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:

• 

  Meh. We are trying to get rid of it. - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By md5045 - June 5 - 2:10 pm

  This is the first review that I have written on Edmunds. We have had our 2009 Nissan Murano SL since early 2011. I am not a fan. Here is why: -- Not a comfortable ride. Very stiff and not agile at all. It is like driving a boat. The seats are comfortable but there is something with the suspension. --Doors are very wide. Hard to park in a normal parking spot. -- CVT (Transmission) is wonky. Not responsive and sluggish. -- Acceleration in general is bad. Not responsive.

• 

  16 Nissan Altima, everything it promises and more - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By Jay Plyler - June 5 - 12:00 pm

  This is an exceptional car for the money, many safety and technology features that are usually available only on much higher priced vehicles. Ride, comfort and handling are outstanding. Styling tweaks from the 2015 Altima make this model look sportier.

• 

  Tough - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By cbw - June 5 - 11:20 am

  If you want to increase your mileage, toss in a K&N filter. I am getting 19 in town with the air on. I cant complain too much since I did upgrade from a car. Sure you are going to burn a little gas, but its worth it for a compact SUV with a fully boxed frame. The ride is quiet even @ 80,90, 100, its a rock.

• 

  Poor resale value - 2014 Nissan Versa Note
  By John - June 5 - 6:38 am

  I have purchased this car and now regreting for my decision. Only one good part is fuel economy. In all other senses its a bad decision in view of facility, performance and resale value. Its resale value is remarkably low, even in next day of your purchase. There will be even 5000-6000 USD difference for low mileage excellent condition. So i will not suggest this one for many of hose people with over three family size and need to look for a resale or trade in option.

• 

  Defective Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By John - June 5 - 4:46 am

  The 2002 Altima has defective catalytic converters. The media comes apart and gets sucked into the engine and destroys the rings. That is why so many folks complain about high oil usage. Nissan has abandoned owners and refused to do a recall. Buyer beware when dealing the this car company. My daughter purchased this junker and now cant afford the $4000 to fix it. Google "Altima engine failures" before you buy a Nissan. Who knows what other Nissans might have wrong with them after 70,000 miles. Owners beware.

• 

  Small & Reliable - 1999 Nissan Sentra
  By Kana - June 4 - 10:36 pm

  I purchased this vehicle new back in 1999. I am surprised I still have it after 128,000 miles and still going. This car has been quite reliable with oil and trans fluid changes. As for the problems, the sun visor cracked and I swapped from the passengeer side onto the driver side. Also the drivers side power window push-down button malfunctioned. I opened everything and taped it to make it work. The engine oil is starting to drip very slowly right now. It must be the cranckshaft seal. Ill get to it someday. I cant deny the fact that its a very reliable car for going from point A to B. In fact, I had owned 1989 Tercel and 1993 Civic. Sentra outperformed both in quality.

• 

  A solid car - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Brian J. Braddock - June 4 - 6:33 pm

  I just traded my 07 Camry XLE for the Altima SE V-6 with premium and sport packages. It also has stability control known as VDC by Nissan. This is truly an awesome car, that provides a firm but controlled ride, lots of power, handling is superb as you might expect in he SE version. The Bose stereo is nice, but not as nice as the JBL synthesis I had in my 05 Avalon. The CVT transmission is nothing short of spectacular. there is a slight learning curve. The Nissan has a sportier interior than the Camry that was more luxurious. The leather is of a high quality. Gas mileage is just ok, but still acceptable. I am pleased with my decision and look forward to enjoy the ride.

• 

  Maximize your ride! Fast and Ferocious - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Jerry Bloch - June 4 - 6:02 pm

  First, we rented this for a week in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It was driven dry, rain, no snow and we are from Florida. Beside, I always tell my grandchildren who werent brought up in snow, its a highly over rated substance. Therefore, I can only comment on the conditions I faced. Ok so the trunk isnt cavernous, The rear seating may be less roomy (who gives a flip), we typically drive with just the two of us. My height is 5 10 1/2" bopped my head once too often until I figured it out ( please bring back the Chrysler 300E). The the rear vision isnt spectacular, yet hardly a deal breaker. I currently lease a Subaru Crosstrek with Eyesight and before that a BMW 328i, and 3 cars ago a Kia Sorento SX. When I came to the lot to pick up the car I was impressed that Hertz gave me a very nice car. Upon entering the vehicle I thought it was my BMW on steroids cockpit wise. I thought I was in a $50K+ car. All of the controls were similar to my Subaru and highly intuitive and well positioned. Im a big guy and the seats were the most comfortable I have experienced since I wasnt so big. Im first and foremost a sport car person so you know that even though I love my Crosstrek the acceleration can be measured on a calendar which is a drag for me. The Maximas acceleration off the line,(i.e. a hole shot) was spectacular as well as the 60-90 passing. Ok where does my Kia come in, glad you asked. My Kia had perhaps the worst torque steering I had ever experienced in a vehicle! Previously, I had had a Mitsubishi Lancer with a CVT once mastered it was very fast off the line and torque steer was significantly reduced.Yes it had torque steer, however it was easily over come to provide brutal acceleration within my Maserati tastes and Nissan budget. Brakes and handling were also very good to excellent. The nav system is every bit as good or better than our portable which was proven out by mile markers, I was truly impressed. I did miss the paddle shifters in my Crosstrek which are needed because of the weak brakes. The shifter was great and it was intuitive and not backward as on the BMW.I dont believe the cons on this car are enough for me to look elsewhere, you know I already did and no other package in its class and price range came close in HP, cabin and standard features. The fact that the blind spot monitor lights are in the cabin is a huge plus when trying to keep your eyes on the road. I dont know if Nissan has a system equivalent to Subarus Eyesight, as all the jargon used in the auto industry to describe the same features is mind boggling.I am looking forward to leasing a 2018 if the opportunity is right.

• 

  Maximize your ride! Fast and Ferocious - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Jerry Bloch - June 4 - 6:02 pm

  First, we rented this for a week in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It was driven dry, rain, no snow and we are from Florida. Beside, I always tell my grandchildren who werent brought up in snow, its a highly over rated substance. Therefore, I can only comment on the conditions I faced. Ok so the trunk isnt cavernous, The rear seating may be less roomy (who gives a flip), we typically drive with just the two of us. My height is 5 10 1/2" bopped my head once too often until I figured it out ( please bring back the Chrysler 300E). The the rear vision isnt spectacular, yet hardly a deal breaker. I currently lease a Subaru Crosstrek with Eyesight and before that a BMW 328i, and 3 cars ago a Kia Sorento SX. When I came to the lot to pick up the car I was impressed that Hertz gave me a very nice car. Upon entering the vehicle I thought it was my BMW on steroids cockpit wise. I thought I was in a $50K+ car. All of the controls were similar to my Subaru and highly intuitive and well positioned. Im a big guy and the seats were the most comfortable I have experienced since I wasnt so big. Im first and foremost a sport car person so you know that even though I love my Crosstrek the acceleration can be measured on a calendar which is a drag for me. The Maximas acceleration off the line,(i.e. a hole shot) was spectacular as well as the 60-90 passing. Ok where does my Kia come in, glad you asked. My Kia had perhaps the worst torque steering I had ever experienced in a vehicle! Previously, I had had a Mitsubishi Lancer with a CVT once mastered it was very fast off the line and torque steer was significantly reduced.Yes it had torque steer, however it was easily over come to provide brutal acceleration within my Maserati tastes and Nissan budget. Brakes and handling were also very good to excellent. The nav system is every bit as good or better than our portable which was proven out by mile markers, I was truly impressed. I did miss the paddle shifters in my Crosstrek which are needed because of the weak brakes. The shifter was great and it was intuitive and not backward as on the BMW.I dont believe the cons on this car are enough for me to look elsewhere, you know I already did and no other package in its class and price range came close in HP, cabin and standard features. The fact that the blind spot monitor lights are in the cabin is a huge plus when trying to keep your eyes on the road. I dont know if Nissan has a system equivalent to Subarus Eyesight, as all the jargon used in the auto industry to describe the same features is mind boggling.I am looking forward to leasing a 2018 if the opportunity is right.

• 

  Maximize your ride! Fast and Ferocious - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Jerry Bloch - June 4 - 6:02 pm

  First, we rented this for a week in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. It was driven dry, rain, no snow and we are from Florida. Beside, I always tell my grandchildren who werent brought up in snow, its a highly over rated substance. Therefore, I can only comment on the conditions I faced. Ok so the trunk isnt cavernous, The rear seating may be less roomy (who gives a flip), we typically drive with just the two of us. My height is 5 10 1/2" bopped my head once too often until I figured it out ( please bring back the Chrysler 300E). The the rear vision isnt spectacular, yet hardly a deal breaker. I currently lease a Subaru Crosstrek with Eyesight and before that a BMW 328i, and 3 cars ago a Kia Sorento SX. When I came to the lot to pick up the car I was impressed that Hertz gave me a very nice car. Upon entering the vehicle I thought it was my BMW on steroids cockpit wise. I thought I was in a $50K+ car. All of the controls were similar to my Subaru and highly intuitive and well positioned. Im a big guy and the seats were the most comfortable I have experienced since I wasnt so big. Im first and foremost a sport car person so you know that even though I love my Crosstrek the acceleration can be measured on a calendar which is a drag for me. The Maximas acceleration off the line,(i.e. a hole shot) was spectacular as well as the 60-90 passing. Ok where does my Kia come in, glad you asked. My Kia had perhaps the worst torque steering I had ever experienced in a vehicle! Previously, I had had a Mitsubishi Lancer with a CVT once mastered it was very fast off the line and torque steer was significantly reduced.Yes it had torque steer, however it was easily over come to provide brutal acceleration within my Maserati tastes and Nissan budget. Brakes and handling were also very good to excellent. The nav system is every bit as good or better than our portable which was proven out by mile markers, I was truly impressed. I did miss the paddle shifters in my Crosstrek which are needed because of the weak brakes. The shifter was great and it was intuitive and not backward as on the BMW.I dont believe the cons on this car are enough for me to look elsewhere, you know I already did and no other package in its class and price range came close in HP, cabin and standard features. The fact that the blind spot monitor lights are in the cabin is a huge plus when trying to keep your eyes on the road. I dont know if Nissan has a system equivalent to Subarus Eyesight, as all the jargon used in the auto industry to describe the same features is mind boggling.I am looking forward to leasing a 2018 if the opportunity is right.