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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  CVT Software Glitch Results In Drivetrains Replacement. . - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By richard194 - May 7 - 5:44 am

  When I bought the 2013 Pathfinders, like any new owner I was thrilled. . Unfortunately there were a few things that I id not understand. So when my pathfinder began shuttering and shaking at 900 miles, I contacted customer service who referred me to the local dealership, who with all of there up-to-date computer diagnostic could not fit the problem. Fortunately, Nissan already understood the problem before I bought the car. "Faulty Software & the Service Campaign" Whereby the owner brings in the vehicle multiple times exhibiting the same problem, and nissan replaces the entire drivetrain. Thats right. . Faulty software that can not be changed, that ends up damaging the CVT on its own. .

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  Nice little commuter car - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By Earl R - May 7 - 3:20 am

  I bought my Sentra as an economical commuter car for my 116 mile daily round trip to DC. The car has better power than I expected from a 1.8L, has decent road manners, acceptable ride comfort, and when driven properly can get very close to the EPA estimated 34 mpg on the highway. My actual mileage usually comes in around 31-32, but I do tend to have a heavy right foot. My only real complaint, and this is a common trait in every Nissan Ive owned/driven, is the interior room, especially in the rear seat area. Im 6-3", and could use just a tad more leg room in front, but I wouldnt even consider climbing in the back of this car. At 23k miles reliability has been perfect so far.

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  No Cruise Control! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By bapper64 - May 6 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car, sight unseen, after a recommendation from a friend who had it thoroughly checked out. Not at all disappointed except for one thing. I have the GXE model and there is one thing that really bugs me - there isnt cruise control. This car is loaded for the price has power everything else including keyless entry. Im not sure why cruise control isnt a standard feature since it ranks pretty low on the ladder of options. Overall, Im very happy with it and would recommend this car to anyone who wants reliable and reasonable transportation.

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  Disappointed - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Unhappy - May 6 - 10:00 am

  The car which should be the most exciting to drive is but, at the same time its the most disappointing. The quality of the interior is horrid. Have had it to dealerships 6 times because of fog, crud, slime on back side of dashboard display panel. The leather seats are loosely covered as if with a leather slip cover. Car looked heavily used after barely a week of ownership. This fun car to drive is a big big disappointment.

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  2005 altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By chris/lori - May 6 - 10:00 am

  new improved exterior styling makes this vehicle much more masculine and interior materials are up to par with its competitors. fuel milage could be better for a 4 cyl. abs should be standard. otherwise much improvement over 2004 model.

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  computer replacement at 46,000 miles - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Karen - May 5 - 5:56 am

  This is a fast, fun car to drive but I was unhappy to find that one dealer said a sensor was out causing the transmission to malfunction and then they replaced the sensor again because I didnt make it around the block without the check engine light coming on again. Two days later after the second fix it happened again. I took it to another dealer who correctly diagnosed it as the computer itself and replaced it under warranty. I hope the new computer will last longer than another 46,000 miles!

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  To Zee or not to Zee - 2014 Nissan 370Z
  By Al Rod - May 4 - 6:43 pm

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  Not Real Happy - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By neyedoc - May 4 - 10:00 am

  The clutch was defective and I keep having to replace different sensors questionably due to engine heat

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  Second Xterra - 2009 Nissan Xterra
  By Glen - May 4 - 2:23 am

  This is my second xterra. First was a 05 off-road 6speed. The new one is the same. 6 speed off-roads are soooo rare, had to jump at a new one. Still the best all around choice in a respectable 4x4 suv that can go "off-road" for real. But would like lower gears and a little more ground clearance. On the road, if you like power, this is the suv for the money.

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  great truck, lots of bed space! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By hiplainsdrftr - May 2 - 12:15 pm

  I have owned 5 other pickups, titan is my favorite. I have owned for 14 months it had 42k when bought and now has 56k.I average 15.5 mpg.on a recent trip from SC to NJ i averaged 18.5. Great amount of room in the bed and i can fit my daughter w her car seat and 2 other adults in the cab. Handles great for a big truck, i traded a g35 in for it so i didnt know what to expect handling wise. my wife drives a qx56 w the same engine and it feels slow compared to my titan. Definitely reccomend a titan to anyone looking for a pickup truck.