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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  Wonderful! - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By David - April 29 - 4:30 pm

  I dont care what any of the "big auto folks" say, this minivan is fantastic!! I havent had any of the problems that have supposedly plagued it. I think some folks just had a little "buyers remorse" when they started having to make the payment. The exterior design sets it apart from other minivans...very sleek, and futuristic. The interior is very spacious with TONS of storage everywhere. And yes, I even like the gauge cluster in the middle...its different, and I like different. Great get up and go, and extremely quiet! And definitely spend the extra $ and get the Bose sound system...nothing like turning the kids heads on the road like a booming minivan!!

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  Happy Nissan Owner - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Miasbuddy - April 28 - 6:13 pm

  This is my 3rd Nissan and Ill never again buy anything other brand. My truck is sturdy and safe. Handles very well in all types of road & weather conditions. Has plenty of power and I can hold my own on the Interstate with the 18 wheelers. Drivers seat is very comfortable for my bad back. Ive had no expenses outside of routine maintenance with any of the 3 Nissans. I wouldnt hesitate to recommend the Frontier to anyone looking for a reliable pick up truck.

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  Good choice of mid-SUV - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Greg - April 28 - 1:06 pm

  This is a solid vehicle, that looks better, performs better, and holds more stuff than many of its peers. I looked at nearly a dozen comparable SUVs and felt that this was the best across the board value, and I still feel that way 2+ years later. I owned a Mustang GT but needed an SUV, wanted a Pathfinder but couldnt afford it, bought the wrong one and finally got a Pathfinder 2 years later. It was worth the wait. Acceleration, braking and handling are all very good. The styling, especially in the interior is pleasing to your eyes without being dominant and eye- distracting. There are enough cubbies and cupholders to meet your needs, and the seats are quite comfortable. Really good vehicle.

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  Good Price and Quality - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Brad - April 28 - 8:06 am

  Drives exceptionally well, smoothe ride, fun controls, great features inside and out. Feels like a strong, well-made vehicle.

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  Great SUV with crappy tires - 2011 Nissan Xterra
  By vjx - April 28 - 1:17 am

  Love everything about the Xterra except the tires. First time 4 wheeling lost a tire. Cant understand why they put jelly bean tires on an otherwise rugged SUV. Soft tires also contribute to poor gas mileage. If you can afford it, switch the tires out ASAP.

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  No Regrets! - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Julie P - April 26 - 5:06 pm

  Enjoy it so much that I probably will buy it again once its time for a new car. It feels like a big workhorse to drive, but it is a big vehicle. Pulls boats like they are not even there. Fuel economy is not great, but comparable to other similar SUVs. Flawless dependability. Ive had mine for 2-1/2 years without any maintenance issues... none.

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  Its a Nissan - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By ButaS - April 26 - 10:30 am

  It sure is very fun to drive. But the cup holder broke the first week I own it, and it took them 1 month to get the replacement part in. Power window actuator failed before I hit 3,000 miles and it took 7 trips 3 dealerships 5 calls to Nissan HQ & 6 months to identify and fix the problem. Mysterious rattling sound in the dash since 15,000 miles and a replacement of AC vent still didnt fix it. Did I mention the 5 or 6 recalls? Its not for people who dont have the time and patience. And the road noise is unbearable when travelling at high speed after two years.

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  Superb midsize SUV - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Jhatfie - April 26 - 7:26 am

  Bought our new Nissan Murano S AWD about 3 weeks ago. Came with the power seat package and few other extras for $27k. We test drove several other SUVs including the Liberty, Durango, Tribeca, Explorer, 4 runner, etc and although the Murano offers no third row, it is very comfortable, easily outhandles all of the other SUVs by a wide margin, offer seamless and very strong acceleration with the superb CVT transmission and gets respectable mpg. Currently which over the first 1k miles is at 22mpg. Not bad for a 250hp SUV. Although this SUV is not made for off road activity, its AWD is well suited for slick/wet roads. Best vehicle I have personally owned to date.

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  Great Performance for the Price - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By Fadet0blak - April 26 - 7:03 am

  After all the rebates and discounts the cost of my Spec V was around $16,500. I was very suprised that it was that low. My mom who bought it for me as a college graduation gift actually paid for my insurance this year cause it was well under her limit. If you dont like to take turns fast you will once youve had this car after a week. The suspension is so great. I fly by people on highways when the roads are twisting and turning. This is my first car that is mine. Its also my first car that Ive driven more than once that is Manual. The clutch can be very tricky sometimes. I know it just takes practice. I have only had it for about 2 weeks and Im getting much better at it.

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  Worst vehicle I have ever owned - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By mastiffmom1 - April 26 - 12:27 am

  My Quest has 60,000 miles on it and the dvd player has been replaced twice. The vents fall out of the ceiling constantly, the passenger visor falls out of the ceiling occasionally, when making a left hand turn with the headlights ALL the lights in van come on. The radio antenna has been replaced. The screen that displays everything stopped working. It rattles and shakes, it just sounds sometimes like it is going to fall apart. Worst of all at about 30,000 miles the paint started chipping off. Nissan fixed the little areas as they occurred, 5 days after the warranty ended the chipping started in other areas. ..Funny I saw a quest this weekend for sale with the paint falling off too