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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  Very Nice 4 cylnder Midsize Truck! - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By Jesse - April 24 - 3:26 pm

  This is 3rd Nissan Truck and its an improvement! My first truck that I buy w/ an automatic transmission. Pluses: Mid-size truck feel, handsome exterior, smooth shifting automatic transmission, big cargo bed, firmer truck ride, lots of interior storage, durable cloth seats, power package/keyless entry, back doors that swing open to allow the the occasional passengers. Folding side mirrors, side airbags, anti-lock brakes, and bigger fuel tank. Lots more cargo room than my last Frontier! Reputation for reliability and better resale value than most domestic trucks. Todays vehicles have lots of interior plastics, and Nissan uses quality plastics.

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  Great so far! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Happy Owner - April 24 - 2:43 am

  Love the car, got a 4cyl for my long weekly commutes. Getting 25/30 MPG. Awesome tech features, smooth drivetrain, very comfortable on long drives, great handling. Im pretty particular about my cars, and I am enjoying this one more and more everyday. I actually look forward to getting in and hitting the road!

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  61704 AB Review - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By ab61704 - April 23 - 7:26 pm

  This car is awesome...a looker with power and finesse. It is red with black interior and the sound system is the best...a huge bass pumping speaker behind the driver makes certain you HEAR YOUR MUSIC the way you want to. The electric top is fast and can be lowered at a stoplight while waiting! It is a little light in the backend so you have to slow down on curves on hills is my only complaint. I can say I love this car!

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  Rusty 2008 Altima - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By captsquid - April 23 - 12:18 pm

  Rust is an issue on Altimas newer than 2006. I was just informed that there is a "football sized hole in my floorboard" on 9/30/16, drivers side. Passenger side was not checked. I was told this is a common issue, but thought to affect 2002-2006 models. Wrong!!! I am shocked to hear this as I fully expected to drive this car for ten years. Remember Toyota buying back Tacoma trucks because of rust issues? This was a company protecting the reputation of its products and serving the customers who bought them. Nisssan will not recall these affected vehicles even though the problem is acknowledged to exist. Never buying another Nissan.

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  Not bad for the price. - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By KofPguy - April 22 - 9:46 pm

  Overall its a decent truck but have been questioning its durability from day one. The drivetrain is clunky and loose and when in 2WD the gearbox has an annoying rattle which the dealer says is "normal for these trucks." The lack of true power would make one expect better gas mileage but both power and gas milegae suck. It does look great and I have enjoyed taking it off-road. And it came at a great price. However, my final thought on this truck after owning it a few months is, "You get what you pay for."

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  Altima coupe 2.5S CVT - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By joe - April 22 - 5:20 pm

  Purchased in June. Great looking car. Plenty of power. Handles well but the ride is too soft, a bit mushy for me. Car feels as if its floating at certain speeds, mainly under 40 mph. Brakes a bit touchy but seem powerful. Visibility is very good except for backing up. Big blind spot. Need to be very good at using mirrors. Great looking color in the Azure Blue, but very, very hard to keep clean. Curious to see how it handles the snow, I live in the northeast. MPG is OK.

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  Nissan....not again! - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By grublet22 - April 22 - 12:09 pm

  I have been driving this vehicle from brand new from September 2007 and I very disappointed that at 68,000 miles, I have been nickled and dimed to death with vehicle. Tires replaced twice due to the super poor alignment! I have had it realigned twice now, working on a 3 rd time. Muffler rusted through and had to have that repaired. Now I am dealing with the fuel injectors.....just had to put out $350 to have them cleaned and coolant flush. Rear door seal falling off. Break lights needed replaced by mechanic because the average person cant do it by themselves.This will be my 1st and last Nissan.

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  Great & enjoyable car - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By B. Murali - April 21 - 11:46 pm

  After a lot of reserach we went in for this car. It has been a wonderful experience driving to various corners of US and in all different terrains. The reliability has been extraordinary and the drive was always a pleasure. Fairly low maintenance and running on regular unleaded have been great helps.

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  Jack of all trades - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By DH - April 21 - 11:36 pm

  Read over hundred editor/customer reviews on the Murano. Read and drove all the usual suspect comparisons. It came down to the CX9 (very good suv) but for our needs it was too big. We liked the Muranos size and we didnt require a huge amount of storage space. We use this as an everyday commuter vehicle and staying within the speed limits get about 23miles per gallon highway. The Murano does everything well but not great. Its certainly not a luxury suv, sporty or hockey mom suv but it does all those things adequately. While some decry CVT we found it to be one of the Muranos stronger points. We hope Nissan does not add a 3rd seat as there is stil a market place for a true mid-size suv.

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  My last Nissan - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By StevenC - April 21 - 7:50 pm

  I am very sorry to say my 2006 Nissan Pathfinder will be my last Nissan vehicle. After owning this truck only 3.5 years, it has left me on the side of the road thumbing for a ride one too many times. The most recent repair is a new transmission for $4500. In my transmission research, I discovered that this was the only year model that Nissan used this particular transmission. They know there is a problem, but will not recall the vehicle. I am extremely disappointed. Before the pathfinder, I owned a Nissan Maxima and it ran like a champ and still is to this day. I will never own a Nissan product again!