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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  Bought with 49,000 miles - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Scot T. - July 1 - 4:03 am

  We bought our 2004 Quest fully aware of potential early build issues. The 04 has an extended warranty of 5 yrs/60,000 miles bumper to bumper, aiding with these minor build issues. Dealer has been very good about taking care of these minor rattle issues.

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  Fun to drive, fun to look at - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By rhinobrecht - June 30 - 11:16 am

  I love this vehicle! My family has had a lot of fun. It performs well. We have had no problems with reliability or anything at all that I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone shopping for a SUV. Lots and lots of room for familes and friends. It has more power than any other vehicle in its class and it tows our pontoon boat easily! Its a smooth ride and so fun to drive! You can feel the power!

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  Disappointed with SE-R - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By telal01 - June 30 - 2:50 am

  Test drove SE-R with auto tranny. Salesman said someone ordered it then brought it back 3 days later. I can understand why. Car is not as powerful as numbers suggest (165hp) Car did not handle well on turns on bumpy roads, the rear end losses grip easily and also likes to bounce around over rail road tracks. Probably due to the fact it does not have independent rear suspension like most cars in its class. I think it is over-priced for what little it offers.

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  Nice car, but not comfortable - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By ED - June 29 - 2:36 pm

  Not a bad car but Nissan and the Japanese auto makers really need to add some padding to there seats of there cars, I had a honda civic and traded it due to the seats being too hard. Same goes with this Nissan. Also, the 4 cylinder is very course. Put it to the floor and get your ear plugs. Should have opted for the v-6. The trans will not shift if I put it to the floor. You have to let off the gas for it to shift. A CVT thing? Also had a problem with the drivers seat moving around, had it fixed and it still moves around.

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  Great Car - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By KGellen - June 29 - 10:36 am

  I am sitting here reading the comments on this car. I understand not all cars are going to be built and last forever. Some just dont work, but if the dealership you bought your car from is not fixing your car then dont hate the car hate your dealer. I have had nothing but great success with my car. I dont expect it to be all mighty i mean its not a Mercedes or an Audi! Is a crossover mid level SUV. Not the most expensive vehicle you can buy! Its great for getting groceries or hauling the big dog around! Its the best buy in its class in my opinion with the look and feel of all other crossovers.

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  Best Car So Far! - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By ck1986 - June 29 - 6:50 am

  Considering the only other vehicle Ive owned was an 88 Buick Regal this was quite the improvement! I received this car as a gift from my grandfather in the summer of 07. Its been a great car since. He did have some work done previous to my ownership (replaced the front axle as well as the head gasket two years ago) I havent experienced any major problems, although as of this week Ive been experiencing some over heating issues. Hopefully a problem soon to be easily solved. Everyone whos driven the car has been amazed, apparently its not what theyve expected out of a ten year old nissan. So far so good!

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  The Best Equipped Vehicle for the Money! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Dawn - June 29 - 5:43 am

  This is our second Altima. We just traded in our 2002 with 93,000 miles and got the new 2.5S with the SL package. One word to describe it is: AWESOME!!! It is black w/ black leather interior. It drives like a dream with the CVT transmission. We have heated seats, bluetooth, XM, Bose sound system and much more! These are all of the perks of a much higher priced vehicle, in an Altima. We thought about Camry and Accord, but you just cant compare the features for the price and quality of this Nissan. If you havent driven one, do so before you buy your next vehicle. You will be glad you gave Altima a chance! We love ours!

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  happy, comfy, but tired of problems - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By buckeye - June 29 - 12:03 am

  SUV rides well and handles well. Fun to drive. Cargo is adequate, but not as much as it looks. Problems with front seat (drivers). Seat motor broke within 1 month, replaced under warranty...since then seat trim keeps coming off, now back of seat panel is loose. Air bag sensor started flashing at 11,000 miles, had to wait three weeks for part to arrive. Also, fuel tank shield recall. Reliability and workmenship not as good as our Hondas and previous Maximas and Pathfinders.

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  I just brought one home yesterday! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By FLAbchgirl - June 28 - 8:16 pm

  I am in love. I bought a 1 (local) owner pearl white coupe with navigation. I want any reason to leave my house and drive. Even if I sit in traffic. It definitely turns heads, the rumble of the exhaust at the stoplight gets them looking. Its a great feeling to know you have that power if you need it. Awesome stereo, extremely comfy seats. I will check back for reliability since its only been a day.

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  WOW - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Jimmy - June 28 - 5:13 pm

  I just traded in a 2006 Murano and loved it. I purchased the 2009 and i am in Heaven. This vehicle is oustanding. Love everything about it. I though i would miss my 2006 but have not thought about the vehicle once. I find myself driving this one everywhere. Nissan built a great job building this one. Ignore the ford comercials about the Edge. It can not hold a candle to this vehicle. I drove the edge and was very disappointed. Drove the Buick Enclave and it could not even stack up to the Nissan. Do not pass up this vehicle.