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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  Dangerous in snow and rain - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Manu - February 1 - 9:10 pm

  I own 06 Altima and drove 15000 miles. This vehicle is too dangerous to drive in snow and icy conditions.My car is came with out an ABS. I do not know how much improvement you get with ABS. Car slips crazy even at low levels of snow and icy. I am trying get rid off this car for my safety. In dry conditions the car is ok.

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  nothing but problems. - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By shotgun1496 - January 31 - 7:19 am

  bought this car from carmax. the stereo skips non stop, had to change the starter three times, dash lights went out, had to have the ignition switch replaced twice. hard to start the car, often time you have to shut the engine off and back on, because the car just wont go above 20, steering is difficult, and im 6ft so the car isnt the most roomy, the riding comfort is the only good thing. overall bad car.

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  Uncomfortable Road Trip - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By LMCC - January 30 - 1:53 am

  I purchased this vehicle 11/08. I have owned 3 other Nissan vehicles and I have enjoyed driving them. The 2009 Murano has been a huge disappointment. I recently took this vehicle on a 6 hour road trip and I was actually in pain when I arrived at my destination. The drivers seat is rock hard and has very little leg and back support. If you have leg and back problems, please think twice before purchasing this vehicle.

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  Want my 02 SE back - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By wild8willy - January 26 - 3:29 pm

  Had and 02SE that was totalled. Just replaced it with this car. CVT is horrible, sluggish and noisey. Bose radio is rotten compared to my 02. On the positive side, interior materials are great. Care feels heavey and bolated to drive. Steering is numb. Tailpipes are uneven and one stick out further than the other. Trunk is crooked one side is rubbing the bumperskin. There are burrs around the lip of the wheel wells. There is a paint defect in the middle of the roof that looks like Nissan painted over a 2 inch worm. I can not wait to get rid of the car and it has a little over 300 miles on it.

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  falling apart at 80K mi - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By John - January 23 - 10:40 pm

  The car was more or less fine till it got close to 80K mi. The car never came close to the sticker mi/gl - 23 mi/gl at best. After warranty ended (at 36K) - I replaced MAF, rear brake caliper, alternator, battery, all ignition coils, 1 O2 sensor, 2 sets of tires. Ive been battling with check engine light for two months now... $800 later its still on. Dealership replaces one part after another with no end in sight. Now dealership wants $2,000 more to replace both catalytic converters, refuses to do it under emission warranty. I called Nissan Corp.- they dont want to help either. So much for customer service and loyalty. Oh well, last Nissan that my family will ever buy!

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  Problem with timing chain - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By nikmol - January 23 - 6:08 am

  I have had a whining noise from the engine when accelerate. When to the Nissan dealer today to ask about it, and it could be the wheels that the timing chain is running (bad bearing or something like that). It would cost around $1800 to fix it. Even if I have an extended warranty, it wont cover it, since it is wear parts. So this seems to be a common problem then. Should I car with only 70k mileage have to change the timing chain and belonging parts. I think there should be a recall about this. [non-permissible content removed.]

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  So far no good! - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By dancetec121 - January 21 - 3:23 am

  This car was up on a flat bed after only 34 miles! not liking this car much. the computer needed to be replaced all ready! so far i cant wait for the lease on this thing is up. steer clear! check out the new 2010 Mazda 3 loved the hatch back very fun to drive.

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  Not happy - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By NOT HAPPY - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Nice truck but the dash vents awful! I cant get comfortable in this thing! You cant get the air off your face makes eys burn! ! Also when driving on highway and getting to a town you have to turn up fan speed to stay cool! Temperatures are not consistent ! Also on my old Chevy you can blend air between top vents and floor! The Nissan is very limited with what you can do with the ac system !

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  Continued problems - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By doug - January 16 - 8:23 am

  Have had elec problems since 2nd week. Nissan has tried 4 timed to fix(3 under guidance of factory rep). Still has intell key problems(wont unlock,wont start).Have asked Nissan to replace with good one. Been 1 week no reply.Real shame; we like the car but can no longer deal with the elec problems. Never know when it will not let us in or if it will start when we want to go.Wish we never bought it.

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  Difference of Opinion - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By HXed - January 12 - 10:00 am

  Contrary to many of the reviews, my 2001 Nissan Maxima was not that good. I had it for about 4 months before I began to experience suspension problems. So, I contacted Corporate Nissan. Basically they slapped me in the face and denied any responsibility - so I filed for arbitration with a third party. In addition, Nissan does not thoroughly stand behind its products and craftsmanship from their mechanics. I will never own a Nissan and neither will anyone I know. I am going to go back to Acura/Honda were service and quality are of a higher priority than just selling a car to make money.