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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  Unreal - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Chase Link - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Boxter? Eclipse? Celica? WRX? As far as 99% of reviews and forums are concerned, the 350z, with the proper driver of course (me), this set of prey will be eatin alive by my 350. Especially with just a few modifications to the intake and exhaust, pushing the powerful V6 to close to 300 horses and over 290 torque, they will be nowhere in sight.

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  Lindas Path - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By nayaep - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy the power on this vehicle and the solid construction. It does not feel large and clunky like most trucks but agile and quick. I find it roomy and comfortable without feeling overwhelming.

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  Xterra is perfect because.. - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Yoon - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Xterra is perfect for a college kid. It looks cool, you can drive your friends around and you can do lots of stuff with it. It is designed to be rugged, and actually is. The only problem is gas effeciency.

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  Thrilled with Murano! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By muranofan99 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  We checked every comparable suv including Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander, Lexus RX330, and Acura MDX. The Murano provides the most value and performance for the money. We get stares and questions about it everywhere we go. Performance has been great and wet-weather handling is outstanding! Cant wait for winter to see if this continues. No complaints with fit/finish and dealership experience at Classic Nissan has been outstanding too. Do yourself a favor and check it out.

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  what a truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By grey go` - March 18 - 6:20 am

  I TOOK IT FROM THE DEALER TO MY HOUSE. AFTER BUYING IT,I HAD TO PULL OVER AND GET OUT.JUST TO LOOK AT IT MAN WHAT A TRUCK.IT DRIVE GOOD LOOKS GREAT AND ITS MINE.LOVE THE OUTSIDE -LIKE THE INSIDE.

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  In love with Z - for performance & looks - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By NY sportsdriver - March 17 - 9:33 pm

  Couldnt be happier with my Z - has testosterone and class, with better performance & lower price than BMW Z3, Audi TT or Porsche Boxter. Acceleration & handling are excellent, and especially smooth at 80 - 100 mph. Leather interior & Bose soundsystem are sophisticated & sporty. Could use better use of glove box & trunk space, but you dont buy these for carrying capacity. Great low-end torque blows by Mustangs & Kompressors alike. Coupe quieter than convertable - for performance lovers....

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  Get It - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Richard - March 17 - 9:03 pm

  I wanted to trade my 2WD Ranger for a 4WD. Looked at the Tacoma first then Nissan. No question Nissan is a MUCH better truck and value. You get more power and features for less money. The Nissan rides great and feels much more solid than the Tacoma. Styling is great inside and out with great features you are surprised to find. Many debate between these 2 trucks, go Nissan.

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  Great Little City Car - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Felipe - March 17 - 3:30 am

  Traded my old MB station wagon in for this great little car. Used to get 17 mpg on premium, now 30 mpg on regular. Peppy and roomy for city and expressway usage. Well built with no creaks and everything seems to fit well. Easy to get in and out of.

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  Beautiful! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Mark - March 16 - 1:30 am

  I have owned an MX6 and a GTO (1966) as well as a couple of Vets and and MGB. By far the greatest driving vehicle I have ever had the pleasure to drive is this 350Z. It drives like a cloud.. so responsive.. you almost think it through the turn. Truly a wonderful automobile!

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  Excellent SUV - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Ron Field - March 15 - 11:33 pm

  Having had a top of the line 2000 Pathfinder our new Pathfinder, with all the bells and whistles, has been a true joy. We now have two young grandchildren and they love to ride,in the spacious back seat where , have they can easily see out the windows,have their own heat or air, and watch their favorite videos. The dogs are quite content to sit in the third seat or to have the whole cargo area.