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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  JUST SAY NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Nicole in PA - July 16 - 3:56 am

  Ok, so I have had this car for a little less than 2 years. Was brand new when I bought it and now has 30,000 miles. As other reviewers have said there has been nothing but recall after annoying recall. I absolutely loved driving this car, but about 2 months ago, it started to just not feel right. Long story short, I just had to have the front breaks completely replaced (calipers, rotors, etc) and had to have a NEW TRANSMISSION installed. All was under warranty, but give me a break! I love the way Nissans look, and they are FUN to drive when they run correctly, but I will never own one again. I highly UNrecommend this car!

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  2014 Nice but...wiring/electrical issues! - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By arlyo - July 15 - 12:42 pm

  I first tried a 2013 but didnt like it....really noisy. After test driving other midsize cars and reading that the 2014 had more insulation added, I took the 14 out again and thought it was a lot better...and bought a 2.5S. Unlike the 13s the 2014 S has a display audio package option.. (Rear view monitor...USB port....& 5" display) for $320...so I added that option. This car has a lot of positives....nice compromise of handling/ride...Great gas mileage...No engine shudder like some 13 owners had. Power steering noise once out of the garage is a non-issue for me. So Nissan has corrected problems for the most part that the 13s had. So the issues? Read on.

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  First Nissan - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Rick - July 15 - 2:16 am

  My wife and I were looking to trade in our Chevy Venture for a full size SUV. My first thought was ok now I get my Tahoe, NOT, after I drove the Armada there was no way I was getting a Tahoe. This thing is great, extreme comfort, powerful, and ROOM to spare. I love it.

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  @1000 miles - 2013 Nissan Frontier
  By dmantic - July 14 - 4:49 pm

  So far, truck is working out well. Minimal road noise for a pickup. Plenty of power. Steering tracks very good, especially at high speed. Seats firm and comfortable. Interior not well thought out. Too many cup holders that could have been used for storage compartments. Cheap plastic chrome exterior trim. 21+mpg mixed hwy/city. Overall, good value when compared to competition with similar equipment. Fun to drive.

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  Great Value! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By J Ruff - July 14 - 3:36 pm

  I leased my Altima about 2 months ago and have been very pleased. The car is quite comfortable for communting, good on gas (24.5 mpg mixed driving), and fun! I never tire of feeling the smooth power of the engine. The interior is a big improvement over the previous Altimas. The seats are very comfortable. The stereo sound is better than average, but not great. Overall a great value for the actual price paid. You wont get any competitor this inexpensive.

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  Excellent Minivan - even the base model - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By A Paul - July 14 - 12:06 pm

  Pros: Lots of Standard features - Yes in base 3.5 model. (Traction, ABS,Brake Assist, curtain airbags, Tire pressure monitoring 2nd and 3rd Row AC Vent, Foldable 2nd and 3rd row seats, Trip Computer, Decent Audio system with AUX port for MP3) Excellent Saftey Excellent Performance Decent gas milage 14-18 city /25 - Highway Very good suspension Cons: Nothing so far we have driven only 1500 miles. The look from the back would have been slightly better. We got a black color one and that looks great Overall: We wanted a base model minivan and doing extensive research. We compared Toyota , Honda, Chrysler, Nissan and few other base models and Quest is the Best.

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  Very reliable suv - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By my2¢ - July 14 - 10:00 am

  I owned my Pathfinder for 4 years and never had one problem with it. I finally gave it up for a luxury suv and it was a little tough letting go. I can honestly say that it was the best car I have ever owned so far. Even better then the one I have now (it has interior noise issues.) There are many times that I wish I had it back. It would definately be an suv I would consider buying again.

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  Fun as heck, could use improvements... - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By JeyB - July 14 - 10:00 am

  If you buy a Nissan, buy it expecting never to see the dealer again, as they are about worthless. The car is incredibly fun to drive, is responsive to simple performance add ons like a header/exhaust system, and is relatively cheap to run. Get 24-5 mpg avg. For 16g you cant get a car thats funner to drive. At this price point there is no better car. For a bit more the imprezzas a good buy, but not as fun. Id recommend the spec v only if you love shifting and/or live in a snowy climate, as the differential could come in handy there.

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  Fast and Fun - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By BCutler - July 14 - 10:00 am

  Fast and fun are the keys to this car. Quick off the line with the 5 spd. Accelerates nicely over 70, but seems to drink gas. Getting only 23-25 mpg. I have still less than 5000 miles on the car.

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  nice car - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By indywoods - July 14 - 10:00 am

  i like this car. its fun to drive, very responsive, and has tons of room. negatives: I do not like the blind spot and I do wish the gas mileage was better. Its really a ingenious design and gets lots of looks. The stability is a big improvement over the Pathfinder.