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Nissan

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6.0

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Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: April 9th, 2022

Founded in 1933, Nissan Motor Company is a Big Three Japanese automaker with a reputation for style and performance. 
 
Formerly sold under the Datsun marque in the United States, Nissan reclaimed its own automotive brand in the mid-eighties. In 1989, Nissan spun-off its own luxury brand, Infiniti. Nissan is the largest automobile manufacturer in the United States and the sixth-largest in the world. 
 
The automaker’s cars, trucks, crossovers, and SUVs are sold at more than 1,020 Nissan dealerships in the United States. If you are looking for a dependable car with a luxury interior, explore Nisson’s lineup to find a vehicle that’s within your budget. Nissan’s best value vehicles start at just $13,500 MSRP. 
 
Keep reading our Nissan review to learn more about the pros and cons of purchasing a Nissan or skip to the Nissan reviews.

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The Good

  • Dependability
  • Variety of Vehicles
  • Best Truck Warranty
  • Reliable Safety Features
  • Autonomous Vehicles
  • Green Technology
  • Nissan Concierge
  • Convenient Service Department

Dependability

When it comes to dependability, Nissan ranks above average at 11th out of 31 car brands in the most recent JD Power Vehicle Dependability Study, meaning that Nissan vehicals have fewer issues that require attention or maintenance than many other brands. 

Additionally, the following were ranked among the top three most dependable cars in their segment: 

  • Compact Car — Nissan Leaf
  • Small Car — Nissan Versa
  • Midsize Pickup — Nissan Frontier

Variety of Vehicles

Nissan’s current lineup runs the gamut from subcompact cars, like the Versa, to large trucks, like the Nissan Titan, which is available in Single, King, and Crew Cabs. The company offers a few different sports cars and even the electric Nissan Leaf, which is the world’s best-selling all-electric car with over 300,000 sold. 
 
Nissan has an impressive lineup of six different SUV models. With a variety of models and trim levels, car buyers can find a Nissan SUV that suits their needs. In 2017, the Nissan Rogue was the best selling SUV in the world. The Nissan Rogue continues to be one of Nissan’s most popular car models because of its expansive cargo space, comfortable seating, and reliable safety features.

Best Truck Warranty

While most Nissan vehicles carry a 36-month/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, the Titan model comes with a 60-month/100,000-mile basic and powertrain warranty. This is the best available truck warranty in the nation.  

Reliable Safety Features

As part of Nissan’s sustainability initiative, Nissan has implemented goals for a zero-fatality society. Steps to reaching this goal include an increased focus on automated driver technology and vehicle safety features. Nissan continues to improve its technology to make the roads safer for everyone. Intelligent Mobility, Nissan’s safety technology program, offers the following features: 

  • Forward Collision Warning
  • Blind Spot Warning
  • Lane Intervention
  • Back-up Intervention
  • Around View Monitor
  • Distance Control

The Nissan lineup also includes the Nissan Safety Shield. By 2021, Nissan’s Safety Shield 360 will come standard on all new U.S. vehicles. Radars positioned around the car build a full view of areas in front, behind, and around the vehicles. The Nissan Safety Shield 360 includes six features: Automatic Emergency Braking, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Rear Automatic Braking, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Warning, and High Beam Assist.

Autonomous Vehicles

Nissan is also helping to engineer Seamless Autonomous Mobility and use human “mobility managers” to teach driverless cars what to do when something unexpected happens. In the early 2020s, the company will start using autonomous vehicles to transport users to their destinations. 
 
Nissan’s first autonomous vehicle will be the Nissan Ariya scheduled to be released in 2021. With Nissan’s Propilot Assist 2.0, drivers can set the car to single-lane driving for a hands-free driving experience. Drivers can also use the Propilot Assist 2.0 for guided lane change instructions.

Green Technology

Nissan is one of the world’s greenest brands and is the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer. By 2017, Nissan had sold over 275,000 electric vehicles. The company’s top-seller is the Leaf, which is the world’s best-selling highway-capable plug-in electric.
 
Since 2010, Nissan’s Green Program has been recognized by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency as an Energy Star Partner of the Year

Nissan Concierge 

Nissan offers a new luxury feature to Titan pick-up owners — Nissan Concierge. Connect with a specialized Nissan assistant who can help you schedule appointments, check sports scores, make travel arrangements, along with other personal requests. This feature comes on the new Nissan Titan 2020 free for six months with an additional charge of $12.99 per month after the service period has ended. Nissan plans to make this feature standard on new vehicle models.

Convenient Service Department

Nissan offers a reliable service experience with extra perks for Nissan drivers. For example, Nissan owners receive a complimentary vehicle inspection every time they bring their car in for servicing. The inspection helps you recognize and anticipate any vehicle problems before you get back on the road. 
 
Nissan also has an express service option at participating dealership locations. You don't need to make an appointment for an express dealer. Just show up during the operating hours and the trained technicians will take care of your Nissan car.

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The Bad

  • Takata Recall
  • Fuel Emission Scandal
  • Innovation Limitations

Takata Recall 

Several different Nissan models were included in the Takata airbag recall, the largest of its kind ever to take place in the industry. If you own one of the following models, check to see if your vehicle is affected: 

  • 2001 to 2003 Nissan Maxima
  • 2002 to 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  • 2002 to 2006 Nissan Sentra
  • 2007 to 2012 Nissan Versa

Fuel Emission Scandal 

In 2018, Nissan’s leadership tampered with its vehicle’s fuel economy and emission statements. Many of Nissan’s green awards had been based on these false recordings. Nissan has admitted to this scandal and rechecked vehicles to make sure they are in compliance with Japanese safety standards. This scandal does not affect vehicles manufactured outside of Japan.

Innovation Limitations

Nissan competes to be on the front line of automotive technology. However, there are limitations to some of its new technology including the autonomous vehicle. For example, the self-driving function may not work properly in certain weather conditions including snow, heavy rain/fog, and ice. Lane markers must be clearly visible for the technology to work. New automotive technology has its advantages and its disadvantages. Consider these shortcomings before purchasing an autonomous car. 

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The Bottom Line

With Nissan, customers will see improved interior styling to match sleek exteriors. Consumers can shop dependable cars and trucks, as well as crossovers and SUVs. While most models come with an industry-standard warranty, the Titan pickup truck has the best truck warranty in the country. 
 
This company is advancing technology when it comes to safety, sustainability, and driver experience. Drivers will benefit from Nissan’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
 
Read through our Nissan reviews below to learn about real customer experiences with the brand. If you are interested in a Nissan model, visit your local Nissan dealership to evaluate and test drive a vehicle. Don’t forget to ask about rebates and incentives. 

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4.5

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Review Source

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Jarrett Ingram Elkridge, MD

My Nissan Altima ran really well, until the first time I had to get my brakes changed. Afterwards, the car ran extremely rough. It is a good deal for the money, but the quality of the drive after minor repairs was not sufficient enough for me.

6 years ago

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Camilla Lundberg Mapleton, UT

Ive used Nissan one time and i wasnt a huge fan of my car my car ended up having a lot of problems it wasnt good in the snow and i didnt like it very much i was constantly having to take it in a lot to figure out what the problem was that it was having and it was just a pain so i dont reccomend Nissan

7 years ago