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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  This car needs a lot of work before ready for driving - 2012 Nissan Leaf
  By reginaa - November 29 - 2:37 am

  bought a nissan leaf sl 2012 in Sept 2012. Since the purchase I have not been able to rely on the car for transportation to work, home, childs activities or anywhere. My child is afraid that I will be killed in a car accident cause I cant drive the speed limit and return to where I need to go. The car takes more than 16-24 hours to charge 100% and Nissan told me I bought the special edition quick charge that will charge in 20 min, but actually it takes 1 hr 15 min for 83% charge. I contacted Nissan International (NI) and although they are buying back many nissan leafs, they would not deem my as defective and would not repurchase the car.

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  America wake up - stop buying shoddy SUVs! - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Alvin - November 27 - 9:37 am

  Not all SUVs are created equal, and not all SUVs are worth buying - yes you can buy this car new for under $20k but a great price does not mean it is a great deal. I had the opportunity to drive the Rogue and, in todays competitive crowded SUV marketplace, the Rogue is simply outclassed by most of its rivals and for $20k, you have MUCH better options such as the RAV4. The Rogue lacks some basic amenities such as bluetooth or a backup camera. The powertrain, while meeting basic needs, is severely underpowered in todays turbo-charged world. Nissan clearly hasnt been investing in the Rogue while America makes this the #2 selling vehicle in the US (YTD November 2017) - I feel bad for the 300k consumers who have purchased this vehicle because it lacks refinement, power, convenience and checks a single box which is "SUV". Do not make your purchase decision on the fact that this is an affordable SUV because that is the only thing the Rogue has going for it.

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  When you drive a box... - 2011 Nissan Cube
  By dashofpepper - October 22 - 9:57 pm

  I think that most people take aerodynamic vehicles for granted these days. With a Cube, youre driving a box. A square box. When highway driving, road debris doesnt bounce off a Cubes windshield, it impacts. On a windy day, your cube shakes around the road because its a box. Ive had my cube for three years now, ever since my wife insisted on buying it, then refusing to drive it anymore and bequeathing it on me. The interior is comfortable, the car is roomy, but the things that matter dont deliver. Gas mileage tops out at 29-30mpg on the highway, a stiff breeze will blow my cube off the road, and every tiny pebble kicked up from the road is a crack in my Cubes windshield.

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  ITS A PIECE OF JUNK!!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By machelas - October 18 - 9:29 am

  When i got it it drove perfectly but now it needs oil evry other day, it rattles like crazy. all i can say about this car is; Dont buy it!! Its a piece of junk. will never buy a Nissan again even if its offered for free. Shame on you Nissan for taking advantage of hard working Americans.! Forget Nissan. Would appreciate if they come pick up their junk in my back yard.

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  Disappointed with this car, - 2017 Nissan Sentra
  By Sue - October 17 - 5:42 am

  I owned a 2011 Sentra and although I didnt find it very comfortable I was happy with the way it drove so I decided to upgrade to a 2017 SV Sentra. Although I am happy with all the new safety features such as the backup camera and blind spot warning lights I am really sorry I bought this car because of the transmission and acceleration. It seems they "improved" the CVT transmission in 2012 and now the car is very slow and unresponsive compared to the 2011. On long trips my leg hurts because Im having to push so hard on the gas peddle to get it to respond and it is very dangerous merging and passing. Also the cruise control doesnt work on even small hills which is very annoying. As soon as I pay down my loan I will be looking around for a better, safer car.

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  ok - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By bobjohn - October 16 - 10:00 am

  i have had a couple problems with mine there are ok trucks but could use a little work

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  Whats going on? - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Pat Clarkin - October 14 - 12:30 am

  2004 2.5 automatic bought 2/2004; 106,000 99% hgwy miles; excellent maintenance; 1 driver only. Within six months of purchase, 1 piston not firing fixed under warranty--told I was LUCKY!); replaced serpentine belt (3 yrs); hesitating 4 1/2 yrs ($1500. to fix); now, oil leaking into engine, told I need a NEW ENGINE! My 3rd Altima, other two (standard, 95 & 98, no problems at all. THIS CAR A MAJOR DISAPPOINTMENT.

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  drifts and pull - 2014 Nissan Sentra
  By ardic - October 9 - 5:31 am

  poor engine power, horrible cvt trany. 2000 mile onVehicle drift and pull on windy days so bad hard to keep on center line or the road. milage 3800 on the vehicle and transmission fells like slips on up hill driving from stop and go. millage 4000 vehicle stall and almost shuts down when almost stop on braking. Horrible customer service provided by Nissan and he dealer.

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  The Car is a Lemon - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By pcappello - September 29 - 5:24 am

  Since April of 2011 I have had my car into Nissan for auto lights not functioning my ipod turns on when the audio is off and the electronic driver seat moves forward by itself. This has been reported and supposedly services more than 10 times already happening. Saturday all my dashboard settings changed by themselves and my trunk would not open even though my engine was on. On Sunday my engine locked and my smart key nor the key would unlock the steering column. I was out of state &had to have it towed to a dealer where they claim it is all due to an undersized battery. hello- it is the factory battery. DONT Buy this car nor any NISSAN as they do not stand behind their service not the

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  POS Lemon - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By wjamyers - September 23 - 7:40 am

  POS Lemon. I made a mistake buying a rental car, maybe, but it is supposed to be reliable (Consumer Reports). It cost me $700 every three months in repairs like clockwork. Ill never buy another Nissan again after this. SUVs suck in general anyway.