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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  Great car - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Pathfinder 1 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Rides great. 240 horsepower really does the job!!! Pay up for the sunroof and leather packages. best misize SUV on the raod...

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  One test drive will have you convinced.. - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By tamast - July 30 - 10:00 am

  The 2002 Maxima is just so loaded with features that its hard to ignore. Compared to the Acura TL-S, or a used 2000 Audi A6, I was considering, it wins hands down. I am very impressed with standard HIDs, the very responsive 255HP legendary VQ engine, and the tight suspension of the SE. For 02 you can even get a 6 speed manual (unfortunately I passed it up, not much fun in the crowded DC area). I spent a long time searching for the perfect vehicle, and almost never even test drove one; if it wasnt for my mother buying an 02 Id be stuck in something I payed too much for with much less performance!

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  Xterra is the best value for the $$ - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Mike fro m Wisconsin - July 30 - 10:00 am

  We have had this truck for about a month now and it is awesome! I love the looks although I liked the square headlights on the older models better. It is very comfortable to drive, the turning radias is outstanding compared to my previous vehicle (Dodge Dakota). I wish I had gotten the supercharged engine now after driving it about 2500 miles. Storage is an issue. There are not many cubby holes to put things.

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  This car is a lemon. - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By chrisbuck1 - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This car has been in the shop for 4 days out of the 21 that Ive had it. There is a thump/rattle that they cant find, a vibration when the AC is on and car stopped, and the other day the remote entry stopped working and the doors would randomly lock and unlock themselves as I drove around.

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  Great Buy, performance for 5 - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Formula - July 30 - 10:00 am

  Purchased my Altima less than a month ago, I just hit 1000 miles and am already getting 28 miles/gallon. I have not owned anything but German since my 91 300z but this car brought me back. Nothing like passing the BMWs with three of your friends waving. I was looking at AUDI but you can not beat this car for the price.

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  Will never buy a Nissan again! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Outraged - July 30 - 10:00 am

  The transmission went in this car with less then 3,000 miles on it and left me stranded on vacation. I wanted a new transmission they said no it had to be repaired. The car now gets 13 miles to the gallon city and about 20 on a trip compaired to 22 and 30 prior to this happening. I spoke to both the dealer and Nissan and they both pointed the finger at the other and were willing to do nothing about it. Worst customer service I ever dealt with. Save your money!

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  Easy, Reliable, and Fuel Efficient - 2016 Nissan Versa Note
  By Aaron King - July 29 - 10:41 pm

  ... which is basically all I wanted. Not many bells and whistles, but its a really great car.

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  I love this car! - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By doughboy - July 29 - 10:30 pm

  I was originally looking at the toyota corolla. I am so glad the Sentra was sitting so proudly in the showroom. Much smoother ride than the corolla and seemed to be a much better value.

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  Nice Surprise - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By vvandenburg - July 29 - 5:06 am

  My son needed a commuter car for college, so I spent days looking for the right vehicle for him. I looked at new cars, used cars, cars on Craigslist and finally I ran across this vehicle at Hertz Car Sales. Most sub compact cars have very little head or backseat leg room, but I was amazed it had enough room, even from a 6-2 guy like me. It’s phenomenal on gas and was a good value, compared to other vehicles I considered. We just purchased this vehicle, but so far we are ecstatic with the performance and gas mileage

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  Reliable - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Rob - July 28 - 4:06 pm

  Bought this vehicle used with 50,000. Have not had any problems with this car. Only noticeable problem is the clear coat is peeling. Very reliable car. Would purchase a Nissan again.