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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  Luv my SUV - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By BJW - December 5 - 12:03 am

  I bought my LE used with 24K. This is the most functional car/truck Ive ever owned and the reliability is so far equal to my experience with Camreys and Maximas. I now have 55K and the only issue I have is with the Bose stereo. The CD/cassette function quit working at around 45K. Otherwise the reliability has been flawless. It hauls my stuff, my kids, and my trailer in all seasons and never lets me down. I test drove every conceivable competitor and for my needs this SUV had the right combination of power, space, torque, comfort, and handling. Very happy with my decision.

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  My First Japanese Car - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Heat Shield - December 1 - 9:06 am

  The 4 door 2.5 SL package gave me lots for my money. The only issue is with the loudly rattling heat shield in the engine compartment. Service tried to fix it once and the noise came back. A letter was sent from corporate Nissan informing me of their awareness of the problem and a promise of a solution in 60 days. That was early November and its mid January. Service said a bulletin is out and its going in tomorrow. It looks great, but even better with an aftermarket window tint job. If they can work out the rattle, It will be one of the best cars Ive owned.

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  Nice fit, bad ride - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Steve J - December 1 - 4:20 am

  The interior space in this is amazing! I have a 36" inseam, not too many cars fit my legs. After time, the headroom is even more impressive. The hp is fine, more than enough, doesnt get great mileage for a small car. Bad speakers, replace those. Also the cornering at speeds over 50 is awful! Still a great value, but I will trade it in as soon as I have enough equity in it.

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  Perhaps a lemon? - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Steve Hart - November 30 - 12:33 pm

  Overall this Maxima has been one of my favorite cars, but it hasnt been without some quirky mechanical defects that are just dumbfounding, including a fuel problem where I am only able to fill it up a third of a gallon at a time before it overflows. Several other issues have made me think twice about a future purchase, even though Ive had a lot of fun with this car.

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  Like a Bull - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Salesguy - November 30 - 2:33 am

  Car is nice looking and fun driving...except for what could have easily been avoided with simple engineering. There is way too much TORQUE STEER. Car would swerve right unless you are prepared and braced at rapid acceleration. Very comfortable for long drives. Also, soft steel used for panels - easily dented in parking lots.

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  Too many problems w/ $40,000 car!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Mike Frakes - November 29 - 11:33 am

  I purchased this 2004 maxima in dec/04 with 14k miles on it. Since ive owned it i have had it in the shop 6-7 times! As with other reviews, an anoying shimmy in the steering wheel at 60-70mph. Dealer has balanced tires several times, resurfaced the front brake rotors, still there, tired of messing with it!! Clunking in front end over slow speeds and sharp bumps, front struts were replaced after 3 attempts to fix. (I had to suggest it!) Rust around skyview roof after it was replaced 2x. Once for safety recall, second for leaking badly when rains. Rust developing under front of hood lip.( Under the paint!) Numerous trim items replaced because of poor quality!! Too many problems for 2004 car!!

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  Nice Truck Pro-4X - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By cascar - November 28 - 6:43 pm

  Bought 2010 used. Nice ride and awesome RF sound. Heated seats. Leather. No complaints at 72,000. Will go anywhere in snow and mud.

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  Ugly yet beautiful - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Providence - November 28 - 10:00 am

  First this car is down right ugly, from the plastic grill to the huge tail lights. Yet all that matters is inner beauty. And when you pop that hood and take a look at the amazing VQ engine you will know what I mean. I bought my Max as a car to get me to and from college everyday. Four years later I have a degree and my Max. As a poor college student what I loved about this car is that it NEVER broke down. All I had to do is routine maintenance(tires, oil changes,brakes,filters,ect..) I also loved blowing away that kid in the civic at every red light. Now I am looking to upgrade to a new G35.

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  Im still not sure... - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Sonoma Red Nissan - November 27 - 12:36 pm

  I have put about 1250 miles on my new Sentra 2.0 S, and Im still really not sure how I feel about it. If I had it to do over again, I dont think I would have bought this car. I feel like Im driving a stick, it is hard to get used to driving it, thus its very jerky. Hits bumps very hard and shaky. I do love the smallness of the car, yet roomy inside. My inside door panels immediately scratched up terribly from just my coat buttons!! I do love the buttons that show MPG and miles til empty, but am disappointed at getting just about 25.5 mpg. Dealer said it should get over 30-38, but would be higher after breaking in. When is that?? No auto locks or headlights! :(

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  Nissan Sentra - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By runchamp - November 25 - 10:30 am

  Reliable. Very strong exterior I have been in an accident that involved the back bumper and you cant even tell. you should see the other car!