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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  bob - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Bob - September 22 - 2:40 pm

  After one week had transmision problem, after one month had to replace radiator, after thirty one thousands miles had to replaqce front and rear brakes. The quality and quality control has sliped on this vehicle. Have has six nissans with no issues but this one has many problems. Also, nissan customer service left a lot to be desired. After six cars nissan should of been more help to this loyal customer.

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  Good up to a point ... - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By copykat - September 22 - 11:13 am

  This was really a good little car until about 85,000 or 90,000 miles. I had no major repairs until then, but at that point things started to go downhill. First, I had to replace the catalytic converter, an $800 repair. Then, about a year later the car developed a leak in the rear main seal, which cost about $700 to fix. A month later the exhaust flex pipe needed to be replaced, which was another $400. A week later I was told there was another problem with the catalytic converter/oxygen sensors, at which point I threw in the towel. But I suppose once you pass $100K all bets are off. And since I did very little to the car in the first eight years or so, thats not too bad.

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  A Giant Japanese Let-Down - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Ray S - September 22 - 6:43 am

  While you would expect most mid-size sedans to hit the 100K mile mark before even thinking of having any maintenance issues, with a Nissan, who rate themselves as high or even above Honda and Toyota in quality and reliability, you should expect 150-200k before experiencing problems. Ive had several problems with mine since I bought it, and while I have owned it for over 6 years, Ive had to do far more than the regular oil and brake changes and basic upkeep of a vehicle. Front axle, wheel bearings, motor mounts, power steering, electronics, you name it; Ive had to put a lot of extra money into it to keep it running well, and it still hasnt hit the 107k mile mark. I love the acceleration and power you get from the Altima, but Im ready to get rid of it and try something else - its turning into a money pit far sooner than it should. Sure there may be Altimas out there with 200K and not a problem, but that wasnt my experience, and it has definitely soured me on ever purchasing a Nissan again.

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  My Nissan Pathfinder - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Rick Ramirez - September 22 - 5:33 am

  For the first 75,000 miles and when the gas prices were reasonable "my nissan" was great. Long distance, over three hundred miles at a time, the leather seats were a bit unconfortable. After 100000 miles, little things began to happen.........check engine light comes on, clock goes dim than out for good, hesitation on acceleration and the transmission is starting to act up. I think its time to trade the old guy in.

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  Great Car and Fun To Customize - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By luweezyana - September 21 - 3:23 pm

  Besides a Maxima, I couldnt see myself getting any other Nissan car. A sentra is just too small. People even called my Altima a small car, umm I dont think so. Its more like a mid-sized sedan with a lot of back end. It can be luxurious yet sporty at the same time and of course you can decide which way you wanna go. Rims make this car look great as well.

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  2000 Nissan Frontier Ext. Cab XE - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By ccsunset - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I bought the truck new in April 2000. Current mileage is 51200. The transmission is automatic. The shift from 3rd to 4th seemed unusual, I took it in for warranty, but found this is just vehicle trait. Except for that, I have had no warranty claims with Nissan. All maintenance has been routine so far. Exception has been the out of factory Firestone tires, which seem to have a short life. I replaced the battery last month. I plan on keeping it as my PAID FOR vehicle and get a 2nd vehicle.

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  Best SUV on the Market!!!!! - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Rays SUV - September 20 - 2:00 am

  The Best and Safest Suv on the market!!!!!!! The day after Christmas (2002)I dropped my wife off at work and a tree broke in half totaling my Pathfinder (remember I am in it!)I was able to walk away from from my crushed Pathfinder. Needless to say, I went out and bought a brand new 2003 Pathfinder. Just Love the Nissan Products!!!!

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  My Alti 3.5 SE - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Prettyboyriley - September 20 - 2:00 am

  This is a very fast car. Much faster than my Grand Prix GT that I had before this. Interior materiels are really cheap and crummy. Nissan really cut corners on the inside materials. Excellent engine. Ypu have all the power you,ll ever need and then some. Engine noise in loud on the inside.

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  whatever - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Joewho?Joe mamma - September 20 - 2:00 am

  0-60 in about 9.3 seconds, even though it pulls to the right a little, its a nice fast car, for the motor and the build. The suspension is good, even though it is a little bumpy on the highway. Its a good car overall, with the power options, except the seat, but it does have the adjusting knob for the driver seats, that are buckets seats, a plus for those who have bad backs

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  Review - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By bobb - September 20 - 2:00 am

  outstanding suv with lots of power