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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  Still Modern & Reliable after 10 years - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By 08lasventuras - June 8 - 3:13 pm

  We purchased a 2001 Nissan Pathfinder LE brand new in 2000 and after almost 10 years its still reliable, fun, and modern-looking. For an SUV it gets decent gad mileage. Its very easy and fun to drive and rides smoothly. Weve had a few problems over the years, but its held up pretty well. The leather interior is still in good shape and looks nice. The outside has its fair share of dings and scratches but also holds up well. We plan on keeping it for years to come.

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  Excellent, affordable transport - 1998 Nissan Sentra
  By Shermalomous - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Five years and running with no major problems. Its a compact car, but 4 or five fit easily. The mileage has averaged about 28 mpg in mixed use, but over 30 when strictly on the highway. The best thing about this car? Its never needed work. Oil changes, regular tune-ups, tires. Nothing else. Highly recommended.

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  NissanSentra96 - 1996 Nissan Sentra
  By hippo - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Very Good car for the price

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  NissanSentra96 - 1996 Nissan Sentra
  By Hippo - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Very Good car for the price

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  Great car - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By dclavey - June 8 - 10:00 am

  This car makes a great commuter. The gas mileage is great and it has enough power to merge into traffic. Ive never had any problems for the four years Ive owned it. It now has 89K miles, and just regular maintenance, such as brakes and battery.

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  Perfect teen car - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By CelicaSentra - June 8 - 10:00 am

  This car has shown absolutly no problems for 2 whole years. It may not be the fastest car but it is still very sporty. The interior is very durable and the feel inside the car is luxury.

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  Horrible in snow - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Frenzy - June 8 - 9:10 am

  Bought my Altima about a year ago. LOVED this car all summer. Its quick, very light handling, and has very responsive breaks. But then it snowed. I live in rural central New York so we get some serious snow storms, I spent most of the winter in my apartment because the car was so bad. I have driven front wheel vehicles all my life and have never had a problem, even in storms when people with trucks didnt want to go out. On ice, however, this car is GREAT!!! Just not if there is more than a dusting of snow on the road. So if you live in a southern state or never leave a city up north youll be fine.

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  Good Car!! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By M.J. - June 7 - 12:36 pm

  I have the 2.5 SL. I bought it brand new with 4 miles on it. I get about 24.5 mpg in the city. It has a good size trunk and lots of leg room in the back seat. Knock on wood, I have had no problems with this car. I have about 65,000 miles on it. I just had my third set of tires put on. For a four banger engine it is pretty peppy. Leather interior has held up great!!

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  Love my Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Buz - June 7 - 7:56 am

  I love my Titan. Plenty of power and a very smooth transmission. Great riding truck and I would purchase another. In fact I plan to buy another one soon. Gas mileage could be better.

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  Keeps truckin - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By umpdad - June 4 - 4:25 pm

  I bought this car new in July of 06. I drive 500 miles a week more or less and now have 235,500 miles on it. I did have a problem with the fuel pump and crankshaft sensor about a hundred thousand miles ago. It would start the second time every time for the longest while but eventually it worsened. I replaced a starter as a result Had a garage replace the fuel pump and it was better but got worse again. Finally took it to the dealer and got the crankshaft sensor replaced. I think its been a great little car. All the interior buttons still work and the air is cold still after 8 1/2 years. If it dies tomorrow, Id still think its a great little car. The most reliable car Ive ever had.