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:

• 

  My 2 Nissan Sentra - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By Frank - September 5 - 9:53 pm

  I own 2 the only thing I do not like is the rockford fosgate system. Speaker went bad on back order (Rear speaker) CD player had to be replaced on my 05 sentra. Speaker was in the 06 sentra. Very fuel efficent car. I get upward of 40 miles per gallon if I keep car under 65 MPH. Car is great and very quiet on road trips suspension just a little stiff but nice car to drive on long trips. I do not like the stereo only problem I have with the cars every thing else is great.

• 

  Transmission Gone @ 70K - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Phil - September 5 - 6:16 pm

  I am very disappointed with my 2005 Nissan Maxima. My transmission is shot. Started around 60K.... been to the dealer several times. Nissan N America claims they are unaware of trans problems for this car. I know thats bull. Two many "Nissan Heads" are having this same problem. Is Nissan going to own up to this or what? This is my 3rd Max, unfortunately it will be my last! Mr Mech, do you have any advise for this $4,000 trans repair?

• 

  bullet resistant - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By dorfsmurfal - September 5 - 6:23 am

  Bought news. was over $9000 less than the base Tundra. Has 4L six, massive power lousey gas mileage. Just towed a steel two horse trailer with two horses up 15% grade to yosimite pulled like a champ. Only mechanical issues is rear end went out under warranty and fuel sensor. Factory replaced with no issue. Nissan has way cooler looks than Toyota and a better overall value than Toyota. Some interior noise and squeaks. But I off road. I just changed the facotry tires and brakes at 78,000 miles. Every time I go to the dealer they try to buy it from me. Ran the sand dunes at Pismo fine people couldnt believe the power or abilities. Did I mention no accelorator problems? GO NISSAN!

• 

  Great speed, but oh so not worth it!!!! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By 1bzygirl - September 4 - 9:15 pm

  Shopping for a new car and just for kicks thought I would check out the reviews on my 2006 Maxima, cant believe so many people have had similar problems...let me see if anyone can top these, at 2 years my catalytic converter went out, at 3 years my transmission went out (right b4 warranty expired), my motor mounts have broken twice, oh yeah at 4 years my throttle body went out, end of 4th year my timing chain and air conditioner went out...now for my 5th yr anniversary my struts and suspension are out!!! I have spent well over 8k in repairs and maintanence....i am broke and now cannot afford to keep putting $$ into it, so am forced to get a new car or even buy a used one =(

• 

  Reliable SUV, most bang for the buck! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By thesugarrush - September 4 - 4:06 pm

  I bought the murano because it is on car frames instead of truck, has fulltime AWD with good gas milage and buttery smooth CVT transmission just like the one used in AUDI A4! Driving a roadster before, I am surprise that MURANO can match the vehicle dynamic of a my BMW Z3! Murano has been very reliable (for 2 yrs). Could not justify myself buying RX330 for $10K more. Nissan VQ engine has been proven reliable, do not hesitate. Murano is a vehicle for the most bang for your hard earn money!

• 

  Got Cute Cube - 2011 Nissan Cube
  By auntie3 - September 4 - 12:56 pm

  I have had my Cube for about a month now. I love it. My husband is a big guy & at 1st didnt want to test drive it but after I talked him in to it, he loves it too. Its way bigger on the inside than it appears on the outside. It handles very well and has a tight turning radius. You can park this car anywhere and get into very tight areas. It is extremely quiet. The transmission is awesome in this car, you can not hear it shift. It handles bumps in the road great. I have drove it on ice and snow and although the tires are small it handles great. It has alot of storage area in it. The back seats lay flat to make more cargo area and its great.

• 

  Back to Old Faithful......... - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By my 2¢ - September 4 - 10:00 am

  I wrote a previous review back in April. Although I had bought a luxury suv as a replacement for my Pathfinder, I still had not sold it and it was sitting on a consignment lot for over six months. The war with Iraq had just started and being that we lived near a military area, car sales were in a slump. Luckily, this all worked out to my advantage. Being so unhappy with my so called luxury suv I decided to sell it and reclaim my old faithful Pathfinder. I am happy to say that I am back in the drivers seat again and loving every minute of it. Live and learn.

• 

  Best 2nd car I have owned - 1998 Nissan Sentra
  By midhudson - September 4 - 10:00 am

  Clock just turned 90,000. Bought it at 34k. Still has original battery, hoses, exhaust, struts; clutch works like the day I bought it. I am having the fronts replaced next week, only the second time they have needed it. It is absolutely reliable, and I plan to take it to 300,000 miles.

• 

  My first SUV - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Twash - September 4 - 10:00 am

  So far this car has been a great vehicle to own. Small exhust leak, had to replace a pipe coming from engine. $125.00 It seems to be the part of the exhust thatis not stainless steel of rust proof.Great trucf for the winter, FWD is reliable. I did notice that my front bumper (Medal) has begun to rust. I would purchase another.

• 

  One of the Best SUVs there is - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By PATHFINDER RULES - September 4 - 10:00 am

  i went car shopping and i new i wanted a suv but did not know what kind. i looked at the 2002 Honda cr-v. bad move the cr-v is cheep looking. it should be called a car not suv what a joke. i looked at the pathfinder and it is the best suv in the snow,rain,sun. i will always get a NISSAN PATHFINDER