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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  Great Car!!! - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By melb29020 - May 13 - 2:11 pm

  I purchased my Altima in 06 with 130,000 miles on it. It now has 181,000 miles. In May of 2008 my timing chain popped & bent my valves, it wouldve cost more for me to simply replace the belt & valves so I ended up getting a new motor. The timing chain breaking appears to be a common problem after 150,000 miles. If you hear any type of rattling from your motor get it checked!! Besides that, I have not had any problems with my vehicle except normal maintenance (oil changes, brakes, tires). I look forward to having this car for another 50,000 miles!!

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  Great SUV--beware of tire wear - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By passionforskiing - May 13 - 4:16 am

  Terrific SUV and I would definitely purchase another one. I drive 42K/yr. and am very satisfied. If you buy one, be sure to rotate your tires often. I do it every oil change, 5K.

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  great rugged truck - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By armydad - May 12 - 2:06 pm

  The Nissan xterra has been a great truck, 70,000 miles and no problems, still have the factory breaks, just now had to replace the tires. Truck does great in all weather, im in the army and currently living in Kansas, lots of snow and ice in the winter, truck does better than a lot of 4x4 trucks, I pass them all the time on the roads stuck in the snow, mpg not as good as I would like but is not bad considering the engine size and h. P. All and all great truck!

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  Love it! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By jmagill - May 12 - 12:43 pm

  I researched all the small hatchbacks/wagons. Vibe, Scion, Fit. The Versa gets good gas mileage. I drive mostly highway at around 70 and am averaging 32 MPG. I live in the mountains and have no problem with power or curves. This car is roomy and comfortable/ My 65" husband has no problems with fit. I am more than pleased and would make the purchase again. Loved the price!

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  Great Car - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By wk2design - May 12 - 6:46 am

  Overall - great car. Im very pleased after almost buying an Acura and Saab. The Maxima has it all and more. Best thing - go for the leather - awesome seats and comfort. Performance - just test drive one and youll see. Price is high although worth it when compared to others. BTW - The Audi A4 and Passat are both slugs compared to the Maxima.

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  Not Reliable! - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By achilles5433 - May 12 - 5:57 am

  I bought my 2009 Murano new and within the first year my battery died listening to music in my car for 10 mins. I had battery checked and they said its fine. After that I made sure no interior lights or seat warmers were left on and still got stuck 4 more times!! Cant get rid of this car fast enough. Reliability is everything!! Even though its awd, its not that good in snow compared to my other vehicles. I replaced tires to snow tires and helped a little. But after they changed tires, the tire maintance light went on and wont go off. Hate the start button feature. Both my key batteries are low already. Have to go to dealership to replace. Also costs over $200 to replace if lost.

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  Best bang for the buck! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By maxman - May 12 - 12:33 am

  This unique vehicle always brings a smile to my face and Nissans service is phenomenal about answering any questions I have. If you are considering a perfomance sedan, this one should be at the top of your list!

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  Very good small car! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Dale -- New Mexico - May 11 - 1:40 pm

  Comfortable small car thats roomy (back seats have easy entry and more leg room than most larger cars). This car is safe - 4 star rating bumper to bumper. The last tankfull MPG. was 36.2 in city and some highway use (very pleased!). Use slower takeoffs at lights and easy braking. You cant punch it to get great MPG! Dont worry, this car has plenty of power in city and on the highways! And the control and feel is secure even at high speeds. One thing we dont like is on bad roads you feel the bumps! But this is a small car after all. Make sure you test drive it on some bumpy roads! I got the best mpg and ride with the tires at 33 PSI.

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  Transmission number 4 - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Bob white - May 11 - 1:44 am

  We have a 2013 sl 3.5 the original transmission has been replaced twice with only 35,000 miles if you include the one it was made with that makes 3. And the last one is acting up as the first 3 did. Im not sure why Nissan has not addressed this issue extending warranty is great but what happens when it runs out other than transmission it is a great car.

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  No Mo Murano - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By roadrunner - May 10 - 3:50 pm

  The Murano is a good looking vehicle, and really nice to drive. The seats are comfortable and the drivers compartment fits like a glove. Everything you need to control the car and comforts is within easy reach. I always enjoy driving it.