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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  Has been a good SUV - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By rotti92201 - July 13 - 7:16 am

  Enjoyed leasing this SUV... Gets smaller as the family grows!!!!!! Very dependable SUV, never had a problem.

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  Horrible Purchase - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Horrible Car - July 12 - 3:50 pm

  Within the first year I owned this car, the drive belt had to be replaced and was on back order which tells me this is a common problem with this vehicle, I had to have the cd player replaced because it wouldnt eject my cd, and I have had problems with it starting. The dealership told me it had a "10 second start". That does explain why it tries to start and dies. I will never buy a Nissan again. I encourage all others to take my experience into consideration.

• 

  Exactly what I expected..... - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By KimH - July 11 - 3:26 pm

  Bought in early 2004 and I have had very few problems. Nissan replaced the electronic throttle controller in summer of 2004 but since than it ran like a dream.

• 

  My Maxima - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By 2 Time Maxima Owner! - July 11 - 4:56 am

  The 01 20th Anniversary Special Edition is a wonderful vehical inside and out, including the mechanical parts. Nissan builds wonderful cars and the safety features are great. The car rides just as you move the steering wheel and stops on the dime. No hesitations! This is my second Maxima, previously owning a 95. The bang is not as strong but it drives just as well. I feel extremely safe in Maximas. The 95 Nissan was my first car, I thought I was in the Indy 500 and should have been dead 3xs. However, have been driving the Maxima saved my life.

• 

  Good Quality Basic Truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Peacefield - July 10 - 10:36 pm

  Handsome inside and out, good build quality, and comfortable. Too new to tell on reliability, but its already leading me to high expectations. Not a bad little engine and an easy clutch, though I wish the gear box felt more certain and direct through the stick to my hand. My only real complaint is that the truck suffers terribly from bump steer. You dont even have to be going very fast to be startled by it. Hit some bumps while going around the curve (or even going straight for that matter), and the wheels leave the road to come down some place different. That aside, its a nice driving truck and represents a very good value. Im happy with my purchase.

• 

  Great styling, plenty of power - 2010 Nissan Titan
  By Mark - July 10 - 8:30 pm

  After several years without a truck, the wife and I agreed that we needed a truck in our household. I drive a Ford F150 at work and have been pleased with its performance. We looked at the Big 3, along with Toyota and I was just about to buy a Ford. For some reason, I had not even thought about a Nissan. But as luck would have it, I had to make a trip by the local Nissan dealership to pickup some parts for work. After seeing and driving the 2010 Titan I was sold. In my opinion, it is the top truck on the market today. It has the most standard hp, drives and rides better than the others, and has the Nissan reputation to back it up.

• 

  So far, So good! - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By xstreamclean - July 10 - 12:25 pm

  I read these reviews and dont understand. Some positive some negative. We have had our Rogue for 2 yrs. currently have about 25,000 miles and it has been a very good reliable car. Never had any problems, just scheduled maintenance. We live in Utah, we have snow, mountains etc. and the AWD is awesome! So far... I highly recommend this car. If you asked me one issue i MIGHT have is the blind spots in the car. The way the back end is formed may make it difficult for a amateur driver. I personally dont mind it, just use your mirrors. Hope this helps.

• 

  I dont know what you want. - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By JDaskal - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle two weeks ago and am disappointed with the following; 1. The head rests are not adjustable 2. when relined the passenger seat is to long to lay comfortably during a trip. 3. the passenger side charger socket is in the way of the top cup holder. 4. Of course the MPG really leaves a lot to be desired. 5. The steering is a little tight, I would prefer it somewhat lighter.

• 

  improve interior - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By bad interior - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Car looks great however too much invested in exterior and the interior leaves alot to be desired. Car is too noisey in the inside and the seat was poor quality. I ended up selling car back to dealership as a result of the seat.

• 

  Great - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Nicky Rogers - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I love my new car but gas is to high now.