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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  Ugly Rearend - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By williamsjerome3 - February 26 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the vehicle before I purchased it, so I am not totally surprised at some of the less than stellar highlights. However, I am shocked that the gas milage is not measuring up the estimated EPA rating- the interior part are very cheap look, such as the dash storage compartment and the overhead eyeglass storage-I have the upgraded sound system, it great. Its also two inches less interior compartment space than the Honda Civic-that makes it tought for almost anyone to ride in the backseat- the tilt steering column barely tilt at all-and worst of the complaints, the headlights are easily stolen

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  Maintanence is too expensive - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By kievguy - February 23 - 10:00 am

  I have 99 Maxima SE Limited 5 speed for more then 3 years. The car is comparable to Camry and Accord that I had before but cost way too much in maintenance. Looks like its Nissans way to compete with big guys like Toyota and Honda - for customers expense. Look at new Edmunds topic True Cost to Own and compare to other similarly priced cars. I would not buy another Nissan, period.

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  Dont buy this year - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By angrycustomer - February 20 - 12:03 am

  This is an awesome vehicle BUT there is a major problem with the radiator some torque valve. I had a vibration in my vehicle ~ 40 -50 mph took it to my mechanic. and guess what ~$1700 later, a KNOWN defect with the radiator. Causes antifreeze to enter the transmission fluid and transmission fluid to enter the radiator. I was lucky, it didnt trash my transmission which by the way costs ~$7,000 to fix. As sharp looking as this vehicle is its not worth the chance. Which is to bad, I loved it up to this point had an issue with the gas tank too, but I sucked it up and ate the ~800 to get that fixed. BUYER BEWARE!

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  A Few Good Qualities - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By qwnbk - February 19 - 10:00 am

  the side panel on the interior of the drivers side door has almost fallen off.If you close the door it sounds like the whole door is going to fall off.Also, in hot weather, the CD player skips and I get an Error message almost everytime.The cup holders are 3ft deep!I have 3 dings in my doors that I can imagine came from someone leaning on my car since it is made like a tin can.The trunk door is cheap and the hinges take up a 1/3 of your trunk. I do enjoy the power of the V6 but I have never driven a V6 before so I have nothing to compare it too.I should have test drove more cars

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  my mistake - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Jeanelu - February 15 - 9:36 am

  I was happy with my 89 Nissan therefore bought a 2004. I find it very noisy in city driving. Also a very hard ride in so much as every crack, bump, etc. is felt. I am very disappointed with the mileage I get per gallon. I do not get what is listed. I average 175 miles a full tank which equals 12 gallons. I wish I had researched but didnt have the time.

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  My First Nissan Disappoints - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By NeverNissan - February 14 - 10:00 am

  This VAN is a lot of fun to drive. It handles very well at curves. However the moment we left the dealership we heard the doors rattling and squeaking even on smooth roads. I Have taken it back to the dealership 4 times but no result. Infact the dealership gave me a bottle of rubber spray and told me to use it every few days and see if it helps. I should have never bought this VAN if I had to do such things. Infact I wantede to tradeid in my corolla and buy maxima as second vehicle. Now I am looking at acura,lexus etc . NO NISSAN EVER.

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  Bad Start and Bad Ride - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Bad-deal - February 11 - 9:33 am

  I just bought. I drive to a friend place and want to come back home. I could not start the car. Tried and Tried finally pushing different buttons on remote key I was able to start the car. It was embarrassment and frustration. The car ride is ruff. I never seen a car so bad. I would want to return this car tomorrow. Ride is so bumpy my but can feel ever curve of the road. My Camry is smooth and takes the roughness of the road and gives me smooth ride. I am planning to return this car. I had 1999 Altima for brief time. The ride was good, I thought that I would get the same quality. Take a ride on side roads before you make investment.

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  Hesitation on Acceleration - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Gary Nadeau - February 5 - 3:56 am

  When accelerating the car hesitates significantly. This happens primarily in going from slower to faster speeds and around 2000rpm. Then when you give it a touch more gas, it takes off. It borders on being dangerous. Im currently trying to get Nissan to recognize that there is an issue. I feel like Im getting the run around.

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  Careful of the Pathfinder - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Bigboy - January 22 - 3:16 pm

  Leased after much research, beautiful black on black. Very disappointed this is the first "foreign" vehicle I owned. Replaced under warranty, rad, ac condenser, transfer case, various fluid seals multiple times. Replaced out of warranty- ABS sensor, fuel delivery system(fuel pump), belt tensioner, heat shield clamp etc All this with leass than 60,000 miles. Dealer now chasing to lease another....... I am tempted but need to look at all of the other options out there

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  Not holding up well - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By JR3701 - January 16 - 10:20 pm

  I should love this car. Its loaded with options and I got a great price on it. The problem is you get what you pay for. The quality just isnt there. The engine is noisy and unrefined. The transmission occasionally shifts slowly or roughly and makes we wonder how many problems it will have down the road. The interior already looks like its 10 years old. The plastics arent aging well and the leather is starting to sag. Also, an annoying clicking sound has developed, in addition to all the other interior squeaks and rattles. The ride is a rough and the whole vehicle shakes when going over bumps. To be fair, it is an suv but I previously had a 4runner and it drove a lot better.