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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  2004 Nissan Titan comments - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Bob Gilmore - July 22 - 6:13 am

  Tough vehicle, I get lots of admirers. I think it has Ford, Chevy, and Toyota beat on the "macho" scale. This truck sucks down some gas! Had a problem with brakes which Nissan acknowledges with Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) NTB04-066. They did service to the truck but did not replace the rotors as the TSB recommends. Seems to be a temp fix which lasts about 4000 miles. Problem is vibration in steering wheel when pedal is depressed. I expect this problem to return every 4000 miles until they replace the rotors. The truck does stop fine and handles great. Lots of power and roomy cab.

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  OK, A Little Disappointed - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Ryan - July 22 - 2:00 am

  After copious research I narrowed it down to Honda Fit or Versa, better dealer financing swung it in favor of the Versa. After a month, though, Im a little hesitant to recommend this little hatchback. Gas mileage has been OK, but not great weve got 21s to 29 depending on how much highway driving we do (this is the CVT model). Driving comfort is the big problem, lumbar support is non-existent, seats are short and no support under thighs. Steering wheel is too far away if youre not ridiculously short. Ride is OK but blows around like a leaf in the wind and doesnt feel well connected to the road (easily drifts). That said, it turned out to be excellent in snow, easy to control and stop.

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  Former Jeep Grand Cherokee owner - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Mike L. - July 22 - 12:46 am

  I have 7500 mi on my Murano and it has delivered more than I expected. My Murano does 0-60 in 7.5 sec. The Murano handling is quite good and the CVT is great in hilly traveling where standard transmission would be shifting and bucking up the hills.

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  2000 Nissan Maxima - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By alan from California - July 21 - 10:30 pm

  I bought my 2000 Maxima used @ 39000 miles. Fell in love with it right away because of the smoothness of the ride and power of the VQ engine that has 222 hp. Good choice in getting the factory extended warranty because the ignition coils and MAF sensor needed to be replaced after I used an 89 octane gas. The engine knocks if you use gas less than 91 octane. Handling is inspiring on winding roads. Bumpy for some but expected for a car with sports tuned suspension per factory description. I wasnt impressed with the Bose stereo so I replaced the system.

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  Lots of suspension problems, no help!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Phil - July 21 - 8:06 pm

  I am only 25 so this was the first car I ever purchased. Since about 3 months into owning the vehicle I have had a squeak in my left front end and popping in my right front end on turning and acceleration. While I do love the style and looks of the car I have a feeling down the line I am going to have some expensive repair bills due to poor quality in the build of the vehicle. I was told after my warranty expired they are starting to find problems in the front end, I asked Nissan Corp. for help and was told my car is out of warranty there was nothing they could do.

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  recommended - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By elizabeth ochoa - July 21 - 12:03 pm

  I still have the car. Its been a great experience and plan to change it for another Nissan car. Very reliable.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Ace Dude - July 20 - 11:13 am

  I use my Pathfinder for business and drive about 20K miles per year, mostly on highway. The Pathfinder is comfortable, reliable, and a great all around truck. I occasionally pull a cargo trailer and have no problems. This truck has a great engine! It has more power than my V8 Ford Expedition had. Highly recommended. As for the fuel mileage, its a truck! I have almost 50K miles on it now with NO PROBLEMS!

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  My Xterra rocks! - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By Ken - July 20 - 8:46 am

  I have owned everything from a Toyota Corolla to a BMW. As I have gotten older practicality and reliability are huge factors in my decision making now. The Xterra is the best midsize SUV on the market. It is also the best value. Do your own research and see for yourself. Depending on where you are in the country you should be able to get a new one at or under invoice if rebates are included. Major improvement over the old body style and engines.

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  Awesome Car - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Anil - July 20 - 3:23 am

  I have been using this car since 3 months. Its really an awesome car and its a good compromise between cost, quality and reliability. Test drove Accord and Camry. Finally chose Altima as I liked the design and CVT. I am proud I made good choice and I love to drive this car. Especially you dont feel any speed impacts though the vehicle runs at 80 - 90 MPH. Im sure Nissan engines are pretty famous for reliability. Its overall a good reliable car for a reasonable price.

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  Fun for your money - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Matt - July 20 - 1:40 am

  First, this car was quite inexpensive. A great value, but lacking in some areas. I dont think it compares to luxury sport vehicles, but it finds its way to the top of the pack for vehicles under $17k. The 2.5L motor is so torquey you can pull with most v6s off the line (however its not so tough on the highway). Handling is for tuned for driving fanatics, with excellent response and minimal roll, but the 17 in. wheels and hardened bushings relay every bump on longer drives. Adequate interior - love the seats, but the plastics scratch up quite easily. Exterior was "updated" for 04 to match the base model... Now theres no escaping the ugly "bucktooth"!