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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  A Great Car - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Mike - March 17 - 11:00 pm

  I was looking between the Camry and Altima. Altima is the right choice. I like the design and the technology used in the car, Smart key, dual exhausts, MPG, MPH, distance to empty, etc.

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  happy off roader - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Lisa Overbaugh - March 17 - 10:50 pm

  traded in my hyundai santa fe. the pathfinder is a way more capable and comfortable vehicle. very smooth shifting, unlike santa fe. alot of power for v6 and roomier too.

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  ok - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By roco - March 17 - 5:00 pm

  very rough suspension...almost like driving a sports car...good acceleration but poor suspension...very bumpy.

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  Solidly built, yet handles like mini SUV - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By ScottA - March 17 - 9:46 am

  The Armada is a solidly built vehicle that handles very well on the road. The steering is very responsive and the acceleration at 305hp is incredible. The sleek styling is not boxy, attractively styled for a large SUV, and we receive compliments and questions about our vehicle often as it turns heads.

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  Second Maxima - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By bobbyp - March 16 - 9:33 pm

  I owned a loaded 2003 Maxima SE and liked the car very much. When it hit 100k, I decided it was time to replace it (that is normally my practice). I drove the Hyundai Genesis, but found it more of a luxury car, rather than sport sedan. I also drove the Infiniti G35 and loved the way it drove but found the back seat a little smallish compared to the Maxima and had trouble getting past the $35k price ($40k sticker). The new Maxima rides and drives very nicely, but front wheel drive definitely removes it from a true sports car driving experience. I am also very disappointed that the SV does not include satelite radio in the Bose system.

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  Good vehicle but room for improvement - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By igh - March 16 - 11:53 am

  I traded in a 2004 Acura TSX for this car. The TSX was almost perfect except for mpg. This one has great styling, better mpg, more bells and whistles like remote start etc. The interior finish, though acceptable, is not good. The edges around flaps, knobs etc have some gaps. Already some severe rattles coming from closed sunroof. The trip computer needs an improved interface. No complains about performance or handling for this size car in its category. Cycling through information display in the console is tedious. Should do better for model with navi. The music system is good but not stellar. The tweeter was a notch above in the TSX. 20 gallon tank means 700 mile range so 1 fillup/month.

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  awesome - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By paul ward - March 16 - 10:53 am

  awesome vehicle, superior styling in comparison to the other vehicles in its class, plus very comfortable, great performance, excellent safety ratings, all around awesome car!

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  Very Nice Vehicle - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Joe - March 16 - 7:50 am

  This has been an exceptional vehicle for my wife. She is very hard on her vehicles and this car has taken a beating for 72,000 miles and is still going strong. The only issues we have had with the car is the rear window switch broke and the oil pan screw stripped when it was screwed in incorrectly. All around this is a exceptional vehicle but it was a little pricey.

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  Very pleased - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By ingleberg - March 16 - 7:30 am

  I traded in an Infiniti G35 Coupe since I needed more passenger room. My Pathfinder actually accelerates better! I considered the Infiniti FX35, but the Pathfinder is such a better value. The sound system is incredible (love the MP3 playback), and the navigation system is easy to use. Almost immediately had a problem with a loud noise in the rear A/C -- dealer found loose insulation. New model... these things happen. Highly recommended!

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  excellent drive and inovative design. - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By Jagdeep - March 16 - 2:16 am

  Stand out in terms of great design, stylish interior, 10 spkr boss system, aerodynamic 5 moon roofs. fun to drive