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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  Cant wait to get rid of this nightmare! - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By doppelv - April 1 - 8:13 pm

  I purchased my 2005 Sentra SE back in 2008, and the best decision I made was to get an extended warranty. Things break on this car that just shouldnt for the age and miles. My head gasket went out at 38K, my motor mounts all went out at 82K. Ive had sensors randomly fail, causing the car to stall on the highway. Overall, Im at the point where Im just expecting it to break again at any time. If I could afford a new car, this thing would be gone in a heartbeat. Its a money pit, pure and simple, and the nightmare doesnt appear to be ending any time soon.

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  Over Rated Murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By mikesmurano - March 25 - 4:00 am

  This will we the last Nissan product I ever buy. The Murano is the most over rated car I have ever owned. For the price I payed, I am disgusted with the quality of the car. I care for it well and its still falling apart! I should have bought a Chevy Tahoe! 1. Failed CVT $6200. 2. Failed door solenoids $450. 3. Leakey sunroof. 4. Bose CD player failed. 5. Power seats have back lash in gear drive. 6. Cup holder arms broke with little pressure. 7. Failed CATYLITIC converter & O2 sensors $1050. 8. Valve cover PCV system clogged $450. 9. Oil leaks & coolant leaks. All of this and I change the oil every 3000 miles. I am a mechanical engineer and check every thing weekly.

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  2013 Altima SV - Nothing but problems - not recommended - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By altima13sv - March 17 - 4:38 am

  Car seemed like a good value with a good mix of features vs. price when purchased. However, ran into many problems in the first 7,500 miles. There was noise coming from the passanger tires. Constant rattling from the center cosole where the CS player is located. It was made of very cheap plastic and would get louder in hot weather. The sunroof would rattle. Had it replaced once but turned out to be the frame of the car above the drivers head that shook loose from car body. Probably a bit dangerous when I think back. I found the seats to be extremely uncomfortable and had back and leg pain. Replaced with Honda Accord and there is a huge quality difference! no problems after 10K miles

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  Nissan Sentra 2010 - no recomendation at all - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By auersperg - March 12 - 4:50 pm

  This is the worse car I ever had. Extremely high fuel consumption. Average more than 12 liters per 100 km. Mostly driving 2 persons, no speeding or excessive braking, 60% city 40% highways. Both dealer and Nissan refused to do anything with it, they say it is normal. My opinion official data about fuel consumption are out by 2 litres at least. Cheap material used everywhere, no space at rear seats. My recommendation - try to avoid this car. Bad dealers and Nissan support, they are just trying to catch you. I was driving many cars, did well over 1.5 mil. km but this is the lemon No.1.

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  After 5000 miles already trading it in - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Apollo_X - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving SUVs before they were called SUVs and this is the absolute worst one Ive owned. Bought it brand new and even after 2 test drives, it seemed well enough, but once we got it into traffic, the total lack of driver side leg room proved to be a huge challenge just to find a remotely comfortable pedal to steering wheel position. This, along with the poor pick up is just too much for me and my wife to keep the vehicle. Also, the day after we bought the truck, the speedometer/odometer stopped working. Took two months and three trips to the dealership to get fixed. Total disappointment since we really want to like the truck.

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  this car sucks - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Greg Terterian - March 3 - 10:00 am

  Had major problems with both side sliding doors. Too much noise (took the car to the dealer 5 times) and the noise is still there... it just get worst... Door closes itself, while peope are trying to enter to the vehicle. Door stays half open while you are closing and than you have to open manually. Both, front passanger and driver seats are the most unconfortable seats in the world... try to put your head to the headrest...

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  early death of transmission - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By n.c. - March 2 - 12:36 pm

  I bought a 2006 Nissan Maxima in 2008 with low miles from a dealership. By the time it hit 72,000 miles, the transmission was jerking. I called the dealer who said the warranty was up, so they could not help me. What? R U kidding? Ive had two Maximas a 1998 and a 1999 that performed well over 200k miles. I called headquarters who told me to get a diagnosis from Nissan service only which costs $130. Service rep said I need another tranny which would cost $3,000s . thats for a rebuilt transmission. Waiting for headquarters to take action.

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  Same Problems - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By 818 latina - February 17 - 9:00 am

  I have had this car for the past 5 years and its been very expensive. The same problems over and over again. The transmission gave up, the Ac doesnt work, timing belt has to be replaced. I am a teacher and Im broke. I have to drive 40 miles every day hoping this car doesnt break on me. I replaced the transmission already but now there is another noise. I need a refund on this car. It is not good quality and its leaving a lot of us broke during these hard times.

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  Frustrated and Disappointed - 2013 Nissan Rogue
  By ann8023 - February 16 - 12:55 am

  I purchased a new 2013 Rogue in May 2013. Last week, the malfunction light came on in the car. After experiencing difficulty accelerating while driving in town, I took the car to the nearest Nissan dealer. Eventually, it was determined that I needed a new transmission. The car had less than 5,000 miles! It has been 8 days and the car is still being repaired. I will never purchase another Nissan again. Clearly, there was a defect in the manufacturing process.

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  2 years old and already major repairs. - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By tjleck - February 11 - 8:44 am

  The CVT poses major safety concerns. My car lost power on the freeway in heavy traffic slowing to less than 20mile per hour. My car is 2 years old and just over the power train warranty of 60k. I was told it would be 3k to replace the transmission. This reminds me of the old lemons of the 80s when quality was at all time lows. This is the last Nissan Ill ever own.