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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  Shimmy in Wheel, warped rotots, etc.! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By dlevrph - September 29 - 8:40 am

  This review will change your mind about the Maxima. My mother & I both have the exact same 04 SE & we both have had the exact same problems. Bad shaking in the steering wheel at higher speeds, warped rotors that re-warp after being cut (more shaking), cupped tires & alignment problems. Both cars now have 15 & 18K mi, respectively, and its unbelievable how similar our problems are. Many alignments, balanced tires, replaced rotors, cupped tires & the problems just come right back. Dealer has not been helpful, thinks we are crazy. My cupped tires, warped rotors & wheel vibration started at 3K miles & remain today after many "fixes," I am fed up & ready to trade in! No other issues!

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  Great Year for the Nissan Frontier: 2004 - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Karen - September 29 - 8:00 am

  You wont get 50 mpg with this truck. It is, after all, a truck. I got 14-15 mpg combined gas mile p/gallon with a fully loaded bed (1000 lbs.)!!! (a homemade camper lives on the bed). Otherwise, about 18-20 mpg. I bought this truck used about 4 years ago. It is 12-years-old now. I put in a new battery, and a set of great tires. I do the scheduled maintenance. Thats it! It always starts, always runs. No issues. Reliable. Solid.

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  Disappointing Quality - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By SRK - September 29 - 5:00 am

  I researched this purchase extensively and the Pathfinder won out over several competitors. One of the reasons was I had some quality issues on my prior Explorer and felt the Nissan would be superior in quality. Unfortunately, this has not been the case. I have had numerous problems, though all are small. In 10k miles the dash has developed a squeak that cannot be located. The RR power window does not work. The domelights work intermitantly, and the LF door speaker buzzes even when the radio is off. In 3 trips to the dealer only the domelight is fixed. The power window and speaker parts have been on backorder for 4 months. I like the truck but cannot recommend it.

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  Sporty and reliable - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By aposak - September 29 - 2:13 am

  Daily driver for 10 years now. 190k, original engine and transmission. Still looks good, performs well, and still fun to drive. 4 doors means extra utility and lower insurance. The 4-cyl from this era have major engine problems... go with the V6.

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  2005 Nissan Frontier King Cab LE - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Grenadar - September 29 - 1:23 am

  Our new Frontier LE is an absolute joy to drive. The powerful engine is incredible, yet the ride is quite comfortable around town or on the freeway. The interior is extremely well thought-out, with compartments everwhere and with (mostly) well- placed controls for the driver. The seats are comfortably supportive. The factory bedliner with Utili-track system is extremely versatile for carrying almost anything and the locking tailgate latches nicely with no concious thought required (unlike my brothers Ford Ranger). Ive only had it a month so I cannot comment on reliability yet. I am only getting 22 mpg on freeway trips, but at least it can use regular gas without a problem. Looks nice, too.

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  Love the Rogue! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Jill - September 29 - 12:30 am

  I dumped a 2004 Audi A4 that had given me constant trouble. I still wanted something fun to drive that got great gas mileage but not so pricey or high maintenance. Did a lot of research and chose the Rogue. I drive 18-20k miles a year and need something reliable and comfortable. Having owned a Camry, Maxima and A4, this my favorite. Excellent gas mileage (25-31 mpg), fun to drive, comfortable, and looks great. I was concerned about the CVT after constant problems with the Audi CVT but so far it has been fine. For a small SUV its unbelievable how much it holds. I tailgate at football games and am able to fit the whole setup, luggage, and 3 passengers comfortably on 6 hour road trips. Love it!

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  My Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Astonbanker - September 28 - 9:36 pm

  I bought my Murano in November 2004 and have loved everything about it ever since (except the mileage) I get about 17 to 18 mpg but for an SUV that is pretty good. I love the style, the ride and the looks it gets from others.

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  another great SUV - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Brad - September 28 - 11:20 am

  Just two weeks off the lot, I took 5 passengers (2 kids) up the grapevine to the CA central valley. My MPG? 20.2! Noticeable drops in crowded fwys, but still between 16.6 and 17.4! My old 98 Pathfinder ranged between 13 and 15 putting out just 168 horses. 06 is not as agile as the previous unibody design, but more than fair trade for more power, more efficiency, more flexibility, more luxury, more safety, and more seating. Right before I bought, I test-drove the Pilot and was underwhelmed -- it wasnt even a better drive than my 98. Its leather interior looked like old Buick vinyl and its sunroof would better suit the Civic. My first right turn in the Pathfinder was all I needed.

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  Maxima Fan - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By bankerman - September 28 - 4:33 am

  We have driven this vehicle in all types of weather conditions from 9 degrees to 109 degrees (no exaggeration). It is the third Maxima weve owned. Each one seems to improve over the last. It is comfortable, good looking, and instruments are convenient. CVT is a great thing!

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  Safety - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Joan Blumena - September 28 - 1:13 am

  I was in a car crash in 2007 with another type of vehicle. I was very concerned about replacing my vehicle. I had to have a safe vehicle with airbags and a proven safety record. My Versa met every requirement that I needed and believe me I spent many hours reading reviews and also looking at all types of vehicles. The Versa had everything I needed and was at a great price. The dealership that I bought from was friendly and they were very patient with me, answered all my questions and realized how much safety was important to me. I love my vehicle and have recommended the Versa to others without hesitation.