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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  An ok Vehicle with challenges - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By Kevin - August 8 - 4:53 am

  Our Xterra gets 15 MPG city and about 21 MPG highway. At 36060 miles the gas tank level sensor died and I refuse to pay the $450 dollars to a dealership to fix it. The plastic Xterra logo on the rear has fallen off, so I glued it back on. The plastic cover on the windshield wipers has a tendency to come off at a car wash.. beware. The AC has started leaking into the passenger side floor... so gotta fix that now. Weve replaced the battery after 28000 miles, and new tires too. Currently the mileage is at 45650 after a recent 2500 mile road trip we made without incident. Overall, its an ok vehicle but lacking in quality parts. The mileage stinks too in my opinion.

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  Bumpy - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By RAS - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This was my first suv. In the begining it was great in the snow and nice sitting up high. Then I noticed that the front driver and passenger windows vibrated when down an inch or so. Was told this was normal by 3 dealerships. After about a year the suv novelty has worn off. This is a bumpy, gass- guzzler with cheap interior plastic. Dont get me wrong it looks great, just drives like crap. If your looking for an suv around $25,000 and need off road prowess, this is probably the way to go. If you dont plan much off-road actvity, can spare the room and want decent mileage, comfort, and handling, try the Excape, CRV, RAV4 or Liberty.

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  Cheap original parts - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By kievguy - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I am the original owner, soon to be 4 years. The car is good, no questions about it. Main source of the problems - cheap and low-quality original parts that owner is responsible for. Tires wore out in 30K, clutch in about 48K of highway driving!!! A lot of people I know have the same problems: Nissan produces Maxim cheaper by pushing extra maintenance over owners. Beware!!!

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  No quality in catalytic converters - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Kevin - August 4 - 4:36 am

  Heat shields rattle. Brakes squeak until replaced w/better brake system. 3rd catalytic converter failure w/in 40k. We have maintained the car faithfully since new (synth oil, rotate & bal tire, good fuel, cleaned fuel injectors, flushed radiator regularly). Love the car other than the continuing problems with catalytic converters. We have had 5 Nissans and have been loyal Nissan customers for 15 years. Dealership told us contact Nissan Corporate Customer Service because of several complaints w/ catalytic converters. Nissan Customer Service said too bad too sad...said "we dont qualify for help" implied we dont spend enough at Nissan. Dont worry Nissan. We wont spend anymore! Buy American!

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  Morano Falls Short - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By sunlit-copper - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Squeaks, rattles, loose seat, thumping noises, NO satellite radio (but there is a button), exceptionally POOR gas mileage...all adds up to a "faux crossover" for Nissan. Consumers look elsewhere or be forewarned.

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  Decent car until things start breaking - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Joe - July 24 - 9:10 am

  Weve owned our Murano for 6 years now and have had quite a few problems. The alternator failed at about 20k, one of the speakers has cut out randomly since about 40k, and I have gone through many sets of tires since I bought the car. I now have 100k on this vehicle and it has been in the shop more times then I would have liked. Fuel economy is unimpressive at 17-18 city and low 20s on the highway. I recently had the timing belt and front wheel bearings replaced. Noticed a burning smell inside and Nissan dealer said everythings fine. Probably wont be buying another car from Nissan.

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  CVT Transmission is JUNK ! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By catt66 - July 17 - 11:23 am

  I am driving a 2008 Altima 2.5L SL model. I have to say that it is fuel efficient and comfortable to drive. The problem I am having is that I currently have 128,000km on the vehicle and am going on my 2nd replacement transmission. My first was replaced at 60,000km after I noticed a whining noice when the engine was placed under load above 3000 rpm. I just turned 128,000 km recently and noticed the same noice again, they have ordered another to be replaced. I am very disappointed in the reliability here, Nissan sent a letter saying my transmission was covered under warranty up to 200,000km and at the rate mine are dropping off that wont get me through the lease, may be my last Nissan!

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  good car poor gas mileage - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Mike Richmond - July 13 - 6:13 pm

  The car is comfortable with ok performance in braking, acceleration, and noise levels. But with a window estimate of 36 mpg and I am getting 28/29 on the highway it is not what I had hoped for.

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  Very disappointing car - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By boothill42 - July 13 - 1:30 pm

  The performance was lackluster. The 4-cylinder 2.5L had to be pushed hard to keep up with traffic, especially on the hills. The engine was noisy, too. Mileage was good when on flat terrain and when really taking it easy, but because the engine was so under-powered I only averaged 21 MPG. The seats had good bolsters, but the cushions were too hard to get comfortable, especially on long drives, and one slid on the seat under hard cornering. The cloth material was nice and did not get too hot or too cold. The head restraints are horrible and put the neck at an uncomfortable angle. The handling was good, but the ride was too harsh to make it a comfortable car for the family.

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  Be aware - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By djcu1979 - July 11 - 4:03 pm

  My Maxima started having major electrical problems at 5500 miles. The seat and steering wheel move on their own when using the unlock button on the remote control on a random basis when the remote is assigned to one of the memory positions. Nissan claims that this is normal since 3 brand new Maximas on the dealerships lot do this too. The exterior mirrors move out of position on their own while the vehicle is in operation and occassionally when the remote is used. This vehicle is in violation of my states lemon law, the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act and US Commercial Code, legal action is currently being taken against Nissan.