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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  Check Engine Light Problems - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By rjd44 - May 20 - 3:26 pm

  This is my second Pathfinder. They are nice looking vehicles and fun to drive. Poor mileage. My son has my 97 and still running great with 157K and using no oil. I now have 123K on my 2001 and is running well except for ongoing check engine light problems that no one seems to be able to fix. The check engine light has been on continuously for 4 years now. Ive had O2 sensors, mass air flow sensors, cat converters, coils, etc.. This is frustrating! With all the problems of this kind listed in these reviews, why has this not been a recall?

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  1.6 base sedan review - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By brkrotke - May 18 - 4:26 am

  I have owned this car for about six months now, and havent had any issues. I average 35 mpg with 75% city/ 25% highway, which is great in my opinion. Feels refined when you drive it, and it shifts smoothly. Im 64" and I fit perfectly inside.

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  223K Miles and Still Going - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By altimatelover - May 17 - 7:12 pm

  I have 223K miles and still going. I love this car. I bought it at 12K miles in 2001. Its had very few problems. The only time I had a serious problem was the alternator went at around 170K. The interior plastic is rather cheap though and my visor attachments had problems. Pretty minor stuff. My husband believes in maintenance so weve changed out parts such as tie rods, spark plugs, radiator (was leaking), CV boot and brakes. Very little maintenance in 11 years. 4 hours in mechanic shop is longest time (alternator). Paint fading, 1 leather seat cracked. At this point the shocks could use replacement, but, even the shocks are better than most cars. 26-29 MPG. Love the Altima!

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  Love this car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Hitlistofpa - May 17 - 10:00 am

  The Altima for me has been a sheer joy so far. I was looking for something both reliable and eye catching for the buck, I believe I have found that car! Thoughit is too soon to tell how the reliability rating will play out, I have read other consumer postings, most were good.

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  Pleased - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By John - May 17 - 2:10 am

  One thing I did right away was to adjust the throttle cables under the hood as they come from the factory with alot of play. Once I tightened these up the pedal response was amazing! I also put a K&N air filter in as well as new synthetic redline oil. With these simple changes I am getting 20 miles per gallon and drives great!!!

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  Be Careful - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By John - May 15 - 10:30 pm

  This vehicle has serious brake issues! I have an 2005 model and at 2000 miles of city driving, the wheel and pedal started to vibrate. Now with 3000 it is so bad it is embarassing to drive with friends. Nissan was just "turning" the rotors but now have developed a new brake kit however the dealers in my area are clueless when the will get the upgrade. Make sure you get an upgrade before you buy!!!!!!!!! P.S. nissan says this upgrade will work...only time will tell.

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  Best Economic Decision - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Prock - May 15 - 2:46 pm

  I traded in my 2003 Pathfinder LE for this vehicle. I was no longer towing heavy trailers so I didnt need it. I am 61" at 185 lbs, plenty of room. This car has much more head and leg room than my wifes 2003 Sentra. Fuel economy was much lower than the EPA estimates but still acceptable. The fit and finish is very good for this price category.

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  Too many issues - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By sourkrautgreg - May 15 - 9:26 am

  My previous truck was a 95 Nissan Hardbody XE V6 ext Cab. I traded it in on my current truck and only had to replace the fan belt when it broke at about 100k. Loved that Truck. I have had numerous issues with this one however. I have had to replace the clutch and the AC compressor at 62k. The speed sensor had been on its way out since before then, and finally quit outright at about 85k. Now at 95k and need to replace AC comp again. Nissan dealer installed it.

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  nice ride - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By ken k - May 15 - 8:10 am

  car is very fun to drive, very smooth and responsive. the cvt transmission takes some getting used to, also under hard acceleration, torque steer becomes evident. overall very happy so far with this car. the styling and overall look is impressive.

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  Point A to Point B with some extras - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By David - May 14 - 9:06 am

  Parents bought me this car (first one). Had it for 2 years this month. Average 29mpg 23 city / 39 highway. I usually only do 65-70mph on high way, was shocked at the mileage. I like that it has an aux. jack, which btw the 2006 infiniti doesnt even have (only included in the 2008 model). Windshield wipers leave massive streaks, but I think I needed to get that replaced. I cant ever seem to find a comfortable head rest position on long trips. Engine sometimes misfires on start up, I just have to wait a second and try again, not that big of deal. Hate the cup holders, fine for cups, but bottles fall right out on corners, also hits cd buttons because of position. 20 yo/boy/58