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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  10,000 Mile Follow Up - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By fratomdev - October 3 - 12:30 pm

  No complaints. Still get over 30mpg combined highway and city. No rattles or repairs. Tires are not good in the snow - in fact look to replace them for Winter driving. Other than that I like the car and would consider Nissan when I buy a mid sized car in a few years. Nice trunk.

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  My 2004 Se-R - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By gail - October 3 - 10:26 am

  I purchased my 2004 SE-R in 11/2003. I have had a few problems with it. The sensor was acting up and the vehicle kept stalling out. Turns out it was a recall after I paid for the repair. I have extended warranty so Nissan retuned the money I paid for the repair. I also had to have the radio replaced- there was a CD stuck in it and the dealership I deal with could not repair it so they replaced it- go figure. The gas mileage is great- this is my 2nd Nissan and wouldnt purchase anything else. Im having a problem with the brake light coming on at the moment and will take the car in for a check up. May be trading off for a newer model Nissan. I hate to do it because I love this car !!!

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  rogue has vibration issues - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By driver735 - October 3 - 9:25 am

  I recently purchased a nissan rogue, after driving the car for a couple of days i noticed a strange vibration coming from the vehicle. I brought it back to garden city several times, each time i was given a different explanation as to what was causing the vibration. Finally on my last visit i was told that the cause was the cvt transmission and that this was normal. This vibration makes for a terrible driving experience. An automobile should run smoothly. I suggest any one interested in buying the nissan rogue to find something else.

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  Cubing - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Greta427 - October 3 - 9:16 am

  I recently purchased the new Nissan Cube for my 1.5 hour each way commuter vehicle. The Cube replaced my much loved VW New Beetle. I had researched quite a few smaller commuter cars and this is the only one I found that had any SPUNK! Spending 3 hours a day in my car it has to be something that I like to drive. I looked at so many other small car entrys and the all lacked personality, they were all very boring. My first reaction to this was, eew...what is that? But then, it grew on me. I decided it deserved a test drive. I got so many looks on the test drive and the car held its own on the highway passing easily and nimble handling. Auto tranny kept up fine. Love this car!!! SL Pref pack A+.

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  Still great after 5 years - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By SM - October 3 - 3:36 am

  After 5 years of ownership, still pleased. Have only done routine maintenance and changed tires and battery. Only issue being the 5 disc changer no longer working. Use iPod anyway, so non-issue. Performs well. Comfortable ride (well, it is a truck nor a sedan). Plenty of power. Used to drive 30 mile one way trips in Texas summer, now driven in Minnesota below zero winter, dependable either way.

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  Poor reliability, known problems w/ this model - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By hyperslug - October 3 - 2:48 am

  Seems like a good car overall, but do a search on the "nissan altima intake manifold gasket". Many people have experienced this same problem on this particular model; some have noted the same in their reviews here. A required $600 fix mars an otherwise decent vehicle. The engine is more powerful than other 4-cyls Ive driven, but you pay for it in gas mileage.

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  Finally - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Adam - October 2 - 2:50 am

  This car has it all, speed, looks,and true quality. Why purchase a BMW 5 or any other brand when you could ave 15K and have a better car. This is an all new maxima, so much so that they should have re named it.

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  Wonderful car - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Ol Hokie - October 1 - 6:03 pm

  I bought the car used seven years ago with 45,000 miles on it; it now has nearly 209,000 and I have spent no money on it except for routine maintenance and service, gasoline, tires, and new CV joints at about 190,000 miles. It still has the original clutch (its a 5 speed manual). It is the eighth Nissan that I have owned. All have been great!

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  It Works for Me - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Tony T - October 1 - 4:23 am

  I bought this truck 3 years old with 48,000 miles on it. It had been used for a long daily commute. It is now over 62,000 miles. Soon after buying it I had a leaf added to the weak rear springs, replaced the original shocks with good YKB units and installed BF Goodrich Traction T/A tires (the Firestones were worthless in the winter). What a difference. It now handles and corners great. I put synthetic gear lube in the trans- mission - made shifting smoother. Changing the oil filter is a pain. The stereo had been upgraded by the previous owner. Seat comfort is decent on long trips.

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  the best - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By chunphun - October 1 - 3:03 am

  This car has everything i need without any options