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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  2001 altima - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By mr. x - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car new in aug. 2001. Selected Nissan because we wanted a mid- size car with a manual transmission. Already have 22,000 miles with no problems. However, in cold weather, noticed that when shifted into neutral, the engine revs to 1500rpm before falling to idle rpm -- contacted the dealer and was told all cars are designed that way with the 5 speed (I dont buy it, though).

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  Great power, lots of rattels - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jp - November 3 - 9:46 pm

  Initially, I loved my pathfinder. The v8 was so powerful, the bose sound is amazing and all the gadgets and luxury are great. However, after about 2 weeks, I noticed the rattles and I mean everywhere. When I hit a bump I feel it in the wheel and in the frame. The doors rattle the dash rattles bad! I took it off road and it was like driving a covered wagon. The rattles are so noticeable. I had a 2000 pathfinder with 100k on it and nothing like this. It was solid as a rock. The a patty is a great highway car and great 0-60 speed, which is outstanding. However, i bought an suv to use for off road and mtn sports. It has low clearance with the bumpers and it rattles way too much. It

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  Do not buy a Titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By MADDNISSANOWNER - November 1 - 4:26 pm

  Brake problems, brake problems, brake problems. And that is how many times you have to take it back to the dealer to have them replaced. Many other quality issues. I have owned this truck for 105 days and it has been at a dealer for repair 20 of those days. Stick with domestic trucks. Nissan doesnt have it right and they do not care.

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  2014 Nissan Rouge SV - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By Desire Me - October 31 - 1:05 am

  Ive bought this SUV in July 2014. I am impressed with most of the features, except the claimed mileage! I do not get over 18mpg driving mostly highway. Also, the lift gate has stopped functioning, GPS unit turns off by itself. front passenger seat vibrates while on ideal. Passenger airbag turns on by itself.

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  Average - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By travisaustin08 - October 30 - 8:06 pm

  Bought at 54,000 miles. Its now July 2011. Currently at 96,100 miles. Fuel pump is the biggest problem. Delay in starting about 33% of all starts. Already have had to replace it once. As of yet, thats been the biggest repair (that, and the rotors). Handling is nimble, but not hugely solid. The driving experience isnt hugely amazing. Ive had the nagging feeling ever since purchasing it that I could have gotten something better. Its a basic car. Dont expect anything special. The jurys still out on how reliable this car will be and Im strongly debating trading it in for something brand new. Itll definitely worth it if it lasts beyond at least 175,000. I expect around 150,000.

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  Disappointments - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By chuck181 - October 26 - 4:43 pm

  Ive read a lot of reviews from other people. The repairs on my XTerra are mounting up. Should I bight the bullet and dow out the money. They say I have a cracked radiator which seems common with this model. Power steering fluid leak will cost $1200 to replace unit. Dealership says it can leak into other areas of car. Brake rotare should never wear out in my mind. And now wheel bearing problems. Several years ago, I paid to have the timing chain corrected. Why are all these things happening.

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  CVT Disaster - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By Andrzej - October 21 - 10:02 pm

  Chronic CVT problem on the 2011 Nissan Rogue during warranty. @TemeculaNissan didnt diagnose until warranty ended - now unwilling to repair. $4000 repair.

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  disappointed - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By alemon - October 20 - 10:00 am

  I have had my car in the service center 3 times the first month for a problem which was claimed to be "par for all sentras." the problem still hasnt been identified and fixed. I have filed a complaint with Nissan under the "LEMON LAW" I am not pleased with this car and the mechanics representing Nissan! Would you?????

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  Depends. - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By sucks - October 14 - 4:20 pm

  Got this car brand new from a dealer in 2006 here is a list of all problems i had exhaust leak at 32 km axle seal leak at 55 km breaks wore out every 12 to 15 km emergency breaks still doesnt works (dealer said its normal) very weak to haul heavy loads! what i do like about it that it is comfortable inside for a longer trips. Interior design is very simple and easy. average on mixed driving maybe 13.5 mpg.

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  Constant Front End Problems - 2000 Nissan Quest
  By NBS - October 12 - 8:23 am

  The front end always sounds like its falling apart. Constant noise and replacement of tires and brakes (almost annually), CV Joints, Struts, etc.. Several thousand dollars in front end work at dealership only to always have the same problems. The noise is a horrible creak that sounds like the front end is falling off. People stare at us if we pull up in a drive thru! TV/VCR broke first year and dealer refused to replace/fix it even though its a factory TV/VCR. If you buy one of these you better have alot of money for tires and brakes. After researching, found out thats due to the thing being built on a car chassis instead of a truck chassis. Cant wait to get rid of it.