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:

• 

  1996 Nissan Altima GXE - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By rjd - May 26 - 10:00 am

  Had problems in first year with steering wheel - would lock Driver side rear Hubcab fell off when vehicle was 5 years old. Have noticed lots of other Altimas with same problem. Power antenna no longer goes all the way up, stops about 3/4 of way- sometimes causes bad radio reception. Gas cover stuck for awhile, had to grease up with WD-40, now its fine. In cold weather, drivers side door lock sticks and I have to try turning key several times before door will unlock. Overall, good car- reliable. Not showing any signs of rust, which is a major accomplishment considering car was purchased in Buffalo, New York!

• 

  I love this car - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Mr Maximus - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I just bought a 96 Maxima GXE 5-Speed. Its gorgeous and it hauls ass - its the fastest car Ive ever owned. I love Nissans. I had an 85 300ZX that was bulletproof (until my roomate totaled it) I just sold my 2001 Silverado - it was just too expensive to keep. I got the Maxima for under $6K and I am really happy with it. Ive only owned it for a day, but Im already in love with the power and ride. It almost has 100K miles, so I know I will have to put some money into it for maintenance.

• 

  A very good truck - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By truck shopper - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I looked at all of the midsize SUVs. This combined reliability,comfort and price. I have owned it a month and I am not dissappointed. The ride is much better than described in consumer report. The build quality is excellent.

• 

  Very Safe - 2011 Nissan Murano
  By gcstin - May 26 - 8:34 am

  In was hit on the drivers side by a drunk driver. Thanks to God, my seat belt, and the design of the car, I only received minor injuries. My Murano was declared a total lost. Keep up the good work.

• 

  Z Best - 1996 Nissan 300ZX
  By Z-One - May 26 - 6:06 am

  I purchased this car used 5 years ago. I am a sports car enthuasist. This is the finest, fastest, most reliable, most comfortable car I have ever owned. It handles so well, there is no time I have ever felt unsure of its ability to hold the road. Acceleration so smooth youd think there is no limit. For a car with such performance, creature comforts still are present. Great Bose cd sound system! Comfortable seats. I can only hope the new 350Z will someday attain this old models glory!

• 

  What a Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By eddie - May 25 - 11:10 am

  After looking at Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, this was by FAR the best of the lot. Interior size and performance made this car the head of the pack. The exteriors design if anything but boring . The Accord and Camry were to generic. This car has plenty of get up and go and style to turn heads.. very glad to get this car.

• 

  Love my 2016 Rogue - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Mel - May 25 - 10:42 am

  I give this compact SUV a 4 1/2 star because nothing is perfect! It is a well constructed vehicle, solid with well thought out design for both comfort and convenience . I do wish the passenger seat had power controls, and both had the seat lift, but thats minor, it is comfortable enough without it, just would of completed my wish list. I love how it drives, and it handles the road well. I read the reviews about the larger side mirrors causing a blind spot, but I bought the package with the oncoming car warning light, and besides, I have always put the little mirrors from Walmart to stick on the side mirrors for better vision anyhow. ALL vehicles have a blind spot somewhere, so come on, invalid complaint! The other con I read was lack of strong acceleration, okay, but if better gas mileage is important to you, what would you expect? Thats the trade off, but I havent found that to be a problem with me, so its an individual preference according to how you drive. I looked at & drove just about all the crossover SUVs within this price & size category, and to me, it had the best interior quality, options, and all around if not better, ride & comfort. Gas mileage is right on, if you drive it conservatively, which after owning a Prius for 5 years is simply a habit now for me. I shopped for 6 months, trying both the 15s and 16s , then narrowed it down to 3 makes, Nissan Rogue, Ford Escape, & Hyundai Tucson - (3 best for comfort, ride & amenities) and I chose the Nissan. Most all car manufacturers are pretty competitive with the overall vehicle performance and reliability apart from a few glitches now and again, if you get a lemon (and you are protected from that if you pursue it) their sales depend on it. The Nissan manufactures are as reliable as any out there, so for me it was the best QUALITY for the money.

• 

  Best SUV - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Tex - May 25 - 1:06 am

  Seriously, I know people buy SUVs for a lot of different reasons, but as far as bang for the buck, I think the Pathfinder is by far the best buy. Its got a pretty powerful v6, great torque. The SE model I have has a nice little roar to the v6. Decent acceleration, great power. The 4x4 has great power. I crossed a snow covered medium going 60 miles/hr on 4x4 high, passing a slow car, like it was nothing, with no loss of control whatsoever. Its great in bad weather. Very reliable car. Maintenance and maintenance costs are minimal. Decent gas mileage for a high performance suv. Fun car. I love the look of it, and am sad about more boxy bulky look on the new models.

• 

  Love most of it - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By sammy63 - May 24 - 6:16 pm

  I bought this car used, and bought it mostly for the gas mileage. I figured if its smaller and less sporty than I wanted it would make up the difference in the mileage. As of today, I am very happy with the purchase, I love the gas mileage it gets (34-40) each tank gets about 37 mpg average. The features are great and so far the only money I have put into this car is for oil changes, brakes and a sensor (which was a bit pricey) for the fuel injector (car had a hard time starting). I now have over 70,000 on it and plan on taking it on a 1200 mile trip, but from reading other reviews, I am concerned about the head gasket. Well... Im going to take the trip and hope for the best. Great car!!

• 

  Dream Car - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Charlene - May 24 - 1:20 pm

  I had previously sold this vehicle and fell in love with the features and reliability. I finally was able to purchase one, drives like a dream with the get up and go of a 2006 Maxima (I know). This vehicle is so smooth to drive and handles good at excessive speeds, even around turns. Definitely worth every penny, and a total head turner, Altima has out-done itself yet again. The only thing I have found that is hard to get used to is the CVT, it sounds weird accelerating.