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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  not all its cracked up to be - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By handymansson - January 23 - 5:13 pm

  Gas consumption not even close to sticker data!getting 15mpg city 19 mpg on road Transmission leaves much to be desired.other wise a very nice exterior style, clean lines inside.options were over priced

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  Everything I Expected For $17,000. - 2014 Nissan Sentra
  By roadtester1 - January 23 - 3:48 pm

  I purchased my Sentra SV on 12/30/2014. After reviewing several other compact cars including Chevy, Ford, Toyota and VW as well visiting various websites including Edmunds, Kelly Blue Book, IIHS - Insurance Institute for Hwy Safety and the Department of Transportation 1-4 star crash test ratings buying the Sentra was an easy decision. I watched several videos of both expert and not so expert reviews. Take all reviews with a grain of salt as everyone expects a vehicle priced under $20k to perform like a BMW or Benz. Lets be real about this.

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  Dependable - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Tommy - January 22 - 9:10 pm

  My wife and I like our 2002 Xterra. The first thing we did is replace the General tires with Goodyears. The engine could be stronger but it isnt terrible and it is super dependable. Ive had to replace a $100 part under the hood in the 3 years weve had it. The one thing I dont like is the cruise control. When I set the speed it takes too long to engage. If I set it for 70 and take my foot off the gas it slows down to 65 or lower and then takes too long to get back up to 70. Very frustrating especially to the guy I just passed. Overall, I like the vehicle and I would recommend it.

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  Disappointed with 2005 Maxima SE - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Bailey - January 22 - 4:53 am

  At 34,600 miles, my brake light and battery light began to blink intermittently. I took it to the Nissan dealer the next day and the service writer told me it was most likely a bad alternator. Four hours and $671.56 later the car was repaired. I did not buy the extended warranty so I paid for it in full. The next day I called Nissans customer service line to see if there were any recalls or if there was any way they could at least give me a break on the price of the alternator ($345.00). Of course, there were no recalls, and no, they would not reimburse me for the replacement cost of the faulty alternator. Sorry, Nissan, I will not purchase or recommend a Nissan product again.

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  Safe & Comfort - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Greatoz99 - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I like this SUV very dependable, the feel seem to me that Im safe while driving this Suv during any kind of weather. I dont thank that can be said about other Suv.

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  5 month update - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By newnissanbuyer - January 21 - 1:26 pm

  Had truck for 5 months. Now have 16,500 hard miles. Solid, some rattles from seatbelt buckle. Engine and trans are worth the price paid. Interior holding up pretty well even with 2 kids. Gas mileage fair, 15 mpg mixed driving - a best of 20, all hwy at 70 mph. Emergency handling surprisingly good. Should have rolled truck on rainy day when rearend broke loose on on-ramp. Truck stayed solid and easy to control.

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  1998 Nissan Altima - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By EAB - January 21 - 10:00 am

  For the type of car this is it is fun to drive and quite strong. Milage is somewhat dissapointing

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  Shes a trusted friend! - 1996 Nissan Sentra
  By cathionwhidbey - January 17 - 2:40 pm

  I have had my Sentra for 10 years and couldnt ask for a better car. In those 19 years we have replaced the normal stuff, brakes, tires, and the alternator twice. She had over 140,000 miles on her and I still get 32-33 miles per gallon. I bought a Hyundai Sonata 2 years ago and was only getting 22 miles to the gallon. The luxury was great but with the rise in gas I am back to my Sentra. I spiffed her out with bright red flames and she is feeling young again!! I can pay a lot more but couldnt ask for a car that has been more reliable and cost efficient.

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  A good buy for your money - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By Abbyt - January 17 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle has been great to me. Its very reliable, you wont get stuck with this one. Its fun to drive and definitely a great first car.

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  Nissan Frontier - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By Nayar - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Bought it new, now 80000 miles. Very reliable and reasonably comfortable for a truck. Handling not bad, winter driving excellent. I get about 21 miles to the gallon in mixed driving. Had trouble with the AC in the first year, got it fixed under warranty. One of the front wheel locking hubs has become hard to turn, but still works. Hope to keep it at least for another five years. It has the largest truck bed of any pick up - can haul a lot of stuff. Mine is four cylinder, five speed - not much power, but enough for most jobs.