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:

• 

  Great car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By waynerb66 - April 14 - 5:26 am

  I bought this car with 59,000 kms on it in 2004. I now have 255,000 kms on it. I have never had anything major go wrong with it. I have replaced the rad, the alternator, the usual stuff, like ball joints and battery. Last year I did have to change some suspension parts. It was a lot of money, but it has a lot of mileage on it. So far it still has the same exhaust on it. It also has the original struts on the front. It doesnt burn oil. I change it regularly between 5000 and 7000 kms. It is starting to show signs of age though. I am having problems starting it. It still starts, it just takes a couple of cranks. Living in Canada, the salt is starting to take its toll also.

• 

  Well Satisfied - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Grumpyman - April 14 - 4:16 am

  This is a great little car! I did a lot of research when looking for a new car and the SE-R seemed to be the best value. I havent been disappointed! This is a great car for the price range and a lot of fun to drive.

• 

  Review - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By JCH - April 14 - 12:50 am

  it has been enjoyable. The only items that have been replaced on this vehicle in the nearly 9 years of ownership, are normally replaceable items. It has been a very solid performer. I have no regrets.

• 

  True Driver - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By NIZZMO - April 13 - 9:16 pm

  To experience both the normal Z and the NISMO tuned Z, is more than enough for you to quickly decide which is for you. The 2 are very similar interior wise, power wise, and that is where it ends. The nismo, is a much more aggressive/racing type car, yes you can travel, the gas mileage is comparable if you can keep your foot out of it! Good luck with that. The car handles like a dream, you can push it to the edge of your own limits and it still wants more, the stiffer chassis, and upgraded suspension make this car worth the little extra it costs to own, over a normal Z. If you like to drive, and love the road this car is for you!!! If not then I suggest a normal Z.

• 

  Very Unreliable - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By dannybrown92 - April 13 - 7:28 am

  I purchased a 2012 Nissan Versa SV certified preowned in September of 2013 with 25k miles. For the first seven months, the car was fine, but after that is when all issues started to occur. My brakes were making noises when I would hit them. It was a whistling noise. I paid to my rotors resurfaced, but that wasnt the issue. I needed the rear shoes replaced. About four months later, my transmission failed at 34k miles. Right after that, my starter went bad and right after that I needed new brake calipers. Everything accept rotors were under warranty. The car would make weird noises that went undiagnosed. All of these issues occurred before hitting 36k miles. Traded car in after 1 year.

• 

  This is my third Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Millie - April 13 - 6:30 am

  This is a great car inside and out. Comfortable and exciting to drive. Only objections are the poor turning radius and the occasional tendency of the car to "get away" from you when accelerating under certain conditions, two flaws I knew about before purchasing, but which did not deter me because Maximas are so reliable. Also, original set of tires went 60K miles before needing replacement. I owned 1989, 1994 and 2004 models and liked them all. Had zero mechanical problems. Drove the 1994 for 10 yrs, 105K miles and sold it for $5K. I do a lot of highway driving and this car is fantastic for long trips.

• 

  Great Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Jeff - April 13 - 5:43 am

  This is a great car. I wish I had bought the 6 cyn version of it though

• 

  Drove the hell out of it with no problem - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By U. Schacht - April 12 - 1:56 am

  I work in the oil patch driving in the worst conditions. This truck has been on back roads, winter ice roads and where there are no roads and NEVER let me down. I now have 140,000km worry free. The only problem I noticed is that when it gets to minus 40 degrees for some reason it accepts fuel only at a very slow rate. Still no squeaks or rattles like the north American products, great re-sale. The lease is up next Oct. and I will be getting another one.

• 

  Fun Car - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Di Wills - April 11 - 2:20 pm

  I love my car. All it need is the Bluetooth audio feature and Ill be happier. I even take my car on road trips with no issues. I bought it with 86k miles in November 2016 and right now Im at 110k in June 2017. This car does suck on making tight U-turns. Thats my only issue with the car.

• 

  Nice vehicle - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Headhunter - April 11 - 11:03 am

  I planned on driving a number of SUVs before purchasing one. The first one I drove was the Xterra and I loved it. Bought it on the spot and got a great year end deal. I would recommend this truck to anyone looking for a smaller more rugged SUV with plenty of power. Upgraded from a Jeep Wrangler. 100% would recommend.