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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  Fuel Sending Unit - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Grunt - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Just paid $560 for the fuel sending unit and Nissan must do a recall as they know it is a problem part. If I dont get reimbursed in the next 6 months I will trade it and never buy another Nissan again. Also have problems with the service engine light going off when no problem exists and that cost me $50 on 3 different occasions.

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  My first Nissan - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Dave - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Bought the truck during a hail sale. Had my eye on it for at least 3 months but wouldnt jump on it. When the truck got hail damage, they knocked $4000 off, and I guess I couldnt say no. I have not been disappointed since. Sure, there are some small issues (interior material choices, not having all the options) but it doesnt detract from its drivability, or my comfort. The interior cab is so huge, I usually work remotely and can plug in a laptop, rest it on the front center console, and use my back seat as my office space. With room to stretch my legs and work comfortably, no passenger car has ever come so close. I am driving her into the dirt. And that says it all for me.

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  Former BMW driver - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Brian - June 13 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my 2007 Murano, used, and have about 2000 trouble free miles on it. I drove a BMW 323i for 8 years, but it was starting to cost me big $. Looking for reliability, style and performance, the Murano so far has fit the bill nicely. I was surprised how tight and controlled the ride is. Steering provides good feel & connection to the road, brakes solid and strong. The ride on highway is comfortable and well controlled. Occasionally, small bumps on turns tend to cause some minor wheel hop, but still well controlled. The engine sounds great when started and has good torque. Im getting 22 MPG combined. CVT works smoothly, though does rob some acceleration from a strong engine.

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  So Far, So Good - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By gerry - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Traded a Chrysler LHS for the 2.5SL -time to downsize. Got all the packages except navigation. The 4 cylinder is a little noisy on heavy acceleration, but has enough power. CVT surprised me - didnt think I would like it. End of year pricing was excellent.

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  DO NOT BUY A NISSAN QUEST - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Carol Doyle - June 13 - 9:16 am

  I have had nothing but trouble since purchasing this car. 2 months after purchase, car broke down numerous times. After taking it in for service a couple of times without a diagnosis, it turned out to be the fuel pump. The only way they figured this out was by receiving a recall notice from Nissan. One year later, I received a recall notice about possibility of sliding doors not working in cold weather. When I brought the car in, I found out there were a total of 6 recall items!! In addition, they were rude and would not guarantee the car back that day even though I called a day earlier for an appt. Horrible customer service is worse than the car itself. I am selling soon!

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  I have owned 5 - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By rwmarshall - June 13 - 8:40 am

  This makes my 5th Xterra, I love the auto and have owned one starting with a 2000. Have never had a major problem with any of the previous (4) I have driven. My wife uses it most and she feels safe and enjoys having the 4wd on demand during our NE winters, Use it every weekend to drive from Boston to our place in NH. Ride is smooth and comfortable enough to put the dog to sleep on the way up.

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  Nissan 350z Roadster Convertible Rocks - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Jill Hegner - June 13 - 8:33 am

  I love everything about this car. except maybe the fact that when i shop there isnt alot of trunk space to put my bags in. Of course, that makes my husband quite happy!!

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  WOW - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Gary - June 12 - 10:40 pm

  I have not purchased a foreign car recently and this one just blew me away. For the money, it is a great value. Deals are so good on 2006 version of car, swayed me away from 2007 model. Highly recommend it

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  What a great decision!! - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Debbie - June 12 - 8:40 pm

  I was in the market to buy a luxury car. I was looking at buying a Lexus and brought home the Maxima. I test drove the car and fell in love with it. Considering everything that you get in the car, its a great value for your money!

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  Excellent Car - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Ivy - June 12 - 5:46 pm

  I just traded my Sentra SE-R for the Altima and I love it! It is a smooth ride. The car is spacious. To me the car seems quite when driving. I love it!!!!! The style of the vehicle is GREAT! Very happy with purchase.