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:

• 

  Used to an SUV but want more like a car - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Dawn - April 9 - 2:06 pm

  I love the adjustable Gas pedals in my 2003 Nissan Murano. It has nice pick up, its super fast. Its gas mileage is better then most SUVs. The Bose stereo system is awesome.

• 

  Brand new truck stalling in the middle of the freeway. - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By subart - April 9 - 7:11 am

  Bought my car in May of 2010. Within a month or 3,000 miles later car stalled on the way to California from Phoenix. The engine just shut down right in the middle of the freeway, really scary as I had my whole family in there. Towed the car to the nearest dealer and they replaced a bad crank sensor. 7,000 miles and five months later - same thing. Car stalls, tow to dealer - again - bad crank sensor. I have been scared to drive it ever since - just short trips around town. The dealer just shrugged shoulders - just a couple of bad sensor in the row? This is bull. A brand new car and POS has a recurrent catastrophic failure. This is my first and the last Nissan. Should have bought a Toyota...

• 

  Second Maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By John F - April 8 - 5:23 pm

  Overall, a very good car. Smooth and quiet motor, handling excellent, fun to drive. Several minor issues start to add up, though. The light grey interior and titanium trim really reflect off the steep windshield, impairing visibility. The lumbar support is too high, and the seat is hard to get comfortable in. The $1,000 option Bose radio is not as good as the stock radio on my previous 97 Maxima. It has a "tuned EQ" for the car that cant be changed, but just sounds boomy. There is a lot of very noticable torque steer. Also, Im not convinced there is any advantage to a 6 speed manual transmission over a 5 speed. You spend a lot of time shifting.

• 

  Transmission Warranty - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Earl - April 8 - 12:36 pm

  I was looking at this site and seen there are alot of the same problems out there that I have seen in my 5 years of ownership. Just last year I had a new transmission put into my 58,000 mile Pathfinder and it was covered under the 5/60,000 warranty which should be a coverage that every dealer should be able to act on. Alot of these transmission problems are a result of the Radiator cooling lines are collapsing not allowing the tranny to be cooled therefore this is a manufacture issue and should be corrected especially if the vehicle is within the warranty period.

• 

  Tough truck - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By joebeau - April 8 - 6:13 am

  2nd Pathfinder I have owned. Sold the 1st one due to high miles (175+) and body rust in the rear and on the rear floor. This truck is tough, powerful and practical. It does really well off road (I go off road several times a year)

• 

  2006 Nissan Xterra - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By EX - April 8 - 2:06 am

  I owned a 94 Camry for 13 years prior to this and needed a better vehicle to haul camping equipment and handle forest roads. I loved the style and power of the 06 Nissan and it got the best SUV of 2006 award so I went with it. I bought it with 17k on it at a pretty good price at that time ($20800). Before 18K, it needed the valve covers replaced! Though they were under warranty I was not impressed! The plastic interior is wimpy and heaven help you if you have dogs! The exterior paint is lame too! Gas mileage is not as good as they claim in the city (more like 12) but the highway is pretty accurate at 21. The wet cargo area above would be better served by a sunroof.

• 

  Better than Expected! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By TALL IN THE SADDLE - April 7 - 9:46 pm

  I got this Rogue on Dec 1st, as a company vehicle. I drive on many rural roads as a sales rep, so needed good clearance & the AWD is great. I was used to V6 engines, so it took a bit to get used to the 4 cylinder. I think the CVT is great. I average about 25-26 MPG, when driving normally. If I really drive it hard (80 MPH) on the interstate, mileage drops to 22-23. I like everything about it except the visibility out the rear window. I guess thats why they put mirrors on vehicles. The wheel design on the SL model seems to hold snow & mud that freezes in the winter causing vibrations like the wheels are out of balance as well. Not a problem now that summer is here.

• 

  Great deal, great car - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By pink1984 - April 7 - 6:06 pm

  Sold my 2000 Maxima SE and bought a 2010 Altima 2.5 S with the conv. plus package.

• 

  Great Nissan! - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By cecep - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I brought my nissan used with 22000 miles on it and its been trouble free great power averge fuel economy and styish SUV! BUY ONE!!!!!!!

• 

  Just looking for roads with curves - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By ACOO - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Got the 20th Anniv Edition with the 5- speed manual since my previous 1988 and 1997 Maxima SEs all had 5-speed manual trans. I might have a biased opinion The automobile handles gracefully and is always begging for more. Exterior is complimented by factory installed spoilers and all around ground effects and interior is beautifully done. Overall, highly recommended if you need exitement in your everyday commute.