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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  2013 Juke full of sludge/metal in oil pan - 2013 Nissan Juke
  By Lisa Darrow - April 26 - 8:30 pm

  Took 2013 Juke, purchased new, with 42,000 miles to Courtesy Nissan in Richardson, TX in September 2015 because the engine light came on and experienced diminished performance. The dealership examined the car and reported the oil pan was full of sludge and metal. Upon initial findings the dealership claimed the factory warranty and extended warranty were in effect. Later the dealership wanted a signed statement that I would cover costs of the engine tear down ($3,000 ) if further examination determined that a factory defect not was the cause of the sludge build up. I would then need to replace the engine at a cost of $12,000 plus. The dealership did not report of an sludge or metal when I had the oil changed 5 months earlier. The car has been maintained with regular oil changes. No sensor alerted me of a low oil condition until the engine light came on in September. It is disappointing that a 2 year old car with only 42,000 miles doesnt live up to the Nissan reputation. Thought I was purchasing a quality car.

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  Id rather chew glass then buy another Rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By applesanni - April 7 - 3:31 pm

  I bought February 2009 brand new, April I already started the CVT problems...the noise NOONE could here BUT me...1000 miles and I had the trans replaced, August 2009 AGAIN the trans had to be replaced, then we have the love Tire Press Light that no matter how much I fill my tires it never went off...again it was ME who was crazy. I just hit 40,000 miles and so far 2 Trans,4 Brand New Tires for $1k,front brakes $400, rear brakes another $400...n now my remote key stopped working, the "fixed both the key and spare....still not working, bluetooth never worked either! Thank god I claimed the Lemon Law or Id really be unhappy!!!! Save your $$$$$$$ nothing but a headache!!!!

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  NEVER AGAIN. - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By hasman69 - March 28 - 1:53 pm

  From what I have been reading, I have been lucky cause I havent had this many problems but all in all if I had to do it again, I wouldnt. Bought it new in July of 2006, I wanted the Honda but wifey liked the Nissan and since its primarily her car I went with it, mistake right there. I do admit I like the roominess of it but thats where it stops. We have only had 49000 miles on it in 6 1/2 years but so far nothing major but its the little things. First of all, its not very quiet, its made cheap from the inside, yes our vents fall off too. The rear sliding door started making noise while driving and dealer kept lubricating but nothing.

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  Xterra nightmare - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By Lisa Gardner - March 26 - 1:54 am

  Have already had to replace the ABS system and its only 7-8 year old car with 80000 miles m. Also has been stalling and they cant figure out the problem and a lot of break noise and loud sounds when over bumps, not a smooth ride. Very unhappy with the Xterra.

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  dont buy nissan - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By dontbuynissan - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Donot buy nissans new cars in their first year. i have this car for about an year now. 4 months later things start to fall apart in this. first the middle arm rest broke, then the leather covering around the shifter came off. after that the clutch started to make a squeaky sound. this has been a horrible experience for me both with the dealership and the car. also last week the shift knob came into my hand when i was changing gears and almost crashed my car.

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  Frontier Foe - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By JML - March 21 - 10:00 am

  The Frontier burns way too much gas. The gas milage is very poor. I suggest you tak this into account before buying this truck. The gas alone equals my car note every month. Also the ride is very rough and the BF Godrich tires that come stock on the truck wear prematurely and they cost 150.00 each to replace.

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  Not So Good - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Dean Jones - March 15 - 4:40 am

  The transmission was replaced at 10,000 miles. At 17,000 miles the seal on the new transmission had to be replaced. Yesterday I was driving and the transmission would not shift out of second gear. Yes the overdrive was off and the transmission was not in low. Thats the same thing it did before the first transmission was replaced. The rear sliding passanger door rattles. It has been repaired three times. The back of the drivers seat fell off. And the A/C works poorly. Im hoping to lemon law this thing.

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  WILL NEVER BUY NISSAN AGAIN - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By melissa34 - March 9 - 6:06 am

  Bought this car in 06. I bought it with 33K miles on it. Its now at 115K miles. 4 months after my brakes failed. I called the dealership that sold it to me and they told me theres nothing they can do. It did run well for a while. Its now sitting because nobody can figure out whats wrong with it. I was told that I need to replace my piston rings cuz they are shot. My spark plugs keep fouling out so then the car wont start. It might run for a week if Im lucky with new plugs in it, but then it just wont start. I give up sinking money into it. I will definitely never buy another Nissan again even if its my only option!

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  Cant wait to trade this in!! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By stacy20 - March 4 - 5:13 am

  Ive had alot of problems with this SUV from the beginning! Now the transmission needs replaced at 56,000 miles and though it is covered under warranty, Nissan refuses to help with any of the cost! If you do not have one yet, do not buy one! They are unreliable and Nissan does not honor their warranty!

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  Wouldnt drive if it was free - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By crynuno - March 3 - 5:32 am

  This is by far the worst vehicle I have ever owned. Think twice before ever buying one! My tranny recently went out for no apparent reason. The dealer said it had nothing to do with the radiator coolant because they are not connected. I ask then why would the tranny fail at only 83,000 miles?? Since I could not get an answer, I assume it is because it is a piece of garbage. I am trading in asap. Willing to take the hit on it just to get rid of it! I dont care to put up with the headache anymore.