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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  Great Buy - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By PeekoSanchez - November 21 - 6:03 pm

  I bought my Altima used at 37,000 miles in 2001 and its still going strong at 130,000, though its needed some major repair. Ive had to replace the alternator (at 75k), one CV axle and the other will need replacement soon, the switch for the power windows and locks, and the clutch a year ago. Those are the only $200 plus repairs done in 7 years though, which is a bargain compared to the repair work other models need in that amount of time. The interior doesnt hold up well however; the vents on the dash are popping up, a sun visor fell off while I was driving, and the speedometer sticks sometimes. The fabric is cheap and stains easy.

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  Armada - 2009 Nissan Armada
  By k9mark - November 21 - 12:17 pm

  I have owned two Armadas which I loved until the problems arrived. On both Armadas the metal lines for air conditioning for the rear area rusted through. Because it was caused by rust it was not covered by Nissan. Also on both Armadas the rear hatch window leaked. It took three weeks to figure out where it was leaking. The plastic molding for the interior was easy to scratch. On my 2009 with 40,000 miles the power steering hose split. The driver seat had a lot of flex while driving. The front disc brake rotors warped at 30,000 miles.

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  Great all-around car - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By MattRochesterNY - November 21 - 2:00 am

  I was looking to buy a 2003 Honda Accord/Toyota Camry, when I saw this car at a local dealership, gave it a spin, and ended up buying it. Its in great condition, paint is still beautiful. My gas mileage hasnt been phenominal, I do a lot of highway driving and expected around 33-34 mpg, but rarely break 30-31. Performance is ok. Road/wind noise is good, but not as quiet as the newer Accords/Camrys. Ride is also good, but again not as damped as newer competing vehicles. If the reliability is as good as the Edmunds ratings claim, Ill be very happy with it for the next few years.

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  Pretty happy - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By pordy - November 19 - 1:16 pm

  Very nice car for the money- lots of kit, room, fast, comfortable, reliable- few competitors with a 6-sp. I bought 2 years old and now 2 years later and 50K miles total it has needed nothing. Id certainly buy it again. However, early 00s werent good times for Nissan and there are signs of things done on the cheap- leather has been durable but feels like vinyl, solid rear suspension, chronic wind noise around rear windows (TSB witstanding), non-adjustable rear headrests, intrusive trunk hinges, limited-slip only optional (and the 1 option mine doesnt have save navigation which I wouldnt want- forces cd changer in to trunk), some cheap plastics around e-brake and center storage

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  Nice Drive - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By nakkers - November 19 - 12:10 pm

  Coming from 2010 Ford Escape xlt, fwd, 4 cyl, to a 2012 Rogue SV. The Rogues quality of materials feel much better than the Escape. Also drives more like a car and much quieter. In the past week, Ive put it through nearly 3000 kms. Im on the road a lot. I like the CVT when at highway speed and having to pass. Very smooth. It is a bit unusual when getting up to speed from the on-ramp but, I think its pretty easy to get used to. Feels planted and tracks well.

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  Good car - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By Kenny - November 18 - 5:30 pm

  Love the bluetooth and intellikey. Never have to take the key out of your pocket. Cell phone syncs automatically everytime enter car. The transmission is very smooth. A little noisy, but the radio takes care of that. And a little sluggish coming of the block. Major complaint is gas mileage. I drive very conservatively, and barely average 31-32 mixed. Too much plastic on overall build.

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  Versa - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By m33k0n - November 18 - 11:37 am

  Bought this car used from a dealership with 126,xxx on it, and I have driven at least 900km since. It is a lot of kms for a 4-year old car, but I heard Nissans will last forever it taken care of. I have no real complaints about the car. The engine makes a strange ticking noise whenever its accelerating, but Im assuming its the timing chain..Unless this is a problem. Good on fuel, get around 370km to a tank, I got 310 on my old VW Golf. The only complaints I really have is that there are rust spots on the hood of the car. The look like they are from bugs. I plan on removing the spots in the summer. Also, the check engine has come on and dealership keeps saying its the gas cap.

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  Sporty, Sporty and Fun! - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By jenny - November 17 - 4:50 pm

  I started shopping for a new vehicle the beginning of last year. Not one to make hasty decisions, I did my homework and finally settled on the XTerra months later. Man, am I happy I made the choice to buy this car!! The X is sporty, reliable and a blast to drive! I live on a dirt road that floods after rain and ruts out through the summer. The X rolls through both puddles and ditches without any problem. The ride is a little bumpy. Thats what you get when you buy an off road vehicle. My car easily holds all my supplies for work, play, and most importantly my 105 lb.dog.

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  Great car, but know your options - 2016 Nissan 370Z
  By uncle_ruckus - November 16 - 6:06 pm

  I wish Id done more research on this car before buying but.. Ride comfort and road noise is tolerable but dont be surprised if others complain about it. Unless youre pulling some Fast and Furious **** or tracking the car, the base model has ample power. This car is a serious looker and is a lot more uncommon than the new Mustangs, 5th gen Camaros or whatever other RWD 2 door sports coupe youre comparing it to. Just know that there are other options present/will be present, especially at similar and lower prices. The new Mustang has been out for a bit, the 6th gen Camaro is coming, there are rumors of a new Genesis Coupe and Dodge Challenger as well as a new 370z in the next few years.

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  Xterra 4X4 - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By Myxterra4x4 - November 16 - 10:00 am

  The nissan Xterra is a good truck. The only thing I dont like about it is the gas. It uses alot of gas but over all the Xterra is a cool truck to have. i love mine and if somthing happen to it i would probley get another one