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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  Cube is pain relief - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Phyllis - November 26 - 8:03 am

  I have arthritis in multiple joints and have been suffering from hip pain for a year. I started looking for a car that was the right height and fit, because I realized that my Van was causing the hip pain. I was looking at Yahoo when I saw the Cube ad, so I checked it out on line first. I went to see the Cube and test drove it; I left with the one I test drove. I have had my Cube since July and I am having no more hip pain at all. Not only is it easy to get in and out of it is comfortable to sit in and drive. It handles beautifully and my brother who is large like me fit nicely in the back seat. I use a seated walker and it fits in the back easily. I am very glad I bought my Cube

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  1999 Maxima GLE - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Mike - November 26 - 7:10 am

  Have had no issues with this car. Routine maintenance only. Has lots of pep, fun to drive. Has all options available on 1999 models. Moon roof. 85K miles. Very reliable.

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  First 4000 miles - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Bob - November 25 - 4:13 pm

  Took over 10 months to make final decision, finally convinced myself to go back to a truck (had a Volvo sedan for the last 4 years, big mistake). Even though only in my first 4k miles, this purchase turned out to be a smart move. Lots of power, room, storage and style. Fun to drive and so far, no real complaints. Great truck!

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  Transmission gave away at 378 miles! - 2015 Nissan Armada
  By Matts Mathews - November 25 - 11:16 am

  After two months of research, i decided to go purchase a new Armada SV to avoid the troubles that come with a used one. Everything was fine until recently & i even loved the driving experience- it even gave me 13 mpg in city as stated in their manifesto ,havent driven it long enough to comment on on Highway mpg . However just 2 weeks of ownership and 378 miles, the transmission gave away at a stop sign near a small bridge and the vehicle started rolling backwards. I barely managed to drive it back home,On further inspection the transmission fluid leaked all over the place, still dont know what the exact problem is but its most likely the transmission. Unfortunately this happened on a Saturday evening, hence no support or on call. I have to wait until Monday to report this issue to the dealership, and will update this review on how it goes after that. Either ways, this was not expected from a new Armada- which is supposed to be a rock solid vehicle. Disappointing!!!

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  Repairs a Nightmare - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Carol - November 25 - 7:42 am

  I have had this car for going on 9 years, I have had to change the struts, CV Boots leaked, the transmission blew up (TWICE), (Thank God It was still under warranty) The drivers side window motor doesnt work and I cant afford to have it replaced yet. Because the Dealers are too damn expensive. The front head lamp lenses are too foggy (AGAIN Too expensive to replace). There were at least two other major problems on this SUV, I cant remember what they were right now., But Yes, I will truly look at other makes and models next time I go looking for another car. Everything interior was mostly good, however, the mechanics of the vehicle have NOT been reliable to me. It has cost me too much to have, and I will be looking other places for sure!

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  nissan sucks - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By bill7638737 - November 25 - 3:16 am

  this van stinks

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  driving 2007 VERSA - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By lili - November 25 - 2:10 am

  fantastic, drives like a dream, sturdy noise free, sophisticated, could use arm rest shoulder and back seats pockets as a standard bonus.

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  Great vs. Competitors - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By AA - November 24 - 9:40 pm

  I bought this car simply because it was cheaper and a heck of a lot funner to drive than a Civic. It has not dissapointed. I have over 60K on it and it is still running like new. No major repairs at all. The only problem I have had is my front rotors warp very easily. Im going to keep it well maintained and expect over 200,000K from it. The gas milage is acceptable, would probably be better if it didnt turn almost 3500 rpm at 75 mph. All in all, a blast to drive, looks great and holds up well --- Id buy another.

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  Quality needs improv - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By New Buyer - November 24 - 3:10 pm

  I just bought Pathfinder 11/8/05 and love it. but last night (11/30/05) the right back tire was flat in the local street there is a very clean street and I couldnt find any cut from the flat tire. I called the dealer and was informed "no warranty for the tire" I am so mad this is only 3 weeks and 480 mile in this brand new car. How is this quality?

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  Nissan comes through again. - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Joseph Mansueto - November 24 - 1:20 pm

  I am very happy with this car. Cant get over the power. Constatly feel like Im driving a V6. Very smooth in town a little noisy on the freeway. The gas mileage has been pretty good, 25mpg in town, as high as 30mpg on the freeway. Beats Accord and Camry hands down for looks. Great buy for the bucks. By the way the Special Edition package is worth every penny.