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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  Problems with the Maxima - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By John - January 1 - 12:53 am

  I bought the Nissan Maxima because I had thought that Nissan had a great name. The car had a stunning interior and great overall design, but Im barely getting 20 mpg for normal half freeway half highway driving. Also the brakes are always making noise and every time I take the car in they charge me $200 to change the brakes on a brand new car. This car is smaller than camry/altima and I will never buy a Nissan again. DO your research before you buy this car, A lot of people will tell you its not worth the price.

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  We. Brought. It. For. My. Wife. She. Loves. It - 2013 Nissan Juke
  By Shawn - December 31 - 4:15 am

  If u got a large family its not for that it built. For. Only. Two. People but over all. We. Love it

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  Great SUV, big stereo problems - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By dilan55 - December 31 - 2:30 am

  I love my Xterra, it was everything I wanted. Having said that, I am disappointed with the Rockford Fosgate stereo. Ive had to get it replaced twice, lost over $100 worth of cds. I also had issues with the A/C not working which took two trips to the dealership to get fixed. All this has been under warranty, but I will have to trade before the warranty is up, I cant afford the maintenance. At my last oil change I was told there were problems with the suspension system. What next????

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  practical and economical - 1999 Nissan Sentra
  By chrisreed82 - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car 2 years ago with 65,000 miles on it. It now has around 100,000 on it. I has never left me stranded, and never let me down. Ive pushed it pretty hard on some long trips, and some times when I just want to have fun! But I maintain it regularly and meticulously. Ive had lots of compliments on the car, for example: "thats a Sentra?! It doesnt look like a Sentra....., thats pretty cool!" I love a lot of features on the car, and its practicality. Recently it has cost me some money though, and I think that it must be one of those "luck of the draw" type of things. This is a good little car though, Im not going to give up on it yet.

• 

  This is a keeper - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By CaptainD - December 31 - 1:43 am

  Purchased my 2001 Nissan Maxima new and roughly four years later I am still enjoying the drive. it has a strong engine (227HP) and excellent and brakes. its transmission is the most irratating item. Its shifts are not as crisp or predictable under certanin driving conditions as I would expect in a sports-oriented sedan. It provides a high level of comfort and convenience. The only quality issue was the leather on the drivers seat side bolster wore through from sliding across it or snagging on cell phoneThis was a $200 repair, but now it is like new. The seat is only partially covered with leather, most of it is vinyl. The Bose sound system is supurb! I am experiencing an annoying groan / squeak from dash area that I cant locate. My overall evaluation is that this ia a great vehicle for the money.

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  love my z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By silverz - December 30 - 8:33 pm

  This car is a blast to drive. It has a look no other sports car has, it is in a class by itself. Its beauty and class will definitely catch the attention of others.

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  Very Nice First Car - 1998 Nissan Sentra
  By Brina - December 30 - 8:23 pm

  Well we have had this car for over a year now and bought it used. I liked the styling and the interior is more roomy then the newer models 2002 and above. The only problems with is is of course the oil changes and breaks but lets see the alternator,battery and starter. Could have been because we upgraded the stereo system with amp and sub without upgrading those first.oh yeah and the front axles but my husband does deliver pizzas in the hot Arizona desert. other then that the cost has not been that much and it drives much better then my moms 2002. I would highly recommend this car for the first time buyer or for the college student.

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  Nissan patchfinder 2005 - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Mark - December 30 - 3:40 pm

  The 2005 pathfinder is fun to drive and has a powerful engine. The gas mileage is better than I would have expected. I am getting 17.5 to 18 MPG and that is a combination of highway and city. The ride is nice and the interior is very comfortable. The third row seat is for small kids only. Adults will have a tight fit if they had to sit in the way back. When the back third row seats are down there is plenty of room for storage in the back.

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  Mostly Awesome - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By TallBoy - December 30 - 1:33 pm

  I have the 2006 SL AWD. I test drove a lot of smaller 5 doors including the Nissan Rogue which would suit my active lifestyle. Its unfortunate that no manufacturer has figured out how to make a comfortable car for tall people. The Murano has comfortable leg room; but the seats fall just a little short in leg support. I get about 19 mpg average and up to 22 mpg. I bought it at Mossy Nissan in El Cajon- the sales team is extremely slippery- be careful. Although I still got a somewhat fair price- they lacked integrity.

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  Takes a hit well - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By salesman - December 30 - 11:30 am

  Bought this car a couple of years ago with 70000 mi now has 171000 still show room new with no problems. oil changes syn oil, new tires firehawk gt are the best I found for this car. I even hit a deer and it made sense to fix the car.Was looking at new tdi jetta and couldnt do it, spoiled with this car.