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 - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By zope1986 - June 19 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I have owned more than 20 new cars in the past 18 years and this is the most fun and noticed vehicle ever

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  More than its worth.. - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Jerlyn Goodwin - June 19 - 2:00 am

  The car was bought manily for my use. I use a mobility scooter and my sister thought it would be heathful. She pretty much bought the first car she saw on the first day we went looking. I was not in favor of the buy. First the car was to big and clumbsy. It is diffcult to drive I cannot get comfrtable in it and for such a large mini/van it seems small inside. I have arthriris and let just say Im glad when the ride is over. I had a rear- in accident with a ford pick-up. Oct 13. We didnt get the car back until Nov.22. That is a bit long. I hit him going less then 15 mph. I admit the car stops traffic but there is no way I can recommend it.

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  Proud to Own A Nissan Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By seemeforts - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Ive really enjoyed the look, handling and ease of use with this vehicle. I enjoy everything from the rounded look of the car, to the smart styling inside. Everything is within easy reach for stereo use, to glove box. This is a very reliable mode of transportation, and Im proud to be a Nissan owner again.

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  2012 Juke Recalled - 2012 Nissan Juke
  By todd_r - June 19 - 12:03 am

  The juke is fun, unique shaped. I like the Juke overall. It is speedy when needed, etc. The original sticker and ads say 37mpg in big numbers and words. No matter if is in eco or turbo mode(default setting), the MPG is 25 on the highway(70 degrees outside and no ac on, no rain, all highway no traffic lights), and 20 in the city. Read the fine print on the window stickers of all Nissans. The fine print says 21. The car has 19,000 and requires new tires. Most tires last 40k Well, as far as factory support, I took it in for a factory recall. The timing chain is to be replaced. This requires an oil drain and refill the oil. This an oil change without a new oil filter. No free filter included.

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  DONT BUY A 2004 MAXIMA - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By lynnfrct - June 18 - 10:40 pm

  Bought it with 19K - now have 86K. 3rd set of brakes and 4th set of tires. Now replacing the tranny & timing belt for over $5K. Before the ext warranty expired I told dealer I was having transmission issues. They said it was the motor mount which they repaired. Once out of warranty the tranny went completely. Appealed to Nissan NA - no success. Asked local service manager why I should put in another Nissan tranny and he said "Dont worry they fixed the problem" admitting there were issues with the 2004 trannys. There is a class action suit for the trans if anyone is interested. Last car payment is next month. Tears. No more car payments but a huge charge bill for repairs.

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  Great mid-size 4X4 SUV - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Stocktonpathy - June 18 - 8:46 am

  I bought my 1999 Pathfinder SE used with 89,000 to with replace a 1987 Pathfinder SE 4X4 5 speed with 277,000 miles. This has many more creature comforts than the 87 did. But the 87 was be more trail ready (full frame, skid plates, etc). I too had to replace the struts and shocks. I recently upgraded my tires to a set of All Terrains too. I do need to replace some weather stripping between the doors. The Bose stereo is nice, but the volume knob doesnt work right. I kinda have to pull up some so the contacts work. I also added a Sirius satellite receiver for long trips.

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  Best Of The Pack - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Dan - June 18 - 7:50 am

  Just bought our second Altima 2.5 cvt 2008 had 2006 2.5 and loved it. The new body style beats Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Mitshu, VW etc.. This is one fun car with a sports car appeal! Buy the convenience pkg! Color winter frost. I am a truck guy and bought this for my wife I cant wait each time I get to drive it it is an absolute pleasure. For the money you get one heck of a car and features! Buy it and dont look back!

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  Surprising - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Bob K. - June 18 - 1:53 am

  I have been looking at autos of this style for the past month. Ive tested the Toyota Yaris, Chevy Aveo, Honda Fit, Kia Rio5, and the Hundai Elantra Touring. Some of them were a bit sportier in style and performance but mostly less than the Nissan. Roominess was and is a hands down to the Nissan. I absolutely despised the instrument layout in the Toyota I guess that I dont like having to look over for the speedo etc.. Price was also a factor with the Nissan hitting the right tone. For those who havent driven the Chevy Aveo be cautioned, if you have to make a left turn and even see oncoming traffic you will be better off to get out and push than to use the accelerator. So far very Happy!

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  Driving In Style and Comfort - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By JohnRags - June 17 - 3:00 pm

  The initial experience of renting a Maxima two months ago influenced my reason for buying one; albeit the exhilaration of driving what can only be described as a solid and sophisticated machine. The cabin aesthetics is reminiscent of my previous luxury car. I havent a single concern regarding what has been one the best car ownership experiences thus far! The redesigned Maxima is a finely tuned, attractive automobile that will likely cater to those with refined tastes.

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  Best SUV on Market - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By A. Ray Smith - June 17 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Pathfinder to take on summer vacation. Great performance on and off road. Very comfortable. Read ride on the SUV market. My wife has a disability, but the ride in this SUV is as good as a cars, with the room and versatility of an SUV.