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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  2011 King Cab 4X4 - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By john528 - May 28 - 9:51 pm

  I got it with the utility package. This means it has some whistle and bells. I compared to the Tacoma. The nissan to me road better. The cost of Toyota vs Nissan made it an easy choice Gas milage - 16city 19 combined

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  Quest 04 Not Reliable - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By mecquest04 - May 28 - 6:10 pm

  Attracted to the styling and drivetrain of this vehicle. Unfortunately quality is a large concern. Brakes wear out prematurely. Tires are in need of replacement after 30k miles. Noisy doors that get better and then worse again. Mirrors with intermittent problems. Company does not stand behind this vehicle, either. Delay you with excuses until items are out of warranty and then you pay. Refuse to admit any issues are not normal wear and tear. Cannot recommend this vehicle or Nissan in general based on our experience. Beware used Quests if 04!

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  Best Car Ever Owned - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By jhumbug - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this car used in 1999 with 55,000 miles. Now have 138,000 miles on it. Have been waiting patiently for it to fall apart so I can justify getting a new car, but the blasted thing just keeps going, and going, and going. No major repairs in the four years Ive had the car. It runs just as well as the day I bought it.

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  the car - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By mind-z - May 28 - 10:00 am

  dealing with nissan dealers is not a pleasent experience. They are rude and arrogant

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  Cool but needs metal - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Almaguer - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I like the Xterra, its a life style choice.

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  Maxima grows up-finally - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By boss315 - May 28 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 2004 Maxima and the 2007 bears little resemblance to it! The CVT is a little loud and balky in low range--only complaint. The under/oversteer torque is gone--the ride is much better, more like an entry level luxury sedan should be; dash is cleaned up and less cluttered, less cheap. Most of all, it is FUN to drive and take on long trips. I drove the TL and M35--couldnt see spending 50k on a "Maixma on steroids," the M35.

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  Verygood Try it - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By jonathan - May 27 - 8:50 am

  So far it has been great. No problems at all and its still fun to drive after these first three months. I would buy one again, no question.

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  Very nice car - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By NismospecV - May 23 - 9:46 pm

  This car is very fun whe tuned even the slightest bit. I got a stillen header and downpipe and nismo intake kit and this car moves very fast ive gotten it up to 156 mph on those upgrades and some tires.

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  Nice SUV but bad AC - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By jscak - May 23 - 9:38 am

  Bought AWD SL 2014 Rogue in Apr 14. Only 4800 mils on it but havebeen to dealer two times due to auto AC problems. Dealer replaced seal on one visit but AC still not efficient. Seems to take forever to switch from recirc air to outside air in a relatively mild climate (Maryland). Dealer said AC working properly during last visit - if thats the case then AC is poorly sized for this vehicle. Had several other vehicles witn Auto AC and never had this problem - it was basically set-and-forget. Latest problem is cool air comes out of driver side vents but warm outside air out of passenger side with both sides set at 72 deg. Going back to dealer again.

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  My Pathfinder,a joy to drive - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By HarryO - May 22 - 2:00 am

  My new Pathfinder is a real joy to drive,Its tight,tough and very responsive. Yet its smooth,quiet and comfortable. I can sense that this little SUV is very well built. I was looking for a good all around vehicle when I found this little prize and I couldnt be happier!