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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  No gas mileage - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Curious - August 29 - 1:06 pm

  We just bought this vehicle new off the dealers lot. It had 57 miles. We now have 620 miles and have filled up 3 times already. It is rated at 32 highway and 24 city. Most of the mileage is highway so I would expect better than 19 mpg. The dealership says it has to break in to get better gas mileage. I have several trips planned in this car that will cost a fortune buying all this gas.

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  Lovin My Rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Rogue Lover - August 29 - 9:03 am

  I have had my Rogue since Dec 2007 - could not be happier with this sporty little SUV. I have driven everything from AWD minivans, Honda and Izuzu SUVs, and finally a Pacifica. My Rogue is by far my favorite, it could be that it is cute and or that it has exceptional interior space compared to the exterior size. It has been reliable in the mountains of West Virginia and I have had no problems with bad roads. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for the functionality of a SUV but the handling of a car. I am glad I ignored all those people who told me not to buy a vehicle the first year it was released.

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  One shade under perfect - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Fast Driver - August 29 - 4:40 am

  I traded in an 08 equinox fully loaded for the basic altima. Love this car! Love the ride, drive, handling, and turning radius! Sometimes I think I hear the speakers rattling when music is up louder but other then that no complaints! 1300 miles on it as of now. Kinda miss some of the bells and whistles, but oh well. Gas mileage is decent. I always wanted to lease but never thought I could be a candidate because of the miles but Nissan didnt blink an eye with letting me do 18k per year. The seats seem firm but Im getting used to it. I had the Nissan dealer detail my car and they did a terrible job but oh well it was free lol!

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  Couldnt be happier - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By markB - August 28 - 2:10 pm

  Awesome flexibility and driving experience. Storage galore, power a plenty. Superb sound system. Very comfortable, great visibility and security with all those airbags and reversing sensors.

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  I love this more than my mustang! - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By mustangsally_y2k - August 28 - 11:20 am

  I cannot believe how I have grown to depend on this car both summer and winter. I bought it for a winter vehicle but we have used it to tow our 20 ft travel trailer and it pulls so much better than our truck! It is so comfy for my 6 foot frame that I like to drive my car everywhere instead of being the passenger in another car! I love the way it handles and I feel the safest I have ever felt when driving a vehicle.

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  Reliable and tested! - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Joe - August 27 - 1:56 am

  Nissan Titan has been tested. No major changes have been made because it was made right from the beginning and set the standards which the others are setting as goals to beat. I just got mine with navigation, entertainment, sunroof and chrome wheels. Nissan is a strong company and I am comfortable to say that it will run the same 5 years from now!

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  Transmission trouble! - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Donyeckia Rayner - August 26 - 4:09 am

  I purchased my 2016 Maxima 7/14/2015 from Andy Mohr Nissan by sept 2015 my vehicle had to have the transmission replaced, panoramic sunroof replaced and it was another component that was causing the car to miss fire. I was told by the dealership to contact consumer affairs about just getting me into another car because they couldnt recommended nor just put me in another vehicle. The case was then turned over to the arbitration dept. for review But unfortunately Nissan denied the new car replacement claim and now Im forced to drive a vehicle that i really dont feel safe in. Nissan is taking full financial responsibility for the repairs and rental car coverage but no one from Nissan was driving the car on the interstate when the car just totally lost power so they cant imagine what Im going through on a daily basis since Ive been back in the car nor do i think they really care. This is my second Nissan but will be my last! I really like the car but dont like the fact that Nissan is basically telling me Tough it out and we will fix anything that goes wrong with it.

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  Satisfied with my Frontier - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Chad Rossi - August 25 - 8:46 pm

  I use my Frontier for a variety of tasks. I haul drinks for a vending machine business; I use it for hauling materials for the home improvement projects; and I just recently drove it from Baton Rouge to Atlanta for the SEC Championship. It is a solid truck. The only complaint is the poor turning radius. One more thing, if you put in an aftermarket radio it will mess up the airbag system which only the dealer can fix, for an $89 charge.

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  Problems and Headache - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By bestfriend - August 25 - 2:50 pm

  I brought the Max 04 SL, Majestic blue last Dec 03 and a month later the fuel pump gone bad.It took Nissan 4th attempts to figure out that it was the problem.Then, headliner fell off, glove box hang, front struts gone bad, driver side weather strip came loss,fan makes noise when ac/heater on,dash board makes noise as well,smell engine burn when on a long trip just to name a few...This is a HEADACHE CAR.I filed a BBB claim and cant wait to settle this claim...I thought this was a reliable vehicle but I guess not...

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  FANTASTIC! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Debbi - August 25 - 1:06 pm

  I purchased the 2005 Frontier Crew Nismo with some hesitation. I am glad however; my husband pushed for it. The Nismo package is great! It feels like a full size truck with fabulous gas mileage. The interior is comfortably suited for ease, access and security. The only features missings are the audio controls on the steering wheel and leather interior. I would highly recommend the truck without hesitation!