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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  Fantastic Purchase - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By CmdrScotie - September 30 - 8:20 pm

  Bought new in 06, and used it for errands and cross country trips. Plenty of room for the whole family (4 of us) with luggage. Ive taken care of this van the way a vehicle is supposed to be taken care of, and have had no problems.

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  Never again - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By RHICKEY - September 30 - 11:16 am

  Worst new vehicle I have ever driven. Rattles, squeaks, interior and exterior electricals going on the fritz. Paid $1000 to get into a four year lease on this van, happily paid about $3000 to get out 14 months later. Never got the luggage rack we were promised by the dealer. Took the van in for warranty repairs several times, rattling doors & "flat tire" sensors were never fixed. Actual gas milage was about 14 mpg (we got 18 from our full size Chevy extended cab 350 V8 pickup driving under identical conditions). We were offered a 12K mile extension of the warranty due to the number of times we took it in for service. Said no thanks, sent it back & got a Honda (we love it!).

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  Do not buy this vehicle!!! - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By slb10 - September 30 - 2:40 am

  I read some negative reviews on this car. But I figured most people who review cars have probably had a bad experience, and were not the majority. I guess I learned a hard lesson. We bought the car 23 days ago. It has been in the service department for 16 of those days. It has broke down 3 times and had to be towed back in. The last week it was in the shop they had no answers for us. Today they informed us the are ordering a new engine control unit. I am not typically a complainer, but this has been beyond frustrating. The dealership (Nissan Uftring in Peoria) have been terrible communicators. My wish is they would just buy the car back. Unfortunately I dont think that is going to happen.

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  Great big/little ride - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By lcourtney - September 29 - 9:46 pm

  I bought this about 3 weeks ago and am very happy. After researching, I thought I would try the Cube. Very nice. I would recommend this car for anyone who wants a smooth ride combined with great mpg. I am getting about 32-33. My husband who is blessed with long legs and big feet, found his 6 foot 2 inch frame fits fine. He can move his foot from gas pedal to brake without problem. People are surprised at the roomy interior. For such a small car it makes a powerful statement.

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  Recently Purchased My 2016 Altima 2.5 SR - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By Chris G - September 29 - 8:16 pm

  I purchased the vehicle on 6/25/16 and so far so good! Love the car, love the ride comfort, very roomy/spacious. Also test drove the 3.5 SR but decided to go with the better fuel economy. The 2.5 is has a bit more road noise at higher speeds, but nothing horrible. Will probably try a different set of tires when the time comes to see if it makes a difference. It has good acceleration and the car handles better than I expected. Love the new SR package with the sporty wheels, rear spoiler and interior (interior stitching is a nice touch). Still getting used to the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), but I can see how it helps with fuel economy. I also considered the Honda Accord Sport model and the Mazda 6 Touring, but I couldnt beat the overall comfort and value with the Altima. I went ahead and bit the bullet and purchased the extended warranty so the car is covered for 6yrs/100,000 miles. I plan on keeping the vehicle for the life of the loan so I wanted to have trouble free driving.. 1st oil change is free and then just $10 thereafter. Ive only driving about 1000 miles so far so I will try to write some more reviews as the miles keep adding up, but as I mentioned before.. so far so good!

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  New Rogue Owner - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Mark Filipini - September 29 - 7:12 pm

  Just about one month in to owning Rogue SL AWD and loving it so far. Very comfortable ride with all the modern bells and whistles, at least with the Premium Package.

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  98 Pathfinder SE - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By GCD70 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Two problems: performance and leg room for passenger. Poor acceleration with a 5 speed, will only be worst with an automatic. Besides that, a pretty nice vehicle. Reliable.

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  Like it - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By sid - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Nice car.... but wish the fuel economy was a little better.

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  Unbelievable Bang for the Buck - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By zippy78 - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive purchased my 01 Maxima SE 5- speed last September and Im happy to report that nearly 1 year and 14K miles later, absolutely no faults to be found...this car is amazing! Ive done nothing but routine maintenance. If I had to nitpick, my gripes are slightly notchy manual shift action and the pain of pulling out the premium gas pump. Although I have run regular and mid-grade fuel on occasion with no ill-effects, Nissan should calibrate their Max to run on 87 or 89 octane, even for a few horsepower penalty. Nevertheless, if this car stays as solid and reliable through the long haul, Ill definately be back for another.

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  Black Altima SE - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Ricefan - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Overall, a great car for the money. Fun to drive, fast, comfortable, roomy interior, and great looks outside. Catches a lot of attention!