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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  Does its Job... - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By sigmaman99 - April 26 - 5:30 am

  Got this as a 2nd car for my 70 mile daily commute. Very basic car with no frills or excitement. For such a small car with a small engine I expected better gas mileage. Driving about 75 mph on the highway gets me about 27 mpg. Upgraded the stereo to a Pioneer DEH-6400BT because I needed hands-free bluetooth and iphone connectivity. Install on this car was very easy. Very impressed with the legroom. Overall this car does its job which is get me to work and back.

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  2 year update - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By bstern92 - April 26 - 2:49 am

  I now have 98,000 miles on my versa and its still going fine. I do have a couple complaints. The steering started to peel and once it starts, it just keeps getting worse. The steering wheel position is my biggest complaint. At its lowest setting it still sits up too high. My hands are only comfy holding the bottom of the wheel. I also had my outside door handle break off. It gets great gas mileage and the hatchback is so versatile. If you insist on only buying new and are on a tight budget, then this car is for you, otherwise there are much better used options. Since this time around I can afford to spend a little more, I am looking at buying a new 2015 honda fit ex for $18,000.

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  The first fouor months.... - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By ideszamarch - April 26 - 2:13 am

  The New Maxima is performing as well as any vehicle at this point. The biggest flaw at this time is the MPGs. After taking the car on a several hundred mile trip, the mpg only reached 21.6( highway) This was at an average speed of about 70 mph and very little use of the brake. The sticker touts a 26 mpg rating.(highway) 21.6 represents about 17% less then promised return. OK we are in a recession and everybody is lying about something but I leased this vehicle for the fuel aspect and commuting purposes. I guess even Nissan is involved in their own type of fraud, that being posting unobtainable gas mileage. It still beats the hell out of the 12 mpg I was getting with the Jeep Commander.

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  Fun car for the young - 2011 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
  By pesci - April 26 - 2:13 am

  This car isnt for older drivers. The backseat is very difficult to get into for passengers and the doors are heavy and of course, it sits high. You will also get some top and cowl rattle If you can get passed the above, then this is the car for you. Its fun It looks nice It rides very nice. Life is good with the top down in this car. I have had mine for several thousand miles and love it! It rides great and the leather feels even better. It hasnt leaked a drop even in heavy rain. Its a lot of fun and the luxurious interior is a step up for me having come from Honda. The GPS isnt all that great but nice to have with the large touch screen

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  Pretty happy with the "Beast" - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Canadian Import - April 25 - 4:40 pm

  We purchased ours used with 30k miles. It had a brake issue within the first two months, but this was corrected by Nissan under warranty. Other than that we have had no complaints. This is the ultimate family vehicle! We had a Yukon before, there is no comparing the two. The Armada takes it to a whole new level. If you have kids and need to haul them and their gear and like to do it in comfort and style, this is your truck. Fuel mileage is not great, but when you think about the added safety and cargo room, it is a fair trade off.If you have to commute 30-40 miles a day, then perhaps the Armada is not for you, but for hauling groceries and taking kids to soccer Mom can do no better!

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  Great car, but OHHH the gas mileage - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By paulkfromcalifornia - April 25 - 10:00 am

  the Murano is a fun car, no doubt, from the extremely comfotable seats, Nav system, Bose audio, and flawless transmission...however, two problems: 1) the paint work is bad. maybe its just mine, but i notice a big problem with small flaking 2) the gas mileage is horrible. the sticker promises 20 /24...i have yet to average over 20 MPG, even on a 150 mile drive on a flat highway with the cruise set at 70. i average less than 15 around town, and 18, if i am lucky, on the highway. This seems to be a reoccuring theme among Murano owners, but I doubt Nissan is willing to admit to it...I know that my dealer isnt!

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  Cant beat it for the money! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Fountainofknowledge - April 25 - 10:00 am

  As I read the reviews you cant help to see people complaining! If you want a perfect car go spend $60k. Youll still have problems. For the money you cannot beat this car. Great power. I had a 6cyl Xterra that had the same 170 hp that this 4cyl Altima has. I have 38,000 miles on this car and I have not had one problem. I have put gas and oil in, that is all. There are some improvements to be made but hey, it didnt require a second mortgage to buy either. Cant have your cake and eat it too. Gas mileage could improve a bit however it really is a good size vehicle. Usually the bigger they are the more gas they eat.

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  100 miles and counting but Nissan cheaped out on CD Player - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By clintjohnsonnc - April 23 - 6:58 pm

  Just picked up a 2013 SL on Friday and have 111 miles on it. For unfathomable reasons, Nissan gives you a 6-CD player on the entry level Pathfinder, but only 1-CD player on the more expensive models!! The mileage so far is around 18.8, but I hope this picks up to promised 22 combined. I have not yet taken it on a flat highway to see if I get the 26 mpg promised. Happy with it so far, but the 1-CD changer is irritating on a car that lists for more than $36,000. Another puzzle at first was the radio no longer has the "SAT" button, so, at first, we thought we didnt have XM radio.

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  Nice Car, "Service Engine Soon", light came on at 82,000 miles - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By mdscarlata - April 23 - 12:14 am

  I just bought this car used, yesterday and I love it. It is very fun to drive. I traded in a Mercedes Benz 240C, which was powerful, but drove like a tank or a boat. The only issue is that the, "Service Engine Soon", light came on before I even got it home from the used car dealership. I brought it back today and they said it was indicating "High Idle Speed". Well at 82,000 miles I hope that this is all that is wrong with it. I will keep you posted.

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  4 Door Sports Car? - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By 4 Door Sports Car? - April 22 - 4:43 pm

  The CVT should never have been put in the car. It is no longer a sports car.I have a fully loaded SE, and the build quality is excellent. Excellent interior space,The bose system is the best in the industry. I traded an 05 TL. I drive mostly in the city the gas mileage is around 16 mpg which is poor. If you dont run premium fuel in it. It will ping, and run poorly. Overall the car is still an excellent value, but the CVT has taken all the bite out of it.