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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  Xterra the better choice - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Reiko - September 4 - 2:00 am

  superb handling and fun to drive. Very durable. Has all nessasary options without going overboard to add what you dont really need. Would definatly buy again. Former vehicle was Dodge Durango.

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  2003 improvements, some still left - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By 10e - September 4 - 2:00 am

  2003 Crystal Blue 3.5SE in Toronto, Canada comes with everything except auto. ABS, cd stereo, cruise control, steering wheel mounted controls, automatic climate control. 245 hp through a five speed is massive acceleration great for 3,200 lb car. Wider tires give good handling, although it is a little front heavy and torque steer requires front tire pressure a bit lower than spec to counter. Interior material mediocre at best, unlike Maxima, but not a big deal. Dashboard attractive, centre console useful. A lot of room inside. Exterior styling in this colour is electric.

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  Poor servide - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By phobbs1 - September 4 - 12:18 am

  Do not buy a Nissan if you ever expect to need parts. Tree limb fell on car damaging roof. Have been waiting for roof and attenna for over seven weeks. At four weeks wrote Nissan customer service but no response. Also talked to dealer where I purchaes Orland Park Nissan Illinois and was told nothing they could do. Its now 8 weeks and still back order.

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  This isnt your moms murano anymore - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Vinny - September 3 - 2:58 am

  I gotta say I LOVE this car!!!It is miles about the previous generation murano,if you didnt see the Nissan emblem you would think you where driving and sitting in an Infiniti!!!!Great,smooth,powerful ride.This truck rides like a caddy!I would gladly recommend this whip to anyone and they are still trying to get rid of the 2015 jeftovers,no new stuff for 2017 so go for a new leftover murano tones of rebates and great deals.My mom and I both just bought leftover muranis,I got 7 grand off window stickee,my mom got 10 grand off.

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  VTEC KILLER - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By JohnSpecV - September 2 - 5:56 pm

  This car is incredible, the low end torque is the best. Ive modded my spec and the car doesnt seem to mind. Runs very good drives very hard, the Back seat isnt that big so if you looking for a 4 seater this isnt the car. This is fast car.

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  97 Pathfinder was good to me - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By tjm - September 2 - 3:23 pm

  I had only one problem ever with this SUV. The heater motor went out at about 97,000 miles. Other than that it never gave me a problem.

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  titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By burton - September 2 - 3:13 pm

  flexible with respect to its comforts as it being a work truck, and a family vehicle .

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  Love this car - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Jeff Wilkinson - September 2 - 3:09 pm

  We were also interested in the Mazda CX-5 but went with the Nissan because it is very easy for my aging in-laws to get in and out of the back seat. The Mazda had a much narrower door opening. Also, the back seat is slightly elevated making it easier to see for the passengers in the back. Although the driving experience isnt as sporty as the Mazda, we really like the CVT transmission and are impressed with the fuel economy around town. All of the buttons are in the right place and we love the looks of the beige interior.

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  ZOOOOOOMZOOOOOOM!!!! - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Lysa - September 2 - 1:26 am

  I love my new Quest! Safety features galore, VERY comfortable ride. Make sure you get the floor mats, Edmonds review says that it is a "typically equipped option" also, Im ordering the seat protectors and fog lights. Got used to the POD style immediately, still not sure that I like the hood area on a side view it reminds me of a morphed VW on steroids! One thing for sure, the styling is unmatched!

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  Love love this car! - 2016 Nissan Pathfinder
  By May - September 1 - 6:25 pm

  No complain. Very nice vehicle. Smooth riding, strong motor v6. Bose system is awesome. Love all the additional features.