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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  As Reliable as it Gets - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By CAW - April 23 - 9:53 am

  This is the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. After 4 years, and 50,000 miles, I have had no repair bills other than preventive care. Personally, thats all Im really looking for in a vehicle. However, while the Altima isnt a sports car, when equipped with the 5 speed manual, the KA24DE engine provides plenty of power for day to day driving. The car handles above average for a family sedan. My main complaints are disappointing MPG, and a bit too much wind noise. I also had to replace the the OEM CD Player as it did not play burned CDs. With low operating cost and low initial purchase cost, this would be a great car for college student or people on a tight budget. Highly recommended.

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  Wish I wouldnt have purchased until Nissan worked all of the bugs out. - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By barrylewisl - April 23 - 1:36 am

  I purchased this car nearly a month after it was first released. I have been a loyal Nissan customer for the past 3 years when i purchased my first altima a 2010 model.I loved the new luxurious redesign and had to get behind the wheel of one. I like to call it now My "Beautiful Nightmare" Because it has been one thing going wrong after the next since week 2. By week 2 the brakes were squealing terrible and after 5 trips and 5 months later its still present. Also i began to notice a jingling noise, it was a screw that came loose and rattled on the engine cover. That noise has came back, not as loud. Also the starter hangs up and recently started then shut off on me twice this week. Lemon!

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  Gotta Love your z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Theresa - April 23 - 1:13 am

  I have never loved a car but Ive had this car for almost a year now and I still am wowed when I open the garage door and see it parked inside. Fun fun fun and fabulous, I traded in a pickup and I thought Id be miserable because I am a real do-it-yourselfer but I pony up the deliver charges with a smile cause I love drivin my Z

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  Our Lexus Replacement - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By George - April 22 - 7:30 pm

  We have been toyota/Lexus people for going on 30 years now, and have had excellent luck with all the differing vehicles. When it came time to trade in our RX330, we did a lot of research, driving and evaluating of the Crossover offerings. The new RX left us cold, Lexus just wasnt daring enough, and its rather bland. We tried the Venza, the Q5, and the Mazdas, all of which left us unimpressed. A friend suggested we try the new Murano - easily competitive with the RX, has an unforgettable exterior, and the interior is superbly screwed together. The Murano certainly rivels the Lexus RX for quite and luxury. So far, we are very impressed with the ride and handling.

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  Great fun & affordable economy sedan - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By OmegaSwitch - April 22 - 5:36 pm

  After my 89 Taurus workhorse that got be through 5 years happily, this Sentra was a godsend. I was looking for an affordable, compact, and sporty sedan, and this car fit the bill perfectly. It was a joy to drive on every occasion- though the transmission was a bit slick at times-, and I have had no problems with it since my purchase- previous owners experienced no problems to my knowledge. Its not a lavish car by any means- though the audio system is superb-, its just a fun and simple little sedan. Gas mileage is also quite decent, and the engine has plentiful torque. It has great handling- body roll is present, but traction is abundant-, and the brakes are excellent.

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  Skip the Fit, Buy the Versa - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Soccrian - April 22 - 2:16 pm

  I had driven a 2002 BMW 5-series for about 2 years prior to purchasing the Nissan Versa. Taking a new job 25 miles away- I couldnt afford premium gas at 20 mpg anymore. I reluctantly started looking at "bubble cars." The Versa had reviewed well, so I gave it a shot. I have had this vehicle for about 6 months now, and I am so happy with every aspect of it. I am constantly amazed with how comfortable, well built, and roomy it is. Youd be surprised what you can fit into that little bugger! I drive about 50 miles a day in commute, and I love everything about the car. Good gas mileage and seemingly engineered for me! Golf clubs fit well in the back- cargo area is big enough to fit everything.

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  Excellent All Rounder - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By denverdude - April 22 - 1:03 am

  I have consistently for the past 4 months including winter driving gotten 18 mpg city. For a solid cross over AWD with a V-6 in excess of 240 hp, there is not a competitor that really offers any better unless you look at hybrids. I bought mine used with low miles (29k). It is a very competent and comfortable vehicle. On worn OEM tires it performs well in 10 inch deep snow in the canyon roads west of Boulder. This has been rectified in later years. Better MPG than Pilot, Highlander, 4Runner. I spent months researching!

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  2014 Platinum -excellent so far - 2014 Nissan Pathfinder
  By azawisza - April 21 - 4:01 pm

  I have only had it for almost 300 miles now, but it drives very well. It is a great ride, super comfortable and loaded with features. If you spend the extra money and get the Platinum model with all the extra features, you will be happy that you did. Hopefully wont have any of the transmission issues, but looking forward to taking it on a road trip in the near future to see how it does for a long haul drive.

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  Cube is Good & Safe. I Dont Mind It. - 2010 Nissan Cube
  By CubeIsSexy!^_^ - April 21 - 3:06 pm

  Got my car 5 months ago & have put 13+k miles on it. Great drive and reliable at braking (especially with crazy drivers). I drive from LA to OC everyday. You dont hear any wind noise if you blast on the music when driving on the fwy. Great acceleration but makes noise when going too fast. Get sunglasses (youll need them!). Youll get used to the window reflections after a while. Nice air conditioning-good thing it has one because youll need it if you dont like wind noise. Shakes a lot during very hard windy seasons. At first driving, small winds make the car move and shake (youll get used to that, too). Stay away from road cracks-tire traction grips them all! Back is roomy for lunch naps.

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  Jeep to Pathfinder - 2007 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Anna Logan - April 21 - 1:30 pm

  We purchased a 2007 Nissan Pathfinder LE for the comfort & luxury of a family vehicle. It has been a great vehicle for us so far. I had been driving a Jeep since 1985 and it was really difficult to finally make that decision to switch, but now am loving the comfort and quietness for the pathfinder.