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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  Best of the Best - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By naprat - October 12 - 9:16 am

  We test drove all makes and models of trucks. As soon as we drove the Frontier we knew it was the one. Like everything about it. The only thing we wish we would have gotten was the power package.

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  What a disappointment - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By sstlaurent - October 12 - 2:10 am

  We bought this van new, and over the last three years, weve put more around $5000 into. The digital dashboard display hasnt been clear for years. The heater in the back of the van doesnt blow. Now the transmission is failing, and were looking for another car. Weve had it serviced regularly and taken care of it, so I dont know what the problem is. If I want to take it to the dealership, they charge $98 just to diagnose it. The transmission guy told me that lots of people have had the same problem, and attorneys are preparing to file a class action suit.

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  One of a kind SUV - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By ozarksx05se - October 11 - 6:56 pm

  I purchased my SE 4-WD x new in sept 2005. It has 20k miles now and I really enjoy this truck. It is a blast to drive. A V-6 that feels like a V-8! 5 spd auto is awesome. Rockford Fosgate stereo is great. I added Gibson CAT back exhaust, and AirRaid cold air intake. 75 mph on the highway and 21 mpg. Mechanically I belive this is one tough truck. Easy to clean interior as well. Here are my complaints: Platic materials need to be more durable in a truck marketed the way this one is. 3 warranty trips to the dealership for squeaks, rattles, and hitch recall. Local dealer is really good.

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  Excellent Vehicle!! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By SPJ - October 11 - 9:20 am

  This is a great van, I dont quite understand all the negative reviews. Great design, comfort (we got the cloth seats as they felt better than the leather!), performance and room. We had a Toyota Sequoia but wanted to get back to a "car-feel" vehicle. The Quest has as much room as the Sequoia and neat design features such as the SkyView roof, "Podium" style center stack controls, heated seats, and great engine. Save money vs. the Sienna or Odyssey which are great vans but this Quest beats them by far in having a much cooler design. I am 61" and love the adjustable pedals (which I thought only Ford had). We are very pleased!!

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  Sloppy workmanship - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Sadru Dharamsy - October 11 - 8:53 am

  Just picked up our new Maxima 3.5 SV. Looks gorgeous and rides pretty well. We arrived home and noticed the passenger side window malfunctioning (unusual rattling noise). We opted for the tech package also, and that should have included a compact flsh drive. The cover to the flash drive is jammed solid and wont come. We have to drive 150 miles again and take it to the dealership to have it fixed. Will not pay that kind of money for such sloppy workmanship and less than optimum dealership that does not check the car put prior to selling. Who knows what other surprises are awaiting.

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  Very impressive - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By jermey - October 11 - 5:49 am

  I bought my Maxima 3.5 SL on 8/31/15. Love this car there is enough power for a 300hp engine its a blast with putting in Sport mode. It is comfortable with zero gravity seats like panoramic sunroof and LED lights. This car handles well love options and features for a very nice car seems affordable and built to last its kind of reliable vehicle. Its supposed get 30mile per highway I have literally been driving my car for 2,000miles averaged trip computer says 31.4 mpg as check actual fuel economy it gets. The Maxima does look stylish very happy with my new car purchase so outstanding looking the new interior is design better all the quality materials are well-fitted especially worth money in getting this car no issues but keep in mind that its still a new car so can give details but all I know I picked an good looking car.

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  2009 Murano - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Robin - October 11 - 3:20 am

  Ive had my Murano for just about 1.5 months and have been very happy with the handling and performance. Easy to drive, park, turn sharply. Good pick up. Easy to put down back seats for hauling. Comfortable ride. Plenty of leg and head room in front and back seat. My first SUV, so a little difficult to judge distance in front and back. Slight limits on visibility. I like the 6 CD changer and easy plug in for iPod. Overall - very pleased with vehicle.

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  Transmission failure early - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By piedmontman - October 10 - 8:37 pm

  Transmission failed after 4 months of ownership and chest after 5000 miles. Started slipping on the highway and then completely failed. Engine light came on which owners manual says is a exhaust emissions problem. Now waiting for repair. I then have to make the 800 mile round trip in take time off from work to pick it up once it is fixed.Nissan will not transport. Transmission died over holiday weekend on the way to visit family.

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  Maxima Man - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By chip.parker - October 10 - 2:25 pm

  I recently took ownership of my 5th consecutive Maxima. the 2017 Maxima Platinum. It is by far better to drive, control and travel in any other car in its class I have driven. The dealership (Browns Dulles, Sterling, Va.) is exceptionally responsive and always goes above and beyond when responding to my needs.

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  Love it - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By SATX - October 9 - 8:53 pm

  We have had the Pathfinder for about 10 days now and have already put 1200 miles on it. We looked at the Highlander and Pilot but liked the Pathfinder best. It offered more features for less. We got everything but the DVD and Nav system. So far so good. Averaging 20 mpg so far as we mostly drive hwy.