an excellent vehicle for people with kids/ dogs and the like.

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  Some quirks... - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Pat D. - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Fabulous engine. I never have to shift out of 6th even on NY17 or hilly Taconic to Albany. Great gas mileage considering the motor size. I get 32- 33mpg on the highway all the time. Only like 24-25 in city tho.Base radio sucks unless you unhook the really cheap 6.5" sub on the rear deck, which introduces more distortion than bass. Trust me, its able to play louder and clearer without it hooked up. Shifter is really notchy, and clutch is very long throw. Ride is also very harsh, and already im hearing rattles throughout the cabin. Seats are great and supportive.

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  Great mid-life transition car! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By CD - September 22 - 12:23 pm

  I have owned 4 mini-vans over the past 17 years which I liked a lot. They served the family well for trips, hauling stuff, etc. I wanted a sporty, fun-to-drive car that handled well, had some zip, was sharp looking, but could also carry a load if need be. My Rogue is it! The 4-cylinder engine has plenty of power and is surprisingly quiet. The ride is a tad stiff, but the steering is tight and seats very comfortable. Took it on a 1200 mile trip and didnt get sore bottoms. With the back seats folded down, it can hold a lot. It lets you sit up (like a van), but drives like a sports car. Love the CVT - avoids constant downshifting. Takes getting used to. Been getting 26-27 mpg. Fun.

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  They Dont Make em Like They Used To! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Fetts - September 21 - 11:03 pm

  I bought this truck 4 years ago new with all the options. Interior/exterior is good and the engine is surprisingly fast (60,000 miles). I passed on the MBZ ML back in 05 and wish I hadnt. The engine light has come on serveral times, each time costing me around $300-$400. The drivers side window consistently pops out of the slide and leaves the truck unprotected. The rear windows stopped rolling up/down and the truck randomly locks when the keys are inside. There has been a rattle in the dash from the start, and the rear shocks went out at 50,000 miles. Worst of all, the dealer just told me the timing chain tension is bad and needs replacement. Cost? $4,000. Huh, time to sell.

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  Time bomb after 36K miles warranty expired - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By ddobluis - September 21 - 7:46 pm

  This is my second Nissan. First one was a 98 Pathfinder that had 210,000 miles. That was very reliable and no major issues. This one had power steering fluid hose leak at 45K miles ($400). At 60K, an electronic board limited my power to almost none. When I pressed on gas, the car would go very slow. ($450). Battery drained too fast and on my 4th. ($90 a pop) Visor would just fall on its own ($400 bucks for a visor at the dealer??? come on). Two leaks, one from engine oil, one from transmission. ($850). Engine oxygen sensor failed (($450). Now, my drive train feels very rough and certainly doesnt feel as smooth as before). Im scared to go to the dealer and see what they find.

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  Expensive Rattle Trap - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Big Mistake - September 20 - 6:40 am

  If you want to pay top dollar for a car that sounds like it is falling apart almost as soon as you drive it off of the lot then, by all means, buy a Nissan Altima. Dealing with Nissans inept and rude service network is a free bonus. Otherwise youre much better off buying a Honda or a Toyota. The Altima is a really nice car that is hampered by bad engineering and shoddy workmanship. Purchased 7/09 and Ive had to take it in for warranty service way too many times for a car that has only 7500 miles. The cars misc. annoying problems are too numerous to list here.

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  Good car! - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Garnermike - September 19 - 8:43 pm

  So roomy for a "sub-compact" car! Very smooth quiet drive. Lots of get-up-and go off the line, but the engine and CVT tell you they are exerting themselves (a little too much growl). MPG hwy has not topped 32; but the city mpg (28) is better than the EPA estimate for the car. For an entry-level car with a relatively tall profile, body roll on turns is not objectionable.

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  some issues with 2003 model - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Andrew Lustig - September 19 - 2:40 pm

  I had this car for 3-1/2 years - just sold it today. Loved it for the first two years, but the following bothered me: 1. airbag light kept malfunctioning. 2. front tire problems, which the dealership was supposed to inform me of, but didnt. 3. tires kept losing pressure for no apparent reason (separate from #2). 4. fuel line/filter recall. 5. No Visibility to sides and back of vehicle.

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  24000 miles on mine - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Tbob007 - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I love this car like a child but like any child it has its problems. Front tires replaced under warranty TWICE for the alignment/tire wear problem. New tranny at 21,000 miles, dealership said it was preventative. Okey dokey. Brake squeek (they might have finally fixed it after 3rd try). Power window switch broken. AC compressor busted. etc. . .etc. Trying to sell it. Low, low resale value (all these problems maybe?)

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  Need Better fuel and more Rear Room - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By TMAC - September 19 - 10:00 am

  Great Ride, except that it needs better fuel economy and more rear room. But for the amount of power youre getting the fuel is i guess OK. But definitely more room in the back.