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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  Nissan leaf built on a Friday - 2012 Nissan Leaf
  By richardriver - December 23 - 10:24 am

  Bought the lowest price for 28K. After 3 weeks the car left me stranded, the dealer did not know what to do, it took them 8 days to figure it out. Now, after 3 months, the AC failed completely. But other than that is an excellent car for commuting. I do recommend the quick charging package Chademo with 6.6kw 240 charger. If you dont get it you would regret it, Like I did. This gives you more functionality.

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  Nice car to fix up and maybe race - 1996 Nissan Sentra
  By nissanracer805 - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Great starter car

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  A great reliable car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By cpk - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car because I knew it would be reliable, comfortable, and nice. It has been all of those things and I would definitely buy another Maxima.

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  A Very Good Car - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By hptorres - December 23 - 10:00 am

  So far the car has been reliable, no major problem except that the Anti Theft device needed to be reprogramed once. I like the car, good power, good interior size and look good, with the Sport Package. Id buy another.

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  Pathy or Pilot? - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By David Lei - December 23 - 10:00 am

  For new SUV buyers, you probably are thinking Honda Pilot coming out in 06/02. Well, I do love Honda (I have a civic), but I think Pathy will be my choice even I seldom go-off road. Pathy has better balance of everything for a SUV comparing to Pilot. I dont have any problems for 37,000 miles now. Great SUV for its below 30K price. Im a faculty member in mechanical engineering.

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  annoying but good - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By thekid - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought my SE one year ago. Torn between hating it and loving it. Seems to have the consistent problems, squeaks, rattles, loose bumpers, weird noises. Problems I dont expect from a 16k car, even if its an economy car. But it starts every day, runs, handles great. Looks good. Paint does seem to chip and scratch very easily. Wish Nissan would acknowledge the common problems instead of the servicemen acting like I am the only one in the world with these problems. It is not quite like my old Civic SI, but then again my old Civic SI is not like the SE

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  Everything I need, nothing I dont. - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Cory - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Killer vehicle. A little light on the power, but still a blast to drive. Manual transmission makes all the difference. Gas mileage bites the butt a little, but highway driving to/from school on weekends will do that. Sweet looks (better than the 2002, I think) and no frills, no nonsense approach.

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  Its all that - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Sactown - December 23 - 10:00 am

  Eye-catching, comfortable for 5 (Im 64" and 4 other adults fit nicely), quick when you want it, thrifty if thats your goal, power sound system, and that aint all. Load up with options and youre still priced under an equivalent Toy/Honda/Passat. Oh yes, its got a huge trunk and sips at the Regular tank at the gas station.

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  Just What I Was Looking For... - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Lu - December 23 - 10:00 am

  My 2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 S was just the car I was looking for. Its 4 cylinder engine has more horsepower (175)than the V6 (170hp) Chevrolet Malibu that I traded in. This is much more car than I have ever had in the past! The convenience package is a definite PLUS... as is the power sunroof and the rear spoiler. The keyless entry allows me to roll down the front windows with just the touch of the button. This is VERY nice on a simmering hot day when the car has been locked up. To top is off, the body style is S-L-E-E-K!! You wont regret purchasing a 2002 Nissan Altima 2.5 S!!

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  Altima Hybrid - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By chase - December 23 - 12:46 am

  Almost never goes into ev mode unless I stop or brake under 40. When I first start out in the morning it wont even go in ev when I stop. Maybe the battery needs to charge up? Go on freeway no ev. Get off near work, I go 20mph through the alley, slightest acceleration it goes to gas. computer says Im getting 31mpg. But it also shows my avg mph at 30 when I drive almost entirely freeway at 80 mph. Drives nice though. Fast and peppy.