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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  My second Titan - 2010 Nissan Titan
  By Topnikko - October 11 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my second Titan on Saturday. I traded in my 2006 Titan SE on a loaded LE with Technology Package. Looked at every full size truck before buying my second Titan. Nissan is offering incentives that make the Titan unbeatable. Frankly, even without the incentives, this truck fits me better than the others. Wanted to buy American but I just dont like them as much as the Titan. Plus, this truck is made in Tennessee.

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  great car - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Roberto - October 11 - 10:00 am

  I got my Maxima new in 2006. I have never been disappointed in it. So far Ive been impressed with the power, comfort and agility. At 75,000 miles I just replaced the struts and shocks. Other than that, everything has been reliable and safe. This car should be reviewed for what it is, and not what one wishes they had bought instead. Complaining that the gas tank is too large or that you have to use premium gas arent complaints. Thats like complaining a Corvette has too much power. Cant go wrong buying this car. Nissan just extended the warranty on their transmission to 10 years/100,000 miles. I wouldnt buy this car from a second party though since they are often abused as street racers.

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  Exceptional compact car - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By mfortier3 - October 11 - 10:00 am

  My 2010 Sentra SR was my first new car purchase and I couldnt be happier. The standard features it comes equipped with cant be beat for the price (e.g. iPod connection, steering wheel mounted audio controls, fog lamps). The distinct sporty exterior styling looks great and sets it apart from other compacts. Yes, the interior could have been more refined, but it functions well and is the most roomy compact I have ever been in. I get great gas mileage (30 mpg) and enjoy driving it around the city and on the highway. The factory installed audio system is exceptional and I always receive compliments about it. Overall, Im very happy with my purchase.

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  nissan wont pay for failed clutch at 16k - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By clutch dead at 16K - October 11 - 2:23 am

  clutch fails at 16k, nissan refuses to cover it under warranty. i have driven manuals trans for over 40 years, including 2001 xterra, 2003 xterra, and 2007 xterra. i did not haul anything and drove mainly on freeway to work. i have researched this issue and I am not the only one reporting failed clutches on xterra. tellling, dealer rep let slip that perhaps drivetrain cannot accomodate increased power. In that case, the issue is a design defect.

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  repeat excellence - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By ecb - October 10 - 7:53 pm

  very comfortable leather seats-- car fits like a glove. fast pick up. excellent steering amazing trunk size

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  Nissan has Solid Hybrid - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By CH - October 10 - 4:13 pm

  Just purchased the car for my commute to work and while I havent driven it enough to be an authority user, Im pleased overall with the car and its performance: ride is smooth. Got the tech package which may not be worth the $ since the nav system isnt as intuitive as others in the aftermarket. Also, while the rear camera is cool, I dont use it much since parking habits die hard. My biggest complaint revolves around the vibrations when system goes from EV to gas mode and back - its very noticeable. Potential buyers: test drive! The brakes also seem to kick-back at times and Im not sure whether this is b/c the car is new, if its the VDC kicking on or something else.

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  Disappointing - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By DDiehl - October 10 - 12:06 pm

  This is my first and, unfortunately, last Titan. I was immediately drawn to it due to its looks, power, and roomy back seat (no one comes close to 2nd row seat). The front bucket seats are extremely comfortable, especially for long trips, and the initial fit and finish of the interior is great. I tow a lot during the summer and it pulls effortlessly and handles well. But I have had nothing but problems. First, they had a shimmer/shake brake issue that was recalled, but just a "quick fix" performed (ground down rotors, which eventually warped). There are so many squeaks and rattles in and behind the dash its almost maddening. Very cheap lock mechanism on outside storage compartment.

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  Great fun! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Glenn-Maryland - October 9 - 2:56 pm

  I have driven my Maxima GLE for 2 years and love it more now than when I purchased it! It has great acceleration and handles smoothly. The BOSE sound system is terrific. Very reliable.

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  Undecided - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Rocio - October 9 - 7:46 am

  I love my maxima, but as previously stated, it makes so much noise while youre driving it. It feels like youre riding it offroad and it makes the driver and passenger shake. My front struts also went bad a 7k miles. other then that, I love it. I dont know if Id buy another maxima in the future.

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  my first nissan suv - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By kshatriya - October 9 - 1:18 am

  I bought platinum premium pkg one week ago I was going to buy infiniti JX but I compere both of this car and has same feature and lot cheaper then infiniti JX and I save almost $6000 dollar I love the car. I bought this car at 640nissan Knoxville tn which provides 100K miles powertrain Warranty. Salesman were so trained and well-mannered not like other dealers who just want to push you even u don?t even like, chris miller was my salesman one of the best and educated regarding the car. I would definitely recommend this vehicle to anybody who is looking for a SUV better then Toyota Highlander.