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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  Drive train troubles - 2014 Nissan Pathfinder
  By retiredbill - April 30 - 9:55 pm

  Vehicle worked flawlessly till 7500 miles. At that time there was loud knock and vibration from trans area. Since then there is intermittent vibrations and shudders. Dealer 1st stated they can find nothing, then, this is normal. If normal, I think it should happen all the time. Dealer then stated it sounds like torque converter, but wont fix. Told factory rep would contact, but never did. Am afraid vehicle will let me sit. Would consider trading, but was told value is zip due to vehicle transmission reputation. Would love Nissan to step up to the plate ands repair / replace. Anyone listening?

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  Never again car build in Mexico! - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By TX - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I got it for my wife in September of 2001. Should have looked more around. 2 recalls, rattling dashboard - fixed, numerous complains about the A/C finally fixed, cannot close the window at 70 miles per hour because of whistling for the rest of the trip. Tires gone after 16000 miles. Very poor craftsmanship.

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  Never Buy Nissan Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Robert Harrison - April 26 - 12:30 am

  After approx.6,000 miles truck would shake at 50 mph. Dealer replaced all 4 tires and rims which helped. Very poor gas mileage(14/16) hwy and 10/12 city.

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  Car totally died at 16000 miles - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By NOnissan - April 20 - 9:56 am

  I leased this car brand new, at 16k it cost $1500+ to fix SLUDGE in the engine--warrantee did not cover. Then ALTERNATOR died, had to have the car towed TWICE, once i had to pay for a new battery because Nissan refused to look beyond a dead batter as cause for car dying on highway-- after SECOND tow, they replaced alternator which was covered by warantee. Battery, tows, were NOT covered. I will NEVER buy another Nissan!! Company has poor product, even worse customer service.

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  terrible car - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By sean - April 20 - 5:43 am

  DO NOT BUY NISSAN. This car has been a nightmare for me. I have had countless problems with the car. Manifold had to be replaced twice, O2 sensors replaced numerous times, fuel injector is faulty, spark plugs need constant attention, car shakes uncontrollably, nissan refuses to pay for any of this even though it is supposed to be covered under a parts warranty. car is around 94000 miles now and Im surprised its lasted even this long. Maximum speed on the highway is around 40 mph.

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  Enough Is Enough - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Had Enough - April 11 - 9:10 pm

  Had the car for about six months with less than 3000 miles. Car refused to start. Took it to the dealer who told me there was nothing wrong. Same thing happened the following week. My garage guy told me it was the brake switch and is a common problem with Nissan and there may be a recall. Nissan service department either didnt know or refused to admit there was a problem. They also told me the battery was low which was ridiculous after such a short time. Agrees with what others have said about battery drain. They replaced the switch and the battery. Im waiting to see what happens now. Bottom line is stay away. The electronic ignition stinks and the cars electronics drain the battery.

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  2004 nissan nxtgen - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By quest 04 - April 9 - 10:10 am

  seats are not comfortble. rattling in roof, rear windows when open. had to have front rotors turned to prevent ongoing vibration at my cost - should be nissans cost. front panel under engine fell off - not properly fastened. vehicle sold with outdated navigation system. had to purchase new version for $199.00 van is too long could be more compact

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  No bang for the buck - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By notverypleased - April 4 - 9:23 am

  I had very high expectations for the new Maxima that were not met. The ride is much too rough and the back seat room is absolutely terrible. I jumped the gun way too quick on this one. A little bit too sporty. It may as well have been a coupe. Im not knocking Nissan but I am knocking the Maxima. If I could make one recommendation to anyone, lease dont purchase.

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  radiator/transmission - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By cindy0710 - April 3 - 3:31 pm

  I, too, have experienced the faulty radiator leaking into the transmission and ruining it...I have 109000 miles so it is beyond the 80000 mile warranty and nissan wants thousands to fix it....acknowledging that the faulty radiator caused the problem, not wear, tear, etc.....so now they want me to pay the hefty bill for a new radiator and transmission for a defect in the automobile....Shame on Nissan for not recalling and fixing this problem

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  Problems with Vehicle - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Waterlogged - March 30 - 3:00 pm

  Bedliner bubbles, Water intrusion on passenger side interior after it rains which has caused entire interior MOLD issues, seats, carpet and more. Rain also causes doors to pour out water when opened. Rusting has appeared on front passenger tire as well as metal parts in the interior of the vehicle. Attempts to fix this have been unsuccessful.