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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  Owning my Nissan Sentra Se R - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By loraine boney - November 24 - 10:33 am

  I bought my car brand new in 2002. Oil changes were done every 5,000 miles. I did have some trouble with the way the alternator was wired, and also trouble with a sensor. The car would not move when stepping on the gas, even while driving. The emission control needed replaced, but was just under an 8 yr. warranty. I drove the car until 2010 and my daughter drives it now.

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  Great SUV with Great Gas Mileage - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Beth and Kevin - November 24 - 8:00 am

  We absolutely love this vehicle. We live in WV and we are getting 25.4 mpg. Since we do have hills in WV the mpg for an AWD is great plus the functionality of the SUV. When driving our 4 cylinders in the past going up hill you could always hear them kick down to pull. When we purchased this we couldnt wait to see what would happen. You literally can not hear the transmission at all. The CVT is so quiet and unbelievable. We looked at Honda, Toyota, Kia and Hyundai. For us they just did not have the styling, still square and not sleek like the Rogue.

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  Love my new TITAN - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By 05titanse - November 24 - 3:20 am

  Just got this truck the end of last week with 36,000 miles on it , love great truck had 01 frontier with 202,000 miles on traded for titan love so far other then the MPG not use to that yet after drive v6 for the longest time, the RSS (rear sonar system) seems to have a flaw/ bad sencer in or in or somthing the dealer is gonna fix it only issue i see on it , hope to get the miles out this one like my frontier

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  The only one for me - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By bmesc - November 23 - 5:10 am

  Im a guy who has to drive a minivan. To be honest, I didnt even look at or consider any other minivan. Nissan is the only one that had any kind of style. I did wait until the 07 models due to the previous quality and design issues. Weve had it 5 months and we have not had any problems. It looks great, rides smooth, the interior has a clean, modern feel and it handles exceptionally well for such a big van. Everything is in reach and works as advertised. The red chili seats look great with the gray exterior and trim and they look unlike any other minivan. My only problem is getting the kids out of the van, they like it so much!

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  New Wheels! - 2015 Nissan Sentra
  By Kathy Caissie - November 22 - 9:10 pm

  This is a great car. My very first brand new car and I love it. I purchased at Commonwealth Motors in Lawrence and the sales team is great - would highly recommend to anyone!

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  Lights out - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By mark skipper - November 22 - 7:26 am

  Have been pretty pleased with this truck. Dealer fixed brake problems early on. One thing though is that many times at night when I turn on the right hand turn signal the lights go off. This has scared the crap out of me as driving at high speeds at night and the lights go out when I turn on the right hand signal and a few times when I go from dims to bright. Anyone else experience this? Always in a panic to turn them back on.

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  Worst automobile I have ever owned - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Keith S - November 22 - 5:40 am

  Based on the other reviews, we must have gotten a lemon. All within 50,000 miles: lost starter, engine shift assembly, front seat motor shorted out, transmission problems, catalytic converter failure and others. Have owned Hondas and Toyota and have NEVER had the idiotic problems I have with this car. Overall, a money pit, almost $3500 worth. PLus, Nissan does not stand behind product. When starter went out at 37,000 miles, Nissan claimed "that is just normal wear and tear." My 11 year old Honda still has original starter. Will never buy Nissan again.

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  This is my 3rd Nissan and Im done. - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By CD - November 22 - 3:26 am

  My last 3 cars have been brand new Nissans and each one has been progressively worse as far as maintenance. Trade-in value is horrible and they are over-priced.

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  Proud Nissan Owner - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Mrs. Arciola - November 22 - 2:50 am

  Outstanding performance. This vehicle spoils the driver. I received a number of compliments at the gas station and feel like a salesman showing it off. I have owned (6) Nissan Maximas since 1987 and 1 Nissan Murano. Nissan is a quality build vehicle and very reliable. The reliability and styles of Nissan keeps your attention.

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  Disappointed and filled with regret - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Jonathan - November 21 - 6:43 pm

  I get upset every time I hear about the toyota accelerator recall. I honestly feel that the way this car performs in the snow, slush, sleet, ice and even rain is more dangerous than any accelerator problem. Im from the midwest, and I grew up driving in the snow. Ive never had a car perform so poorly and feel so dangerous as this one. Even on roads with a dusting of snow, you can feel the sentra fishtailing and moving all over the road. There are many ways around an accelerator problem, but there is no way to keep this car under control except for slowing down to a crawl. Nissan has a real issue here. If I had the decision to make again, no way I would have bought the sentra.