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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  Very little dealership - 2015 Nissan NV Cargo
  By Unsatisfied Customer - July 7 - 4:43 pm

  Poor gas mileage compared to Ford or GM V8S. Gadget magnets that hold rear doors open fall off in a couple months. Dealer Service is very limited. We are in Palm Beach Florida and have a grand total of 2 dealerships that can service the vans (20 miles away each). NOT ACCEPTABLE. We frequently travel for work and I cant use the vans for fear of a breakdown with no dealer support. Better off with American made

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  Nissan did a fantastic job - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By A Nissan Z lover! - July 7 - 5:36 am

  I have owned Porche 944s and a BMW Z3, and wouldnt trade my 2003 Nissan 350Z for anything else. This car is just a whole lot of fun and great at the price! It is a really classy car.

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  Buy it youll like it!! - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By Mark B - July 6 - 5:26 pm

  I absolutely love this van. I test drove the Toyota, and Honda top of the line vans and they all felt the same to me. But the customer service and truthfulness of the Nissan Employees tops my list. My 6 year old would rather take the minivan somewhere because its Cool. Its very comfortable on trips, and has a huge amount of storage space available.

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  Workhorse - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Mr. G. - July 6 - 2:59 am

  I bought my Pathfinder 10 years ago with about 70K miles. This SUV is a workhorse! I have abused this vehicle by towing more than that what youre supposed to. I love its 4WD capability. They dont make cars like this one anymore folks. My only complaint would be the poor gas mileage, but I guess you cant have it all.

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  Its a great SUV - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By shahabc - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I have loved this truck. It drives like a car.

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  WHAT VOLVO? - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By rRICH - July 6 - 2:00 am

  SUPER TRUCK. LOVE THE 4 DOORS. GREAT RUGED LOOK

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  Worth The Wait - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By homyroo - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I waited a long time for a sports car comfortable for a big guy 63" [minus pwr seats] and affordable for a working guy. This is my car!! Almost purchased a Z4 [+$10k], passed on Boxster [cramped under the wheel],Audi TT [stands for too tiny], selected the Z350. It looks beautiful in black. (2) Golf bags only with drivers pulled. Im OK with that!! Both bags are mine!!

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  toyota sucks - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By trod - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought this vehicle in the beginning of october it is awesome. I just came from driving the sequoia, their is no comparison. More hp, torque, room, towing capacity, ground clearance, cupholders, more of everything. This is the best part it was 4k less with more equipment. Everywhere I go people stop and stair and the kids love it.

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  03 Altima SE3.5 - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Theman929 - July 6 - 2:00 am

  This has been the best vehicle I have owned. Could use some minor changes. Hopefully Nissan fixes them in the 2005 refresh.

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  New Owner - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Alice Sun - July 6 - 2:00 am

  Excellent SUV!!Nissan has once done a great job. Love the SUV and I think it the best out there.