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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  What a Lemon! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By ammaiol - August 14 - 6:00 am

  Come on Nissan- whatcha gonna do for all of us? This cars SUCKS! And with so many of us having the same problems youd think they do something fast. How many does it take for a class action suit? I have brought the car back 5 times already. So far theyve supposedly replaced the entire transmission, replaced the torque converter, reset the computer and car still bucks, chugs, surges forward at exactly 25 mph. and vibrates when you come to a stop. And Ive been told the same bs as everyone else, almost word for word. Do they actual have a pitch they say to all of us? I have filed complaints with everyone- PLEASE file your complaints. We need to speak out.

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  Solid purchase - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Aemilius - August 14 - 1:03 am

  Having purchased a dealership test drive car with 3,000 KM (1,600 miles) I benefited from my White Altima coupe 3.5 SE Premium being broken in without being abused. Almost two years with the car now and Im still taken by the beauty of the interior and exterior design! Im in snowy Calgary Canada and appreciate the foul weather control of front wheel drive. I consider the Altima coupe to be a great balance of performance, comfort, style and practicality. A well designed car that sacrifices little and offers a lot.

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  Greatest car in its class - 1996 Nissan Sentra
  By sharkcity - August 14 - 12:10 am

  My parents have had a few of these that went over 300k. Bought when gas hit 4.39. Getting 42 mpg- Im an easy rural driver. Love the sunroof. Bring on the $7 gas!!

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  Excellent - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By klowery967 - August 13 - 10:06 pm

  Excellent overall interior and exterior stlying. Great performance of engine, smooth ride secondary and autobahn. Head turner in Europe.

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  LEMON - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Melly - August 13 - 4:56 pm

  I will have to say that this car has really cost me an arm and a leg. This car has been to the dealership over 20 times since I purchased it in 2005. I had to replace several front end parts at 30,000 miles or less. Also, at 72, 000 miles I had to replace the transmission. Nissan was very awful at fixing their own products. This car has literally broke me in the past two years. My maxima is in the shop at this time getting a hub and strut assembly for the front right. I am very upset about purchasing this car. I have replaced almost every part on the car with the exception of an new engine. I will never purchase another Nissan.

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  New Owner - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Ralph - August 13 - 4:36 pm

  Very good driving experience so far;1800 miles, with one 600 mile road trip. Car has convenience package with electric driver seat, cloth interior (preferred over leather). Smooth, quiet ride, with easy and responsive handling. Size of car is comfortable for family of four on a short to medium trip, so far. MPG so far; low 29, high 34 mpg.

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  Will keep it FOREVER - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Quest Queen - August 13 - 12:43 pm

  A family must have! A large family is all in and out in no time. Open all the doors and roll the windows down from your house with remote and let it cool out. Very spacious, easy to flip seats all down. It is truly a luxury van. Has such great pickup and horsepower. I have peace of mind knowing that my family is safe with so many safety features. The spare tire is very convenient to get to and the full size tire can be put back in easily. Feel like a queen driving it.

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  A 10+ car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By AlarmGy - August 12 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It is the most fun to drive car Ive had in years. When I first saw it, I thought OK, it looks nice. But as soon as I drove it I knew I was going to buy it. Ive had the same reaction from everyone whos been behind the wheel. The ride is a little stiff, due to its sport suspension, but if you can get past that, youll really like this machine. It really is 10+.

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  Good performer - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By fstshrk - August 12 - 10:00 am

  Purchased car two weeks ago, fully loaded including dual screen DVD and navigation. Only problem is sliding door that has a rattle one out 10 bumps. No other initial quality or build issues. Drives smooth, cruises all day at 70-80 mph, getting around 22 mpg.

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  ALTERNATOR - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By bogey7 - August 12 - 10:00 am

  The alternator on our Murano was replaced by the dealer. The car had 10000 miles. I dont think ours was the 1st car to have this trouble. Sounds like a design problem with the alternators on the Muranos. Pretty scarey on a new car in this day and age.