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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  Original owner - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Rudy - June 6 - 8:43 am

  Owned 7 years with 50k mi. Still looks good compared to newer cars. Only problems have been gas cap actuator, driver power window motor, garage door opener in rear view mirror and intermittent hesitation problem during stop/start. After dealer performed last recall to replace intake fasteners hesitation problem was cured. Glad it was not transmission. I believe someone posted that Nissan extended the CVT transmission warranty to 10yrs/100k mi. Overall it has gotten me from A to B without any problems but I would have not expected to have these little things break down with such low miles.

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  sexy rocketship - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By Alan - June 6 - 5:00 am

  Great car was gonna purchase a 2010 Camaro but when I went to the nissan dealership to test drive fell in love with this car. Soon as I test drove I was overwhelmed at how comfortable this car really is. The speed and comfort this car gives is truly a masterpiece . Just bought a car cover for it today so it wont get dirty. Will ONLY be taken out nice days.

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  great sounds - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By crazy - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Really reliable and just a fun car to drive.

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  Great Car - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Pat C - June 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. I got this car and have not wished i got another car. Works great and is easy to maintain. This is worth the money.

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  Natedog loves his Pathfinder - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Natron - June 6 - 2:00 am

  My first new automobile, and I went with the Pathfinder. I fell in love with it the first time I test drove it. I love everything on it, the interior, the conservative yet classy styling, and most of all the realiability. My dislikes are the pricetag for the LE wich I got, and the brakes seem a little jumpy. I looked at a lot of SUVs, but like I said this one by far was the best. It seemed like the Nissan dealer wouldnt go down much on price as would the Chevy dealer or Ford dealer, I guess the car sells itself.

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  I Hate IT! - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Michelle in AZ - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I spend more money on repairing it, and time fighting about the warranty then I could ever imagine. I would never buy another one. I am not sure I would ever buy another Nissan.

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  Gotta Drive a Pathfinder - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By LRandall - June 6 - 2:00 am

  If you havent yet driven a Pathfinder you are missing out. The vehicle has excellent power, is very comfortable, etc... The 100+ Watt BOSE stereo system is amazing. After I installed a small subwoofer, I was blown away by how great it sounded. The gas mileage sucks although. I only get about 15 MPG on average.

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  DRIVEN - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By ibjgh - June 6 - 2:00 am

  This is the first new car Ive bought and Im very satisfied with my purchase. I would recommend this car to anyone.I drive, on average, 22,000 miles a year.I went thru a set of tires and did some routine maintenance,a very inexpensive car to drive.

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  GREAT CAR CHEAP QUALITY - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By MRAYYASHI - June 6 - 2:00 am

  ITS A BIG GREAT PERFORMANCE CAR, BUT THE MATERIAL USED IN THIS CAR LIKE THE SEATS CLOTH AND THE INTERIOR ARE VERY VERY VERY CHEAP AND BREAKABLE AFTER A PERIOUD OF TIME.

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  owned new 1977,280-Z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Jeff - June 5 - 5:40 pm

  Just purchased, so unable to give reliability review. Luv look, handles like slot racer, good power, interior i appeal sparse. Would like tach on top like other 3 gauges.