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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  Fun Car - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By msjulie81 - September 17 - 10:00 am

  It tends to make a "bird noise" when I start it in the morning.(mechanic says that there is nothing wrong???) I already had to replace one of the pullys, the horn, and the radio. Despite the fact my car seems to be spending most of its time with my mechanic, it drives great!

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  The - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By BobbyJ - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Have owned for 6 weeks. Use for commuting to work, and have taken it on two trips (more than 800 miles round trip). Great performer, many thoughtful amenities, good gas mileage. Handles and rides like a car, but has the convenience and storage of an SUV (storage compares favorably to Explorer which we also own). Great features for the price, especially compared to crossovers from Lexus, Infiniti, Chrysler, Mercedes and BMW. (We looked at all of these before buying the Murano.) Nissan has always has good reliability, as far as we are concerned. (Owned a Pathfinder for 10 years and had no problems. Nissan reliability has also been highly rated by Consumer Reports.)

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  The Blue Max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Kermit the frog - September 17 - 10:00 am

  The Maxima is one outstanding vehicle. Its performance, features, and styling rank it as one of the smoothest cars Ive ever driven. They also cause my 18 year old daughter to comment on this hot car as being the coolest in town. This is a machine that spans the generations.

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  Wow! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By DanF - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Owned 85, 95, 97, 2000 Maximas but this is the best. Roomy, luxurious, powerful. Great features.

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  Last year for 5 speed stick shift 4x4 Pathfinder - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By navycorpsman - September 17 - 8:45 am

  Purchased with 165k miles. Added tow hitch. An outstanding truck with 2 minor exceptions; engine check light comes on. and CD broken. The engine light on from non tight fuel cap code Sensor not working properly? The only real issue is, my son had an accident with it (fell asleep @ wheel & hit poll at about 60MPH) head on, dented front frame about 6 inches in. spun around and crashed another poll crushing passenger doors & front passenger fender BUT, airbag didnt go off? However he did not have a scratch, truck continued to run fine only non- body damage was power steering line. Junkyard hood, doors bumper, grill, fender. I say A VERY Safe truck.

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  Love My Pathfinder - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By George Lightle - September 17 - 1:26 am

  Love the style of the new Pathfinder, it is definitely different then the old style. when was looking for an SUV, I was looking for a 7 passenger SUV, Pathfinder is the only mid-size SUV that I know that comes standard with seating for 7 people. Although have only had it a short time, I cant wait to put it on the road for a long road trip.

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  Best Vehicle Ive owned. - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Liz Urban - September 16 - 4:53 pm

  The 2006 Nissan Murano provides solid performance, great comfort, remarkable versatility and better than 20 miles per gallon economy. Road noise is low, the ride is firm, but comfortable, and the handling is superb. The vehicle came from the factory with perfect fit and finish, and no maintenance issues in its first 5000 miles of use. The engine/CVT transmission combination is responsive, fun to drive, and smooth. The interior is comfortable, very roomy, and well thought out. The heater/air conditioning controls are easy to use and the instrument panel/front dash is well engineered and attactive. Seating is very comfortable and cargo capacity is wonderful.

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  I love this Xterra - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Michele Small - September 16 - 4:20 pm

  I have owned Nissan Vehicles for over 25 years and I LOVE them. I live in the northern west tip of NY state and we have SNOW!!! I got tired of never having a secure feeling in a car on bad roads so I traded in my Maxima for this Xterra. The very next day we had 8 inches of snow and the 20 mile drive to work was SO MUCH SAFER! The interior of this vehicle is pretty well bare bones, buut I have all that I want...cruise, air, 4wd and SPACE to carry my 25 lb bags of birdfood as well as my dogs!! I LOVE this vehicle as it suits my size as well...51" and 120 lbs. I can handle the vehicle and not feel overwhelmed (as I do in my husbands Ford F150). I dont mind the winter now!

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  I love my new Versa! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Melissa - September 16 - 2:06 am

  I took my 2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8 in for warranty service (rear brake drums needed replaced at 8563 miles! =( ) and walked over to the showroom while waiting for my car to be worked on. I took a test drive of the new Versa, and fell in love! I brought my new Versa home last night, and cant wait to get in it and drive some more! The shifter takes some getting used to as I have only ever driven a standard-H pattern manual before, but its so much fun! My children have more room in the backseat now, and the seats are very cushy and comfy! I had to go with a lower model - no cruise control like I had in the Sentra - but since I hardly used it anyway, no major loss! Great job Nissan!

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  Satisfied with Altima - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Cedric - September 15 - 8:46 am

  The Nissan Altima has been the best car Ive ever purchased. I have the 2.5 engine, but it drives like a V6. When I first test drove the Altima, it took a while for me to get used to the acceleration. This car is powerful and very fun to drive. The fuel efficicency is good, especially in todays high gas prices.