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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  Good car but Nissan cheaps out on cross bars and CD player - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By clintjohnsonnc - April 15 - 1:59 pm

  After nearly 700 miles in 10 days, Im getting 24 mpg combined mileage and 27.5 on the highway, a little better than promised by Nissan. Pathfinder is comfortable after trading in a Ray-4 with 98,000 miles on it.

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  Got It Right - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Incrediable - April 15 - 8:13 am

  Researched-originally wanted a Volvo! However after doing the research and driving both- murano won out. Incredible drive and comfort! The body style is beautiful and classy. I have purchased over 24 cars in my driving lifetime. They really got this one right. If you find one used with low mileage get it! Cons: noise when Windows down-but knew this before purchase, but tolerable. Maintenance is easy. Overall makes you want to go out for a drive just for fun.

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  Its a great truck - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By bond007 - April 14 - 10:46 pm

  Its a great little truck. Ive done a little stuff done to it I put a kn filter in it , e3 spark plugs , and a flowmaster with a bigger pipe. Its a fun truck to drive around town and gets up to speed pretty good when you want it to. Its doing great for having 150,000 miles on it. Just a oil change and its good to go.

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  2000 Quest SE - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By placebo6 - April 14 - 8:33 am

  Perfect minivan for a family of five. The middle control panel is ergonomically user-friendly by both driver and front passenger and isnt obstructed by the steering wheel. Kids and grandmother have a great ride, too, with two DVD screens. The only downside to this car is the lower quality plastic used in the interior that creates some rattles.

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  Outstanding - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Lonnie Roberts - April 14 - 6:50 am

  This is a great truck. In the past I have had two full size trucks, the last being a Nissan Titan. I was concerned about going to the Frontier because of the loss in towing capacity. I have had the Frontier for 2 months now and would say it is an outstanding truck. It is "zippy" and much easier to maneuver than the past two full sizers I have owned. As for towing, I tow a Bobcat S130 (4800 lbs) at least once a week and have no trouble whatsoever. The Frontier performs without flaw. The 4-door cab will truely haul 4 people. The 4wd will really pull this truck out of trouble (even towing a trailer through mud). I highly recommend this truck.

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  good,fun to drive - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By NicholPallot - April 14 - 5:40 am

  Hard rideing car. But, car handles great & is fast. I love my Maxima, I had Three Maximas 96,99, &02 Would like to get another, but fear lights will be stolen Thank you Nicholas Pallotto

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  Better than Ford - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By J. Orf - April 13 - 11:10 am

  This truck is a joy to drive. I previously had a Ford Ranger. It had a 4cyl engine and couldnt get out of its own way. My Nissan however is almost as peppy as my 6cyl family sedan. I am very pleased with this vehicle and I havent had a single problem with it. The Ranger was in the shop more times than I care to mention.

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  its the bomb - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By teamgundam86 - April 13 - 10:00 am

  the car is pretty fast. You need to make the car a little faster. the car has slow accleration.

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  the best car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By jeffrey baker - April 13 - 10:00 am

  i love that car. when i get on a straight away with no cars it has the best speed. i accelerates very fast. i would not give that car up for anything

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  Awesome with the top down - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By thornick - April 13 - 10:00 am

  This car feels much, much bigger than it looks! The ride is so solid and strong you forget you are in a two seater. The weight (400lbs heavier than a coupe) influences some of this feeling. The car is quiet with the top up and very wind resistant with it down and windows up. It handles extermely well. Power is strong after about 20 mph. A pleasure to drive!