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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  Its just OK - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By bored - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Not for Highways, not really for off roading in the original configuration. Not for anyone over 56. GOD I Miss my Windstar. I cant even get a weeks work of grocerys in the back!

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  Desparately Wanting to Love My Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Mindi - August 4 - 10:30 pm

  I want to like this car because it is so much fun to drive. I purchased this car new with 9 miles on it. It has 17k miles now and the following repairs have already had to be made to this car: air conditioning, struts, and all the parts in the sunroof with the exception of the glass. We have had it in the shop 9 times now and have been told all are manufacturers defects. The worst part about it is that we are so tired of having an unreliable car that we decided to sell it... the resale value is HORRIBLE. So, I guess we are just stuck with a lemon. I really like Nissans styling on all their cars... but their reliability isnt proving to be so great.

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  Poor choice - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Noel A - August 3 - 3:43 am

  We bought our 2003 Murano AWD because it lookes great and we had liked our Maxima. What a mistake - luckily we negotiated a free extended warranty into our deal besause: the motor mounts failed at 35K, the mount control sensor failed as well,TWO different oxygen sensors failed at different times leaving my wife and children stranded, the front strut bearings failed at 60k, the rear lift latch failed at 61K, wiring leading to the mass air flow sensor failed, causing the sensor to also fail - leaving us stranded AGAIN,even the sunshades needed to be replaced as the spring tensioner failed. The total cost of these repairs would have been over $5500 if I had to pay for them!I wont buy another!

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  Thought I was getting good deal. Nope. - 2012 Nissan Maxima
  By ja1211 - August 2 - 11:55 pm

  I now have 15,000 miles on mine. Car would not start over 12 times now. Dash freezes and car does not respond to anything. Dealer told me to keep wrench in car and disconnect battery when it happens. Said they spoke to nissan and nissan is working on a fix. Called Nissan customer service and they have no record of dealer calling. Volume knob does not work some times, nav resets randomly, radio does not work randomly, passenger seat is completely loose, very loud on highway speeds with windows up and Nissan does not stand behind their products. Called them to say swap me out, get me into something else. Both dealer and Corp will not talk to me until 12 months into lease.

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  Glad its gone - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Peter_wobowitz - July 31 - 2:00 am

  Many problems when bought, dealer never did an inspection. Repeated calls to the General Manager did nothing. Nice engine, smooth ride, and looks. Everything else not good! Tons of paint chips, arm rest starting to loosen, CD storage door never works right. Clunking noise in rear. Traded for a civic and miss the power but nothing else! MAJOR hit on resale! Pay more for Honda and Toyota! I could have had an Accord in the first place...

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  The wost truck suspension ever experienced! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By littletitan - July 29 - 10:50 pm

  Bought the truck brand new in 2005. Start having big problem three years later. Bearings on both rear-wheels are broken which lead to oil leak and cost too expensive to repair ($450 for each side). A year after replaced both rear wheels bearings, the rear wheel spring attachment to the body was broken due to rust and poor welding. Twelve months later, the bearing at the T bar nearby the trans. was broken and caused the oil leak, cost too $450 to repair. Then later, 2 backup sensors were out and were replaced. This truck was a biggest disappointment to me. I finally gave up on this truck and sold it in 2012. Nissan knew a bout this problem on all Nissan trucks but careless to recall.

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  Bad Transmission - 2013 Nissan Sentra
  By steve122286 - July 29 - 10:48 am

  Purchased the car in February 2013. Car has had multiple transmission problems since then. Nissan customer service has been less than helpful and does not work on Sundays, making it impossible to find a solution to getting to work on Monday.

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  Transmission Problems - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By David - July 25 - 11:00 am

  27,000 miles and already had a check engine light and whining from the transmission. After being told a new transmission was being ordered. Nissan changed their mind and upgraded a computer program. A few weeks later while on vacation the transmission began to whine again and the car lost power. I am currently in middle of arguing the need for a transmission replacement. When I first bought the car, I requested new brakes due to squealing . It only took three returns and an attitude for Nissan to correct this action. I never owned a Nissan before and most likely never will again. I never had such a hard time getting quality service after such a major purchase

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  Cheap Materials - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By pinoybboy2004 - July 22 - 12:44 am

  Broken Springs Besides the fact that I overpaid for a whopping 3 year warranty the effort of Nissan to rectify any portion of this incident is non existent. It is sickening to think when I am driving that such a poor quality product is considered acceptable by Nissan. There are several complaints on forums and other consumer websites reporting this same safety issue with Versa springs sheering off completely. Dont let your family drive a Versa.

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  Great if you get a great price on it. - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Thatguy1 - July 21 - 12:34 pm