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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  Very poor performance in bad weather - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By VERY BAD TIRES!! - April 12 - 12:50 am

  Nice looking & comfortable riding car in general. However, had lots of problems with indicator lights, air bag warning system, within the first few months of owning the car. Had to bring it back to the dealer for repairs many times. Also going through my first winter in MA with the car and already in two months had several near accidents and then recently skidded into a guard rail while only driving 25 mph. The tires are inferior with VERY POOR performance. Warning... check your tires and be very careful driving with them.

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  good reliable workhorse - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By jaykay - April 11 - 10:00 am

  Its been a good 3 yrs dont have any major complaints,havent done any major repairs just oil changes tire rotation and front brakes.Ive been towing my pop-up and boat with no problems

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  if I had known about the headlights... - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By jennee - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I have to admit that I am pleased with the Maxima overall; although I would have waited for the 2004 model though. I have had the car for about 8 months and it has been vandalized three times!! If you live in the Northeast, dont buy this car! It is in your best interest to buy the 2004 model or buy something else. The research was not available when I bought this car and I am sorry I bought it. When you pay up to $3500 for a pair of headlights you get a little bitter. It is a beautiful car but the headache is not worth it.

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  Xterra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Carcrazee79 - April 11 - 10:00 am

  I have only had my Xterra for three days and so far I have no complaints. The 6 cylinder seems to be a little underpowered but it has enough get up and go to get out of its own way..which to me is the important part. I got the Xterra to have more room for my hiking/capming gear and my two dogs. I really like driving the Xterra it is a lot of fun and the fuel economy is not that bad..it gets a lot better gas mileage than my truck (01 Toyota Tacoma).

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  Very satisfied so far - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By Subadude - April 10 - 3:56 pm

  Had my SE for about a month now. My likes definitely outweigh my dislikes. Very powerful engine, getting good fuel economy 18 - 20 overall, but driving it easy in the break in period. Seats seem very comfortable, good support, wish they were heated. RF Sound system is awesome for stock. Surprisingly quiet even on rough pavement, but it does have a firm, choppy ride. Its not a car though, so I can live with that. Great no-nonsense SUV that will handle my towing chores, and get 5 skiers or backpackers where they need to go with all their stuff. Got one drive in the snow, and had no trouble blasting through a foot and a half of light powder.

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  Why the fuss? - 2008 Nissan Quest
  By Barry Blank - April 10 - 2:07 pm

  Its 2015 and I guess Im the odd ball out. I have have 40,000 logged miles and no problems with one exception Last month (July 2015) the variable windshield control stopped functioning properly. Thats it, pure and simple. Ill take this one issue in 8 years any day. This is our 2nd Quest *first one is a1994 still running - we use it for hauling. Very happy with both vehicles.

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  CVT problems - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By d l stough - April 10 - 1:23 pm

  Replaced transmission with 78000 miles,now experiencing problems with second transmission when it snows and only when it snows, the transmission sputters and shuts down, let the car sit for two hours and it is ok very dangerous when driving

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  You Will Not Be Disapointed - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Myron Massacre - April 7 - 3:06 am

  I have not had the vehicle for long but she is a dream. Previous to purchasing the Pathfinder, I had my sights set on a Montero Sport. I then discovered that the Pathfinder had a much more efficient engine. A 3.5 V6 that puts out 240HP and 265 lb-ft of torque.(although the new models have more power and better fuel economy) Its still a very strong engine for its class. The Gas bill isnt fun but its a solid, very safe vehicle and I would very much recommend it.

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  Great SUV for the price! - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By douknownam - April 6 - 9:46 am

  After 1000 miles, my only two complaints are no A/C vents for the backseats and that the recirculate button resets everytime the A/C is turned off. So you have to remember to press the recirculate button when you turn on the A/C. Overall a great SUV! Gas mileage could be better, but if you bought this vehicle worrying about gas mileage then you brought the wrong vehicle. Plus the power and abnormally good handling characteristics makes the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.

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  Solid Car - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Cabanna - April 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Altima used in 2001 with 51,000 miles and I havent had any major problems with it since besides normal upkeep and wear and tear. Im satisfied with this car for the most part. My complaint is that the Altima does shift a little hard. I took it to the mechanic and he told me that the transmission was okay though and that this version of the Altima tends to do that. The other thing I noticed is the brakes squeel when the car hasnt ran for a while, but as soon as the car warms up the squeeling stops. I did have this problem looked at as well and I was told this was okay for now.