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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  My best friend - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By luvmysentra - June 24 - 11:00 am

  I have had the Sentra for little over a month now, and am absolutely pleased with my purchase. I was looking for a simple, yet comfortable car with fuel efficiency as the most important feature. I purchased a 1.8s and was able to get many more features than Id ever expected on my "college student" income. All the features are automatic, I have a manual transmission with cruise control (I love this feature), and the trip odometer has about 6 different displays that I cannot find in any of my friends cars. I use the MPG and dte displays most frequently. After 1300 miles, I am averaging just under 32 mpg in mixed driving conditions. This care is dependable, comfortable, and a great buy!

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  Cool Quirky Looking Car - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Tom Spada - June 23 - 10:30 pm

  Except for its somewhat unattractive front end styling, it disappears when you get yourself behind the drivers seat. Yup, its no pocket rocket, but the CVT gets it up to speed sooner than you can tell "Bluetooth" which number you wish to dial. The ride is smooth with good road feedback. Quieter than other more expensive vehicles. Ive had my share of Porsches, Corvettes, and everything in between. Nissan has put some serious thought into the making of this vehicle, and what it has to offer. The Versa proves that an inexpensive car doesnt have to be made cheaply. With ridiculous gas prices these days, Id buy it again.

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  Great bang for the buck - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Rayd - June 23 - 10:30 am

  You will not find an auto that looks better, more horse power, and overall good dynamics for the money. I can complain about things like the position of the emerg brake or the lack of lumbar support, but HEY at this pricepoint?!?

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  Starter Issues - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By MTS - June 23 - 7:36 am

  I hate this car. I have had starter problems with it from the start. Nissan says they dont see a problem. I go to start it this morning, and it didnt start. The car is really tight. I got this before I had a baby, and now his car seat barely fits in the back. The passenger has to sit in the dashboard (which is very dangerous). I dont find this car safe at all. Plus, it barely holds the stoller in the trunk. I have no room for groceries. And my gears seem to stick when I take it from Park to Drive. This car is nothing but a problem. Seems too cheap.

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  Loved my X! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By nakeshamika - June 23 - 6:20 am

  Great mom car! Back doors a little small, HUGE trunk area, great style. Built tough, I hit a deer going 60 mpg and had absolutely nothing wrong with it. No complaints about the look or feel of the car. My only single complaint was gas mileage, 16 hwy, 11 or 12 city. Just recently sold it because I couldnt afford constantly putting gas in it, but mine was super-charged so that didnt help. If you dont care about the gas mileage, then I would say go for it! Only had to be in the shop here and there for minor problems. Some day when I have more money, I will be getting another one, and I cant wait until I do! :) Just sold it a few weeks ago, already miss it like crazy!

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  Decent car but with mixed reliability - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By wolfinblue - June 23 - 5:53 am

  I bought the car with 64K miles on it, now have 99K. Mixed reliability. Non-major problems indlude: STAINLESS STEEL exhaust has needed replacement. Brakes worked on 3 times. Suspension is on it last leg, but that isnt surprising at near 100K miles. Leather seats are cracking and peeling. Bose sound system is pretty much shot now and needs to be totally replaced according to the dealership. On the plus side, the engine/tranny combo is smooth and powerful. Major mechanicals (engine, trans, etc.) reliabililty has been rock solid. Front and rear seats are VERY comfortable. As long as the major mechanicals hold up, no plans to sell this car any time soon despite the constant minor repairs.

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  Pleased so far....... - 2008 Nissan Quest
  By Samuel - June 23 - 4:36 am

  We purchased the Quest about 2 months ago and to my surprise, have had no real issues. This is our first minivan and I was leaning hard to the Sienna simply because I have owned Toyotas in the past and have had no major problems. After much research, we went with the Quest because of the incentives offered at the time. We got much more van at a lower cost than the Sienna. Happy so far, but only time will tell.

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  I waited before deciding to review .... - 2014 Nissan Pathfinder
  By woody35 - June 23 - 2:05 am

  Had heard about the shuddering challenges, decided to purchase anyway - alas, at low miles it started to shudder, talked to my dealer and was told it was nothing ..... On a road trip to Canada it got to the point I was ready to return the vehicle once we got home. Called Nissan directly who directed me to the nearest dealer, who identified, addressed and fixed the problem within hours! Only have good things to say about them. LOVE this car, it offers everything plus more! I researched the rest, then purchased the best! Ride, comfort, features OUTSTANDING.

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  Sentra SR Spec V - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By da3vid - June 22 - 8:00 pm

  Very quiet interior, makes the Fosgate stereo sound terrific. Puts my VW Jetta interior and "advanced" sound system to shame. Sport suspension is nice and tight. You feel the big bumps but don"t bounce on the small and medium. No leaning in cornering, which you can do very fast due to the road hugging ability. At 400 miles, MPG is combined 28.5 with about 80% being highway. Mileage on highway was about 31.8 when I reset the computer. No initial defects found, very happy with the 6 speed manual transmission. The 200 HP let you use 2, 4 and 6th gears for normal driving. 1 & 2 get you into or across traffic fast, and 3 & 4 can make you feel like you are on a good roller coaster if you want.

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  Nissan is the best old or new - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By don - June 22 - 7:43 am

  I have a 2000 loaded Se 4x4 frontier, which will be up for sale in June 2010, low miles, under 50,000 miles, I have been thrilled with my truck for the last 10 years, and I can hardly wait to get the new 2010, I will get a 2010 LE CC Long Bed, Loaded with everything except the Moon Roof, that is the only thing I have not enjoyed on my 2000.