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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  Won me Over! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Deanna & Steve - July 5 - 10:00 am

  As someone who was on the waiting list for a Toyota Sienna, I was a hard sell on the new Quest. But after taking a look at the new "not your typical" minivan styling and comparing features/price/performance purchased the new Quest right away. Definately worth a look if youre in the market for a minivan (and even a great alternative to an SUV for space and better comfort).

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  Great SUV - 2010 Nissan Pathfinder
  By chris - July 4 - 12:43 pm

  Im really glad I decided on the Pathfinder. I looked at the Explorer, 4Runner, and Pilot, however the Pathfinder suited me best. It was nicely equipped and has lots of power. The ride is firmer than the explorer and the 2nd row has less room, however my teenage boys say they have plenty of room. The gas mileage is on par with other SUVs of this size, but you are recommended to use premium gasoline. The keyless operation has taken some getting used to. Overall, I am very pleased with the purchase.

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  Such Fun to Drive - 2015 Nissan Rogue
  By tenhobj - July 4 - 9:27 am

  I have made the move from sedans (my entire life) to a 2014 Rogue. I couldnt be more pleased. It is very comfortable to ride in, and the seat properly fits my long thigh, with the edge of the seat providing support for my leg. This SUV has plenty of pep and overall good gas mileage. The dashboard is bright and easy to read and operate. The sound system is clean and just sounds great. I think for the money I got a tremendous deal. Everyone told me Id be happy, they were right.

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  Pathfinder LE 2005 - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By marxmitco - July 3 - 11:43 pm

  This SUV is a great combination of larger vehicle with good gas mileage. The interior is well laid out and the engine has plenty of pick up when needed. Nissan makes a very reliable vehicle.

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  OMG!!!! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By LV05sti - July 3 - 1:43 am

  Ok here ya go expensive performance at budget price, this car rocks and revs like a true performance sedan should, light nimble and ready for anything!!!

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  Great Truck On And Off Road, - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By Chad05 - July 1 - 12:43 pm

  I have owned this truck for about three months and it is already the best truck I have ever had. Before this I have owned Fords and Chevys and both of them were in the shop after only about a month of ownership. The Frontier I can trust to start for me everytime and not leave me stranded. I have the off road package and it has the rear limited slip. With this feature this truck does great off road.

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  Peppiest and nices looking of the Hybrid - 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Chris - July 1 - 6:03 am

  This is an early review so Ill amend it later if anything changes. Like the previous reviewer, I was looking at the Milan/Fusion hybrids (other models are not practical for New England driving, in my opinion) and was most tempted by the superior gas mileage (and in my state, sales tax is waived for vehicle getting over 40mpg). Not something to off-handedly dismiss. HOWEVER, the pickup and styling of this care just smokes the Fusion/Milan. Although Im doing this mostly for environmental concerns; I still care about aesthetics. My model is fully loaded.

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  Great SUV for the money!! - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By Rico - July 1 - 5:06 am

  This is my first new Nissan and my first SUV. I mainly brought this Xterra because it fit my active lifestyle. I do a lot of mountain biking and camping and the Xterra has a lot of factory installed equipment that helps me move my gear along without any problems. The Xterra is a guy SUV it is clean and simple and has the right amount of options inside and out. If you are looking for great SUV with great reliability and safety features check out the Xterra.

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  Best revised engine I have driven! - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By Mr. SS - June 30 - 11:13 am

  I have always been a huge fan of sports cars; but this one takes the cake. I got it w/ just under 25000 miles on it & it still looks immaculate. Everything about the vehicle is outstanding except for the hard plastics which has been vastly improved w/ soft materials in the 370. If you can ignore that minor issue, you will be very satisfied w/ the iconic Z. I prefer the 370 but did not get it because this one was a steal!

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  The one to wait for. - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Bilbolo - June 29 - 2:00 am

  I waited for this car for 2 years. It was well worth it. Great car, great reliability, design, 19 miles to the gallon, loaded. The best value for the dollar. The 4wd works great from the limited use I have had with it (its summer in Texas). I would definitely recommend - go find the Path.