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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  Rides/Drives like a 10 year old car - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Lady T - December 23 - 12:53 am

  I am in month 9 of my 24 month lease. I am not happy at all. I want to return this car. It only drove the first 1000 miles okay. Before I even reached my first 1000 miles, I felt that the cars brakes didnt stop the way they should. My husband thought I was being paranoid but it kept driving funny. Finally, I decided to take it in by 3000 miles to get checked. I was told, "Oh, by the way, the brake master cylinder needs to be replaced. It has been recalled." No one ever contacted me saying this part, a major part for stopping the car properly, was recalled. I barely feel safe driving this car and I have to drive my children. I have taken it back and am still not satisfied.

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  Everything but the seats - 2016 Nissan 370Z
  By John Hall - December 22 - 6:27 pm

  2016 is late in the model life of the 370Z, and it appears Nissan has worked out all the bugs and the Z has become a very reliable vehicle. The Sport Tech model has all the bells and whistles a person could need. Handling is great with very brisk acceleration and steering. The 370Z is the perfect evolution of the famous Nissan Z line. After the first two weeks and 500 miles, I took the Z on a 2900 mile 4 day trip. Weither cruising the Interstate at 80MPH or winding through the mountains of North Carolina, the Z performs flawlessly. The tires are somewhat noisy but a throaty exhaust easily compensates. As much as I like this vehicle, I am extremely disappointed with the seats! A $40k vehicle and both front seats are crappy, mechanical ones expected in a vehicle a third the price. The seats are also so narrow and uncomfortable only a teenager could be comfortable in them. When I was shopping, I didnt even ask about power memory seats; I just assumed they were standard for the price. If my trade hadnt already been sold, this would have killed the deal. I was told power memory seats werent necessary in this type of sports car and by opting for manual seats they save space and weight. No, its a bean counters way to cut cost. Every valet, every car wash, every mechanic has to crank the seat to suit THEM and I it seems to take me forever to get the seat adjusted to my comfort again. Every other vehicle Ive owned the past 20 years has had power memory seats; push a button and its all back to my setting. Even the 370Z Roadster has power seats.

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  SUV with acceptable consumption - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Manoj - December 22 - 4:23 pm

  I like this car bought just 2 months back at first I used to have doubts about its gas consumption but I have to say I am pretty happy with it. getting 20 MPG in city and 22 MPG on highway.

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  Nice Ride - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Robocop - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. After my 99 Civic was stolen, I bought the Maxima 2000 Se. The Civic was also found. So now I have the Civic and Maxima. Paid in full cash. Pretty cheap :):)

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  Downshift in Quality - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By karrun - December 22 - 10:00 am

  My Sentra now has 4100 miles and I am having problems already. I feel like the car is impossible to control at high speeds. As far as the summertime, the AC completely kills any power the car has. It makes merging a nightmare. Have taken to turning the AC off (our turbo switch) to get that power back in a merge situation. The sunvisors on both sides are completely inadequate. There is WAY too much space on the drivers side windshield wiper that is not wiped away (it makes a big difference when you cant see). My ABS brakes are starting to grind already.

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  Lots of Bang for the Buck - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By slayrdave - December 22 - 10:00 am

  A very sexy truck with matching fiberglass cap.Only two problems:A electrical short behind the dash disabled the power windows when the cruise control was used.Always occured with the windows down.Two visits to the dealer before it was corrected.Truck body has the SHAKES,Dealer balanced and re balanced tires,installed new Driveshaft prop.Concluded I had a tire out of round,suggested that I buy new tires.Dealer needs to work on Customer Service.I think its stupid to make an appointment for an oil change.I would like to add that Ford,Chevy,and Toyota couldnt match my Frontier in price!! Value will sale trucks.

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  I HAVE A P-FINDER - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By tony soprano - December 22 - 10:00 am

  im from canada montreal just got a p- finder 2003 full equiped the LE sivlver and i love it litle expensive but worthed 45,000$ plus taxes this is canadian money. if ure looking 4 one trust me get it you wont go wrong at all .

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  Patience is a virtue - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By a25ret - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I looked for two months for the right car. I narrowed it down to the Altima 2.5S, Camry LE and the Sonata LE (fully loaded).Each car has advantages.I finally made the decision to buy the Altima and I am extemely happy. I got it for a few hundred under invoice. The Camry was to plain and I just could not flush my money on the Hyundai. The Altima is large, powerful, roomy, plenty of power features, and lots of storage space. The 175hp 4cyl is responsive and the gas mileage is good. I have never been happier with a new car purchase. The color is polished pewter. I highly recommend the Nissan Altime for looks, power and quality.

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  not the prettiest peach! - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By kasey - December 22 - 9:33 am

  I love this car. Straight up. Personally, I think the exterior design leaves a bit to be desired. However, Ive put 40k hard-driven city and highway miles on it since purchase (1/08) and its given me no problems.. Other than a recalled starter issue, which was covered by Nissan. I have the hatchback, and am mindblown by the amount of stuff and people I can comfortably pack into the versa. Nice base stereo, interior design is intuitive and ambient. I have manual trans with the standard 6-speed, Nice for highway driving. A bit squirrely on highways during windy weather and suspension is indeed soft. Standard stereo has trouble reading mp3 cds sometimes. Solid deal for a tough little car.

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  noisy - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By lato - December 22 - 9:20 am

  this engine is very noisy