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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  First time Nissan owner! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Willie - October 27 - 9:06 pm

  This is my first NON-American vehicle. The styling is great. I love the clear lens tail lights. The ride is great, smooth over broken roads. There is noticeable torque steer when taking off quick, but it is controllable. I have the Special Edition Package and I love the steering wheel audio controls, power driver seat and sound system. The trip computer tells me fuel consumption and outside temperature. Im averaging about 25 mpg in a mix of city and highway driving. There is some engine noise at highway speeds, but not unbearable. Great view front, side and rear with large windows and side mirrors.

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  First month - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Leigh - October 26 - 8:26 am

  Our family bought a 2005 Nissan Pathfinder for the new 7 seating arrangement. We compared it to the Toyota 4Runner and the Honda Pilot. The 4Runners rear seat hang in suspension can hamper the full use of the cargo area. The Pilot had no room at all in the cargo area if the rear seats are in use. For the money, about $7,000 less, the Pathfinder was a great value. The crossbars can only be used in preselected slots which I didnt like, but its a small detail. Also it doesnt have daytime running lights. My overall review is great.

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  Pleasant experience - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By David - October 26 - 3:50 am

  I bought this SUV used from the local Nissan dealer. I had replaced a BMW X5 which I had totaled. One of the main reasons for my interest was the CVT transmission. I own a house in the mountains, and get frustrated riding in a vehicle that does not have a manual shifter or CVT. The uphill and downhill rides are like a symphony. Downhill, I simply push the O/D button which gently slows the vehicle. The ride is car-like as opposed to the X5 truck ride. This did take some getting used to. The electronics were a pleasant surprise. Nav system complete with Bluetooth and a back up camera on a 7 inch screen are a real plus. The 9.3 GB music box is awesome.

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  2004 Frontier XE 303L LB 4X4 - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Steve - October 25 - 12:26 pm

  I have had this truck for 23 months, in rain, snow, mud, dust, you name it, it goes there. Its a solid truck and Ihave had ZERO repairs and ZERO Recalls. It hauls well, carries, and also looks good in Super Black.

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  Sucker Buy - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By Sucker buy - October 24 - 5:10 pm

  Wow, a great looking "minivan"? I was completely impressed with the modern design, sporty look, awesome 27 mpg hwy etc. Ive had the van for 1.5 years and am worried about reliability. All automated doors/sensors/gauges are giving me funny issues like doors sticking, sensors going out. Then I had to replace the tires at 30k runflats. Only one tire is available at $350 apiece!! So I need a truck now and am giving the van to my wife since I cannot sell it until its paid off. After 1.5 years only worth 19k trade in. This van has everything skyview, dvd, nav, etc. and it dropped 20k in 2 years. Ill never buy Nissan again!

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  Awesome CAR - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By stingray - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Very appealing exterior..quiet ride, roomy interior. All around awesome car!

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  Must Have - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Macran - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Have had my Murano for 5 months. Every time I drive it I am thrilled with its design, power, roominess, style, sound system, and comfort. Did have a transmission problem...but Nissan sent a team of engineers (literally) and took care of it...and took care of me! This car is a must have for anyone looking for the availability of AWD, the comfort of a smooth ride, and the style to bring everything together.

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  Love This Car! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By DEW - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this little gem on 2 Aug 03. It came equipped from the factory with the Spec V brake package, sunroof, mats, and micro filter. The dealer added a NISMO performance package, which consisted of a header exhaust system, further suspension modification which included the lowering of the body .20”, decals, and window tint. In a word the driving experience is exhilarating. This machine handles like a go cart. Body lean is undetectable. Acceleration is simply amazing. Plenty of torque in all gears, including sixth. Gas mileage for city and highway has been 24.5mpg on premium fuel, 22.4mpg on regular. All this for right around $20K!

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  A happy puppy! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By undertakker357 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Nissan has hit a grand slam home run. I traded in a 2001 Quest for this new 2004 and boy am I happy that I did. Biggest single advantage is NOT having to haul out those HEAVY center row captain chairs. Now I can easily fold down the chairs for convenience. Also larger doors makes entry to rear row easier, and overall length increase means more legroom for 2nd row passengers. Wonderful drivers seat, comfort and FINALLY legroom for us tall drivers. Love the gas and break peddel that moves, so I can finally get legroom. Also additional power of 240 h.p. engine was long overdue!

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  GREAT CAR - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By BILLIE - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive only had my Altima for about two weeks but I love it so far. It looks great drives great and has alot of power. The stereo is incredible with the bose 150 watt system.