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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  Strong SUV Nissan Quality - 2010 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Strong V6 / Off Road - April 4 - 2:56 pm

  Ive had this SUV for couple of months now and so far no problems what so ever. Been off roading several times and matched performance those from Xterra and FJ cruisers. Plenty of power to TOW, because of durable and reliable v6. Really quiet on the highway.

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  More power and luxury for less! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Suzie - April 4 - 7:43 am

  I was very surprised at the quality interior and space this car has to offer. The exterior has beautiful clean lines. I had a 2002 echo w/manual transmission before I bought this car. I definitely noticed the difference in horse power. I think this car has only 14 to 17 more horsepower, but you can feel it. This would definitely be a plus to the yariss or fits 108ish horse power. On the down side, my echo got an average of about 37 mpg. This doesnt hit that mark. Youre giving up some economy as far as gas is concerned for greater luxury and power over the fit and especially the yaris.

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  Great Car for a great price!!! - 2013 Nissan Sentra
  By ptkchic - April 3 - 1:39 pm

  I bought this car about 2 months ago. I got the navigation package and the drivers package. I love the Intelligent key and the touch screen. The car handles well and it gets great gas millage. When I fill up, on the dashboard it says I get 450 miles for one tank! I get 33 in the city and 38 on the highway. I drive about 30 miles a day and I do not have to fill up for a week. I turn heads every where I go. I have had people ask me if it a Lexus or Acura. People tell me that they love the look of the car. This is my second Sentra (I had a 2011), I love this one more and it feels like a bigger car than it actually is. Great Car, I would recommend this.

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  Love it - 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By DAVID CARLSON - April 3 - 10:00 am

  This was my first Nissan and hybrid. The car is a pleasure to drive. Has room for three grand children in the back seat and with the four door model can enter and exit easily. I am glad I did not buy an SUV instead. Getting 37 to 39 mpg ans saving every day.

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  A Homerun - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By danimal - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Im researching my Pathfinder and had to jump in with my review. Nissan did extremely right by this vehicle and gave every owner what they paid for including this meticulous driver. My pathfinder has been virtually maintenance free on the replacement repairs but I maintain it in OCD style. I rated the MPG a little higher than most because you have to take into consideration the high performance motor powering it and this is why I purchased it. Never has a vehicle satisfied Me, with the exception of our G35, as this one.In a world of MPG crazed, gutless vehicles, Ill take my Pathy and pay for it all day. Do your own research and drive a few as I did and you will agree.

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  Good truck for the money - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By ike - April 3 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck having had a 2wd version before and knowing what I was getting. I think it is a better value than the Tacoma, which I had that one as well. The Frontier engine feels stronger and gas mileage is better at around 19 to 19.5 with a 4wd. I like the so called hard plastic interior, it is easy to clean and maintain. Nissan builds a tough truck. It has a firm steering feel that controls well, but does bounce a little from having a stiffer suspension. The back seat even in a crew cab is for kids or cargo, not adults, but useful. Factory spray-in bedliner, utili-trak, and bed extender are absolutely wonderful and useful. Better price than Tacoma!

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  2011 rogue awd - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By Nissandriver - April 3 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I purchased this rogue after owning a 2008 sentra. Wow what a great vehicle. If I would have known that this was available when we purchased the sentra, we would be reviewing a 2008 rogue. The gas mileage is better than expected and with 1000 miles on the car we are averaging 27 mpg. I always check the gas mileage by filling up at when empty and resetting the trip. This vehicle has a similar ride to the sentra, but you sit up higher. I am 6 foot 8 inches and still have room to be comfortable while operating the vehicle. We test drove a Toyota Rav4 before purchasing and surprising enough the drivers seat in the rogue has more room.

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  Brand New Rogue - McLovin this car! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By wmson2000 - April 3 - 1:26 am

  Tested the CRV and the Rav4. Both were nice but not as good of a value as the Rogue. CRV was close but didnt handle as well. Rogue is slightly smaller. Much better feature list. Quieter than the competition. Sportier feel. Interior looks like a lux car. First 100 miles, 28mpg! Handled nicely in the rain. Zenon headlights are awesome in the dark. This is my 4th Nissan. Big fan of value and reliability of Nissan.

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  Love My Car - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Noah - April 1 - 1:50 pm

  Had my mid-life crisis a bit early and opted to trade-in my Saturn VUE for something more sporty. I saw a few of the Altima Coupes on the road and decided I needed to drive one. 53,000 miles later, its still a great car to drive. I wanted all black, V6, fully loaded and after waiting patiently a few days, my dealer was able to get one. The look of the vehicle is great. Sometimes I think there is a bit too much hesitation when I go from reverse to drive. However, overall, it is just a great car with great acceleration and handling and very good gas mileage. While not the ideal family vehicle, I can fit all 3 kiddos in the backseat.

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  Great car - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By deathryder - April 1 - 1:33 pm

  its a great car , that all what i can say. the interior was awesome. the outlook was special .