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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  Loved its! - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Rod - May 6 - 11:07 am

  Basic car - had a stick shift and sun roof - made it fun.

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  Best truck I ever owned - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By cowpen1 - May 6 - 2:29 am

  I bought this Titan new with the expectation that I would be driving it till its dead. I just turned 100,000 miles, and can say in all honesty that it drives exactly like it did the day I bought it. It feels like its just broken in. I read on the forums about the sub-par quality of the OEM brake rotors, so I had those replaced under TSB before I ever had a problem. Other than that, this truck has never been in the shop. I havent had to replace a belt, bulb, switch, or anything else besides tires, wiper blades and oil (Mobil 1). Ive had numerous Ford & Chevy trucks, but this Titan has them all beat hands down in every respect. Im glad to know its built in Mississippi.

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  Drastically poor milage - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By rj3016 - May 6 - 1:47 am

  I purchased my 2007 Maxima brand new. Since day one I have no gotten better than 17-18 mpg combined. At first the dealership told me it was winter gas. Winter gas? You have to be kidding me. I agreed to drive it till spring. Well, spring gas, summer gas made no difference. Still I amm only able to squeeze out 17.8 mpg. Took it to the dealer to find out why. The service manager said and I quote "we can check it but I dont think we will find anything wrong. Thats just what those cars get" They checked the car and of course said they didnt find anything wrong. I drive 150 miles a day all highway. The best I can get is 18.8 mpg. This car SUCKS! Never again. My Hummer get 18 mpg!

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  Great Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Cadman! - May 5 - 10:03 pm

  I traded in a 2004 f-150 loaded for this truck. The Ford had a little better interior fit and finish but I like the Titan better in all other aspects. Once you drive one of these you will think all other trucks are running v-6. This truck will really get out and go and still have pretty good mileage even though I am in to the gas a little hard at times.

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  After 13 years and over 143k miles, it still goes strong - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By hdao - May 5 - 12:30 pm

  I am a first owner of my 1999 Maxima. Regular maintenance such as engine oil, trans fluid, brake fluid, steering fluid, and brake pad changes dont count. The only problems for this year model are defective ignition coils. I have changed them myself and cost $90/per coil. The redesigned coils are flawless. I also replaced a O2 sensor for $80 part only. At approximately every 80k miles, the EGR Guide Tube needs to be cleaned. It is difficult to Do-It-Yourself. Although it cost only $5 for replacing the EGR gasket as the tube must be taken out to be cleaned with choke cleaning sprayer. The dealer will charge $120 for labor.

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  Amazing Performance and Deal - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By randyest - May 5 - 7:56 am

  Ive driven many sports cars and this is my favorite ever. The Porsche Boxster has it beat a bit on handling, some muscle cars (such as the GTO) have more horsepower, and a few have more torque. But for ~$30k you get more from the 350Z in all those categories than you can in just one category from many cars that run $50k+. And its such a gorgeous car with a unique look. Pictures cant do it justice -- you have to see it to appreciate the look. I even like the interior a lot, which some seem to complain about. Its compfortable, well-laid out, the gauges move with the steering wheel tilt (first time Ive seen that), and the textured surfaces are both interesting and easy to clean.

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  A great ride - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By adventure girl - May 4 - 3:06 pm

  This car has been pure pleasure. I was disappointed with the pricey option packages, but the car has been a treat. Ive carried 5 people on 2-3 hour long drives in comfort. The cargo room is a little tight, but Ive never been lacking. The car is fun to drive and responsive, the design is sleek and the interior is very comfortable. Its perfect to load on my kayak, bikes or snow shoes. The Rogue has been my adventure companion!

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  Wheel Shimmy Problems - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By KTD260 - May 4 - 1:40 am

  When looking for an SUV this one was top on the list. We have had it for a year and a half and it has been back into the dealer over ten times for warranty issues. Top problem on this SUV is the wheel shimmy. The steering wheel shakes at speeds over 60 mph and going down hills. Each time I take it back into the dealer it is a new story as to what is going wrong and how they will fix it THIS TIME. Repair number 4 has just failed after two weeks of driving. Nissan should be ashamed they cannot fix the shimmy problem that affect nearly all 2004 - 2005 Armadas because they put undersized rotors on these trucks.

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  I am amazed - 2013 Nissan Leaf
  By Nena Smith - May 3 - 2:57 pm

  I was surprised by how much I love this car. I was a bit worried by range but my husband thought since we would save $200-$250.00 in gas a month it was worth a try. Glad He talked me into it. Super fun to drive, great comfort/room and wonderful technology. In 2 weeks I have driven my 2013 Leaf (purchase with 22,400 miles) over 700 miles with no problems. I live in a very rural area but can find plenty of charging stations within 20-30 miles if I need them. IF you live in the city dont even worry about range average driver in USA only goes 22 miles per day. Think about this not only are you not spending on gas but no more taking the car in for oil changes ect. Love my Leaf!

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  Biggest Mistake - EVER!!!!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Belle - May 3 - 9:40 am

  I purchased this brand new vehicle in October 2001 to ensure my 3 week old had a safe, reliable vehicle. The style of the vehicle, roominess, and overall design drew me to this purchase. I have since had 5 recalls, two of which are being re-done, the vehicle would not start on three separate occassions as well as the vehicle stalled while driving the vehicle on three separate occassions. Both the dealership and Nissan Corporation have had no empathy for my $23K purchase nor for the safety of my family. Additionally, the OEM tires were the worst ever. Had to replace at 30K and paying more than $500 for new tires. Never another Nissan - EVER!!!!