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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  Very Disappointed - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By cindy - February 4 - 3:50 am

  I bought this car brand new and it did great until I hit the 4th year and then everything fell apart on it. I have had to replace both sensors $400.00 then the transmission went that was another $4000.00, six months later the tranny mounts. and the engine mounts. and the Alt. another $900.00, I really love this car as far as style, gas mileage, but everything else, forget it. I had always bought American cars and always had problems so I thought I would buy a Nissan and I wouldnt have to worry, I will never buy another Nissan again, and by the way none of these items were covered.

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  Not sure........ - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Driving School Guy - February 3 - 9:10 pm

  I bought this car to teach driving. Its a sharp car! Looks great inside and out. ROOMY car! The students love the car. My concern is I have had it in more times than any other car I ever had. I had wind noise coming from the front side windows. This was fixed by resealing them. A fuel sensor went. I went in for a oil change and had a signal light change. They did not have the light bulb in stock. They had to go to the Dodge dealer...3 hours to do an oil change and change a light bulb. For the average consumer, I think these are minor details. I already have 18,000 kms and when my car is down, I am losing money.

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  Not too bad - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Karl - February 3 - 7:43 am

  Ive had my SE-R for a year and half now and have had good luck, it has 57,000 miles on it and havent had any serious problems. Good power for its size, decent gas mileage (better than my 2002 Civic Si or 2001 Z24). Front end looks great, rear end not so great. It is comfortable, I have taken many 4+ hour trips in it and have been comfortable. Surprisingly good in the snow. Assuming it holds up another 60,000 miles, I would buy another Nissan.

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  Cant stop it! - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Brian - February 2 - 10:00 am

  My Pathfinder had over 220ks on it when I bought it and it had 280k on it when I got rid of it and it doesnt owe me a penny. I had it for 3 years and it never let me down. I only had one problem and it was tricky to solve as my mechanic raised his arms and said he couldnt figure it out. (after charging me $135.00). It would start sporadically every 10 to 15 cranks. My genius brother-in law told me to raise the hood and try tuning the key. Voila! it started no problem. Turns out it was a faulty relay switch; cost me $35.00 to fix. Overall I loved having a 4x4 in the harsh Canadian winter. (Drove a dirt road to work with lots of snow-drifts.) Not a luxury ride but competent.

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  All-Around Great Truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Jerry - January 31 - 4:43 pm

  So far Ive been extremely happy with my 07 Frontier. Quiet ride, zippy performance, fairly comfortable driving position. Have had only one recurring problem...malfunctioning tire pressure sensor. It was finally fixed after the third visit to the dealer. Owned a comparable Tacoma before this truck. I like my Nissan far better.

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  Best first car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Hailey - January 31 - 9:38 am

  I got this car the day I turned 16 with 119,000 miles on it. before purchasing the only thing I know was done was the head gasket was fixed. since then we have got new breaks! it sounds like I need new spark plugs due to the car shifting weird and freaking out when going up hills. other than that I wouldnt want another first car! I think as long as you maintain it well and dont go drifting and speed racing then this car is perfect. I have had the car for more than 1 year and it now has 123,000 miles on it and still loving it.

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  My Favorite So Far - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Brian - January 31 - 9:23 am

  I bought this car from the original owner in 2006 with 150k on the clock. He claimed the only two issues he ever had were the ignition switch failing and one of the rear wheel bearing going out in all that time. I have had some issues with it during my ownership, but all have been minor and/or typical for the chassis/engine in question, or partially because of my own screw ups or aftermarket modifications. One disconcerting problem is that my driver door has advanced rust on the inside at the bottom. Gas mileage was pretty respectable for the power, but has fallen recently, probably due to an AIC issue I likely caused, and a need of an 02 sensor due to age.

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  Electrical Problems - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Sue - January 29 - 2:43 pm

  Im still happy I bought this car...I think. Ill be taking it in for the forth time to replace the ignition switch, and have the rear window defroster repaired.

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  First Nissan 4X4 - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Fronty - January 29 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this truck in June 2003. I have put almost 9000 miles on it since then. I have had no problems at all. The gas mileage was poor to start, but a K&N filter changed that. (17-21)(15- 17 before)HWY. The Rockford Fosgate system isnt all what its cracked up to be. The factory stereo in my 02 Trailblazer sounds better. Overall I am pleased with the performance and ride.

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  1999 Nissan Sentra GXE - 1999 Nissan Sentra
  By John Aviero - January 29 - 1:20 am

  I bought this car with 65000 miles on it. I put 30000 miles on it so far. It runs well, no problems so far. Gas mileage is good. This car is very reliable, I would recommend it to anyone who wants a cheap and reliable car.