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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  PF05 - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By roadski - April 3 - 6:33 am

  Ive had my pf for 5 months now and really enjoy the ride and the power. After a 5-6 hour drive to the mtns. theres no driver fatigue. The pf handles very well for an suv, even in the corners! Theres also plenty of room in the back with the seats folded down to sleep. An interior handle to open the liftgate would have been a nice feature. Overall I like my pf except for some ergonomic issues.

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  Defective - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By dogface - April 3 - 2:00 am

  The "Electronic Brain" suggests the vehicle is "not driveable" according to the information that the dealership has been given. Good luck if you purchase an Armada, I for one, would never purchase in the future, a vehicle that the dealership has not been given the tools to address manufacturing problems, and has to contact the manufacturer to address the problem. Nissan should not be excused from their obligation to support their dealer network. I was advised by the dealer that they (as a dealer for Nissan) did not have the software to diagnose or reprogram the malfunction/ defect that occurred within 150 miles of my purchase of this vehicle.

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  nissan - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By fthomas23 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  was surprised by how much room their was inside this vehicle, the trunk was average sized.

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  murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By bella - April 3 - 2:00 am

  im fairly new with this velicle but it seems to be a nice ride,very comfortable seating,nice head room/leg room,all round comfort interior... exterior sharp suv. I have many suvs this rides totally differnt then one io must say like a cross between a luxury car/ride and a smooth suv...so far no big complaints

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  Fun to drive, but.... - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By WyLd chyLd, RN - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought this "truck" a week ago and its a fun toy, but very uncomfortable in city driving & freeways (bumpy & I could feel every roll) & horrible fuel economy ($32 for a full tank). I do like the off road driving (a "nature- type" SUV -- excellent in the Northwest), the sounds (cd player) and the look. Only time will tell if i will be totally satisfied.

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  Love it and Aint sellin - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By MaxDriver - April 2 - 10:00 am

  I got my 95 GXE in 98. It had Bose, Sunroof and power seat. The minute I set eyes on this black doll, I had to have it..... Had to replace the suspension after six mos. but that was because I took on a broken road at 100 mph, so my bad. Since then, I have had nothing but driving joy in it, mile after mile. I have 106000 miles on it and it still runs like new. The only work Ive ever had to do to it was oil, tires and brakes. It STILL looks better than a 2002 Camry and Accord! Now I am getting into an Audi A-6 but I am NOT selling the Max!! It stays with me b/c its too good to part with!! Way to go Nissan.

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  Pathfinder owner for five years - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Old Guy - March 31 - 8:56 pm

  Owner purchased this model used and rates this vehicle as above average in reliabilty.

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  Just two Problems, brakes and start Eng - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By GreenPlanet - March 30 - 8:56 pm

  I bought my 2009 Nissan Versa SL in May 09 to replace 07 Santa Fe truck. I was looking for a more fuel economy car. The car has about 1600 miles now. I notice the the steering wheel pulsates as you brake and come to a complete stop, dont know if there something wrong with the ABS. I also have a problem starting the car with long crank or multiple crank. I have an appointment for this weekend so hopefully they can address these two issues. MGP not as good as advertise or other people are getting here. It could be due to the fuel pressure regulator.

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  Happy - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By SpiNz - March 30 - 5:23 am

  Ive had my Spec V for a little over a month now and I really dont have any complaints. Very fun to drive, powerful for a 4 banger, decent styling, pretty cool interior. Would buy again.

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  This is the car - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Cody heape - March 29 - 11:39 pm

  This is a very awesome car! The gas mileage is great. It only takes 30 to fill it up and last me about 2 weeks. On the highway it drive very smoothly and steering isnt to touchy. I even love the looks of the car! The interior is super nice and clean. Was kept up to date. Id give this all 5 stars but one tire was flat and has a slow leak