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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  BAD TRANSMISSIONS - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By jerrius - July 6 - 6:36 am

  If you drive this car long enough, you might run into a transmission problem. Not only has this affected my car, but many other rogues. Hence, the extended transmission warranty Nissan has given for this car. Right now, my car is in the shop with 128,000 miles, needing a completely new transmission. I would highly recommend thinking of other makes or models (especially one that doesnt have the same type of transmission.)

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  junk 95 Maxima - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By kris36 - July 5 - 11:26 pm

  After only 2 months owning this car, Ive never been so disappointed. With only 139,000 miles (not even broken in for a Maxima- or so I thought) and already internal motor work needed??!!!!! Youve GOT to be kidding, Nissan!! Its running on 5 cylinders and a very uncomfortable ride. Has bad valves! Still does have power left, but at idle, its rough. Stumbling and bucking upon slow acceleration and slow braking. Im VERY leery about purchasing another. ANY year. Im told the engines are smooth as silk from 95- 2001. With a used one, $3000. New/rebuilt-$5000. This problem is unacceptable! Now Im starting to doubt the build quality of Nissans. Get with the program, Nissan!

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  Excellent Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Monir - July 5 - 12:23 pm

  I was deciding between and Acura and the Altima, for the price, this Altima has the power I look for. Even though the interior doesnt have much, it can always be modified to be luxury. Handling is good, the looks beats the Acura anytime. I decided on the Altima for the pricing, power, gas mileage and looks.

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  Delivered Broken - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By smain - July 5 - 1:20 am

  Front air bag system not working 5 days in shop waiting for parts Rear seat heaters not working- missed during PDI Process Not a good start.

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  Nissan delivers with the 2011 Rogue - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By metalskeleton - July 5 - 12:55 am

  I have the SL package (nav, leather, roof rails, fog lights, etc.). I bought my Rogue used about 8 months ago with fairly high freeway miles. I absolutely love this car! Acceleration is much better than I expected for a 4 cylinder and it has no problem powering up hills. The steering is remarkably agile and responsive for a small SUV and really is confidence-inspiring. Interior is sharp, clean and VERY comfortable. At this price point, you shouldnt expect a car to be silent, smooth, and a sharp steerer, but the Rogue balances these tasks impressively. CVT is somewhat noisy, but who cares?! Crank some tunes and enjoy the ride. I have nearly 80K miles now, and it still drives wonderfully!

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  Superb - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By GMC - owner - July 4 - 1:06 pm

  Had a 2007 chevy LTZ-got a GMC-SLT-2009 Ford FX4-This Titan blows away what were making in Detroit.The power is there always-the sound ststem is better than you can get at home-It is by far the best truck that I have ever owned.The Titan LE is the best choice by far.I have been a GM man for 35 years and decided to try the new 2009 F150 and the new seats killed my back.The Titan has the extra power- smoothe ride and nice seats that the Sierra offers.I have a truck now that I plan on putting many more miles on it.

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  Chose Juke over BMW Mini Cooper Clubman - 2013 Nissan Juke
  By Zoom - July 4 - 9:09 am

  This is a small performance car, with features of a SUV/crossover. Dont expect big-car comfort & storage. When searching for a small economical car as an alternate to my GMC Sierra 1500, I narrowed my search to the Juke, Toyota Prius, and the BMW MINI Clubman. I wanted fuel economy, AWD, style and performance. I knew I would be sacrificing space. All three cars had great reviews. The Clubman and the Juke were most similar, with the Clubman being slightly more spacious than the Juke. However, I didnt like the metal track for interchangeable armrest and cup holders. Also, having owned a MINI before, I knew maintenance costs would be higher than the Juke. The Clubman price was about $5k higher than the Juke. The first time I saw the Nismo was on a computer screen at a dealer where I had test driven the JUKE SL. I was really impressed with the trim and the sporty look. I wanted a car that didnt look like everything else on the street, and the Nismo screemed uniqueness. Once the image was in my mind, I couldnt consider another style. The Nismo was hard to find, and the dealers were uneducated about its availability and release date. Surprisingly I found one high-volume dealer in CT who happened to have two in stock. When I saw the Nismo, I fell in love. The little car was stylish with a bit of sass. The trim gives the appearance of being low-to the ground, with flashy red striping and side mirrors. The interior included wrap-around bucket seats, arm rest with storage, wrapped steering wheel, red trim, and all the technology within easy reach. The Nismo test drive didnt demonstrate much variation from the Juke SL, with the exception of the low-profile performance tire & 18" wheels. Nearly three years later, I still love my Nismo. The responsiveness in handling and the agility make it an ideal car to drive in the city and on the curvy, hilly roads in CT. Shortly after I bought it, I did change the performance tires to all-season & it doesnt feel like performance has been compromised. I typically drive in normal mode, but when I need to pass, or just want an adrenaline boost, I switch to sport and manual shift. Juke Nismos reliability and safety is good for my family. With regular oil changes and maintenance from Nissan certified mechanics, its never had a mechanical issue. It has a back up camera so I can see anything directly behind the car. The AWD is one of its best features. We have been dumped on with snow and ice the last several years, and I live at a higher elevation with steep hills and curves through the neighborhood. I grew up in Colorado, so am used to snow & like driving in it. This car has never gotten stuck, or spun out. The AWD and all season tire has made all the difference. Unfortunately I am in a position where I have to let the Nismo go. Ive recently accepted a job that provides a company car. I dont need a third car, & the Nismo is the only one with a payment. I initially intended to pass it down to my 15-year old when shes off to college, but that is three years away. It has been thoroughly enjoyful owning the Juke Nismo. If you understand what you are sacrificing in a small car, you will mot be disappointed with this choice.

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  Good Value car - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Vick - July 4 - 2:30 am

  i get my Z two days ago. the performance is good. the interesting thing is, u will feel the true power when u shift to second gear. However, the interior shows a little disappointment and the luggage room is soooo small....i dont think U can pick up someone in airport with this car if the luggage is big. the shift gear seems little bit hard for me and the clutch seems too loose, it is unusual for performance. overall, its performance and appearance can cover most of the cons. the price is also reasonable for this car

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  Great Car - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Sal - July 3 - 3:23 pm

  We actually considered an Infinity G37X, but it is not worth another $2000 for what is pretty much the same car. Furthermore, Maxima fuel economy is better as is seating comfort. The car operates flawlessly with a ridiculous amount of power. The CVT transmission functions very well, although it does sound kind of funny upon take off. Ride and interior quality, especially the leather seats, are definitely top shelf -a real luxury care feel and ride. The Blue tooth system works well, people think I am merely speaking Im on a cell phone, although the voice recognition is fairly poor (it does always get numbers right when dictating a phone number). A really great car choice.

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  First and Last Nissan - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By No More Nissan - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I was advised not to purchase this vehicle, but bought one anyway. Big mistake. Has been back to dealership six times for repair. Brakes twice, both front windows, door latches, defective tire, and lots of rattles! Definitely doesnt like cold weather. Also, very dissapointed in Nissan, as they are not willing to stand behind their product. Only good thing is the look and the loads of room inside.