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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  82000 Miles of frustration - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By lemondepresion - June 26 - 5:02 pm

  This car has been nothing but problems after 41000 miles. Brake rotors keep warping replace and or surface every 10000 miles, and no I dont ride the brakes. Transmission replaced 62000 miles and at 80000 whining again!. Frustrating rattle under front end after a front seal was replaced. Dealer couldnt locate. A.C just went out coming home from Las Vegas. Back seat rattles from latch. Nissan Consumer relationship doesnt care. CVT transmission is junk.

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  I love it! - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By firemt27 - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Bought my 02 Le 4/04. I love it!!! The price was right. WAY more power than the S/C Xterra and the 2000 and older Pathfinders. Every option I could want, rides nice for a SUV. Luxurious fit and finish for a reasonable price. Nissan quality is great.

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  Sorry to see it go... - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By skyhogg - June 26 - 10:00 am

  but after 10 months, I just cant live with the crappy mileage. I fill the tank (39 bucks) and I get about 275 miles out of it. And now, Nissan says that the 05s are even bigger, with even worse MPG. Im sorry to see the last pure SUV for real people go this direction. If it werent for the gas suck, Id keep it forever. Rides nice, looks great, great offroad, etc. Just decided to go the other way. Honda Element, here I come!

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  Fun??? Yep!!! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By BobGreg - June 26 - 10:00 am

  The Murano has more than enough performance for a vehicle in this class. Fuel economy vs performance is better than average and more than acceptable. Overall fit and finish is excellent. Front & side visibility is good. The SE rides a bit firm but it handles very well.Braking is excellent and the CVT is neat! The Murano test drive sold me.

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  My Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By titan me - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Driving a Chevy silverado since 1997. Love the Chevy like a Rock. Then came along the Nissan Titan, weary at first new truck new problems. Kept reserching ,and asking others got nothing but great pros with some cons. Had to test drive rode good, power no problem, can see all around no blind spots, put together right. Purchased, so lone Chevy theres a new truck in town called the TITAN!

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  Glad I chose the right truck!!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Titan Man - June 26 - 10:00 am

  I like the riding comfort of the titan,the engine! how it accelerate wow! its tight! the interior was cool so as the sound system! i love it! actually i love everything about TITAN!!!

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  Fun Car!!! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By College place - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Love the car. Great sound system, very well thought out, could have better side and rear visability need to watch in your mirrors. Watch out on slipply wet roads or ice. Great motor very responsive.

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  World Class - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Titan uv a truck - June 25 - 8:20 pm

  Titan is my first ever full size truck. I test drove the F-150 Chevy 1500, and Dodge Ram. By far Titan offers more in interior room, power, style, look, and enjoyment when driving this vehicle. The king cab is still roomy enough and some for a family of 5. I get nothing but compliments and stares especially from other non titan truck owners (they wished they bought one) Great braking and power at the drop of a dime, tow and haul is a snap with the push button gear shift its fantastic, get one its highly recommended.

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  Head liner - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By pellab - June 25 - 7:20 am

  I bought my Nissan Xterra 05/24/04 brand new. My headliner is falling down on my head, I have to pin it up with tacks. I have noticed other Xterras in parking lots and most of them have the same problem. The glue on the headliner was not designed for Florida heat and this is a manufactor problem. Wrote Nissan but have not received a response

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  One Great Car! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Nissan Altama - June 24 - 3:20 pm

  This is one fun car. It will turn on a dime and has the pick up needed to do all types of stunts if you wanted to. If traffic is in its dangerous mood for Miami ( which it most often is ) you have the ability to maneauver out of the way of an accident. I love its immediate response, size and how easy it is to get in and out of the vehicle. One of the Best Choices Ive ever made in a vehicle.