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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  fun to drive - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By John - April 30 - 10:33 pm

  You have to love the power and handling of this vehicle! I wish it would get maybe a little better gas mileage, but then the power would have to be lowered...guess paying a little more on your gas bill makes it worth it in the long run...shes a bit on the stiffer side, but thats a good thing in my book Mate!

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  Drive train troubles - 2014 Nissan Pathfinder
  By retiredbill - April 30 - 9:55 pm

  Vehicle worked flawlessly till 7500 miles. At that time there was loud knock and vibration from trans area. Since then there is intermittent vibrations and shudders. Dealer 1st stated they can find nothing, then, this is normal. If normal, I think it should happen all the time. Dealer then stated it sounds like torque converter, but wont fix. Told factory rep would contact, but never did. Am afraid vehicle will let me sit. Would consider trading, but was told value is zip due to vehicle transmission reputation. Would love Nissan to step up to the plate ands repair / replace. Anyone listening?

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  The Z is an Adrenaline Rush - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By MACCRAZE - April 29 - 10:36 pm

  Just purchased a new 350Z Conv. and its awesome. The interior design is very simple, which I love about Nissan, not too little, not too much. When I heard this car crank up for the 1st time, I thought I was going to start salavating. All in all, I love that "WOOM" sound it makes. The engine just barks at you and Im a 30 yr old female. The salesman said I could get a turbo put on it. I told him, he was insane. Thats asking for trouble. Best sports car for the money!

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  Older Nissan - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Mike D - April 29 - 5:30 pm

  When I got this car it had about 150000 miles on it. With this many miles it runs as new a the never cars do. I enjoy driving this car. If I new how good it is now I would have gotten on a few years ago.

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  DONT BUY THE PATHFINDER - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By baine001 - April 29 - 12:22 pm

  I bought my 2013 Pathfinder on April 19 and have just put 1000 miles on it. Since buying it it has shuddered at least a half a dozen times. The shudder lasts for about 2 to 3 seconds usually while trying to accelerate from a slow roll. The car has no power while the shudder is going on. Very Dangerous! I brought the car to the dealer and they told me that Nissan is aware of the problem and that it can take approximately 2 weeks to 2 months for Nissan to come up with a solution. I told the dealer that the car is unsafe to drive. They told me that Nissan told them that the car is safe to drive and that I need to “floor” the gas pedal when accelerating to bypass the shudder issue.

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  z4me - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By z4me - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I have never had a car with the ability to attract so many people. I get questions from people all the time. They even flag me down when Im driving down the road. The car is a true sports car. It doesnt have earth shattering speed however it really does hawl butt. I love it and it is truly a real trip to drive. Well done Nissan!

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  MY SECOND MAXIMA - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Kolyan2k - April 29 - 10:00 am

  My second maxima. Went from 95, auto GXE to 98 SE, 5-speed, loaded w/GLE features. Still powerful even for cars that are poroduced in 2003. Extreamly reliable, still looks good outside as well as inside, equipped w/ nice features like: BOSE sound system, heated seats, ABS, auto climate control....

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  Never again car build in Mexico! - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By TX - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I got it for my wife in September of 2001. Should have looked more around. 2 recalls, rattling dashboard - fixed, numerous complains about the A/C finally fixed, cannot close the window at 70 miles per hour because of whistling for the rest of the trip. Tires gone after 16000 miles. Very poor craftsmanship.

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  Outstanding car! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By David4291 - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Gorgeous car! Wickedly powerful, especially above 3000 rpm. Quiet, solid, well-handling; sized right for me.

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  2003 Murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Nelli - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Great car for the money--not all of us want 3 rows of seats, we are trying to get the mini-van out of lives! I look the look over the square boxes.