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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  Fun Ride Terrible Gas Mileage - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By xterra - October 10 - 2:53 pm

  Its advertised at 18 city/21hwy. Mine has never done better than 17mpg no matter how I drive. I also drove the tacoma before I bought my X. I wanted a 6 speed. The tacoma drives like a car. The X feels like a full size truck. It doesnt have the girly frills of other trucks. It has a ton of power. I slip it in 3rd at highway speed and roar right by people. I got it to haul my mastiffs to shows and it fits that bill great, plenty of room and height for them. Get a cheap rubber mat so your dogs dont slip on the plastic. The only time it doesnt have enough power is in 6th on hills hauling dogs or people. No prob 5th will have you gaining speed on that same hill.

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  2015 Altima 2.5 S - squeaky brakes - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Mary C - October 10 - 9:18 am

  4/27/16 update - Went to Nissan dealer in Gardena, CA this morning and spoke directly to the mechanic. Now he knows about brakes. They were nice enough to put my car up on the rack and take the back brakes off. Usually this is where most of the noise is coming from. I had my husband with me of course to really understand all this. My husband tape recorded the squeaky brake noise. Mechanic explained to me that everything looks good. Now regarding the squeaking noise when the car is cold, he said around 2013-14 Nissan was using brakes that had asbestos material in it. Per Federal regulations, Nissan stopped using this and switched it with copper material brakes. Lots of people are complaining about the squeaky brakes. They can lubricate the situation but it is only temporary. Unless you get squeaky brake noise on the street and everytime you brake, then this is another issue. My issue is only squeaky brake noise when the car is cold. I dont know if any other new cars 2015 on are having the same squeaky brake problem? Before I seriously think of trading my car in for a Camry, I might try later on to switch out the brakes with another better quality brand (not Nissan) and see how I like these. Dealer will only use Nissan brand. Purchased my 1st new 2015 Altima and after 10 months when brakes are cold they squeal loudly where ever you are. It is so loud everyone turns their head to see what car is making all that noise. Both in reverse and going forward. It sounds like you need new brakes but the car is only 10 months old. I had it checked by mechanic and they said they have received lots of complaints of squeaky brakes. Had the dirt blown out of them. Noise stopped for a few weeks but continues a year later. I was told some people have changed out their brakes but loud squeal noise continues. I am going to take it to a couple more places and get their opinion. If this noise does not stop, i may trade it in for a Toyota Camry. Very disappointed.

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  Time Traveler - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By drb218 - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Most fun I have had driving in several years. Beats many more expensive cars in performance and saves at the pump.

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  Fix the AC system! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Henrygrc - October 10 - 2:00 am

  My complaint is the A/C system. When "defrost" is selcted the A/C compressor starts working as it should with the A/C switch off. However when I switch the Mode Control Knob back to the dash wents, the A/C ramains on(with the A/C switch off),the compressor keeps cycling and it is impossible to turn it off unless the vehicle is restarted. Nissan issued a service bulletin HA03-002 NTSB03-065 advising that this is a "normal" condition. How is it normal when you have to stop and restart you car in order to turn your A/C off? Looks like not too many people noticed this and Nissan wont issue a recall unless there is more complaints

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  first nissan - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By wherzfeld - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I have only had the Pathfinder for a about two months, but so far I am very pleased. Its the first new vehicle Ive owned which will not have a punch list of problems to be resolved when it goes in for its first check. I was looking for a mid sized suv with 5,000 lb towing. After comparing and test driving nothing came close. The car performs and handles well, is tight and well put together.

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  Sluggish 02 XTerra - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By SeaDweller - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle looks great and is fun to drive. The Solar Yellow turns alot of heads as well! It is perfect for my lifestyle with the real-truck features I need with relative comfort for its class. Not much pep, however. It is sluggish on acceleration.

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  Comments on Murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By bmwbarb - October 10 - 2:00 am

  i really like my Murano. i have had some bugs that had to be taken care of. Backing up I had a loud sqeal my odometer had to be replacedbefore 1000 miles . i also had a rattle underneath that turned out to be my emergency brake cable had to much play in it. otherwise i love my car. Ive had alot of complements and looks from everyone while driving it.

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  Best in Price Range - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By walbee - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Steering is almost as good as my 2002 TBird. Fun to drive. Great tow vehicle for my 3500 lb. boat and trailer. Love the CVT on hills with speed control on. No annoying downshifts. I test drove the FX-35 and liked the Murano better, and got all the same features for $10K less. Whats not to like about this car and it really turns heads.

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  Oh Yeah! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By citbret - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I was anticipating buying an SUV. Had my heart set on Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Expedition, Cadillac Escalade or the Hummer H2. Went to the nissan lot to test drive a used 2002 Tahoe. The dealer asked if we had seen the "NEW" Quest. I quickly told him, I was not interested in a minivan. He drove it around anyway and it was "Love at first sight." The vehicle more than accomodates my family of five. The kids abosultely love this car. It handles far better than I ever imagined. If you havent driven it, you have really missed out.

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  Wife Now Happy to Be a Minivan Driver - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By happydave_ct - October 10 - 2:00 am

  After swearing she would NEVER own a minivan, my wife is proud to tell her friends she is now driving a 2004 Quest SE (many questions and comments from other other moms in the nursery school parking lot). The styling is cool and sporty. It is easy for her to get the kids and groceries in and out (especially with the auto-open passenger doors and hatch). Great performance from the V6 engine (much better than her 2001 Mitsubishi Montero LTD). Who said a practical car had to be a drag to drive? Much applause to Nissan for taking the risk on styling!