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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  good truck. - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By maggo24us - March 23 - 3:53 pm

  Had this truck for almost two years now. I have no complaints. Though a little slow from a stop, it moves like hell once the rpm gets up a little. I added a cold air intake and replaced the muffler with a high flow. I have yet to see the poor fuel mileage that i was warned about from so many people. I get 19.3 on the hwy, 15.5 in town. Thats not treating it nice, either. Great towing, fun, very reliable.

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  Cam Crank Sensors 200K+miles 2005 Nissan Max - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By margiea4 - March 23 - 12:08 am

  I purchased my 2005 with 13K miles - not perfect on the maintenance, but I do take care of it. This car has surpassed 200K miles (do a lot of driving). Problem with transmission and dash warnings with TCS with car stalling not shifting into gear. Transmission shop wanted 3800.00 :-(. Got second opinion and got computer analysis. Spent $160.00 on sensors and hubby did the work. Hubby automatic Hero Status :-). Car runs like a baby again. Thank you YouTube.

• 

  Sporty yet practical, safe alternative - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Val - March 22 - 8:23 am

  I am impressed with the exterior, very nice design giving the feeling of a luxury vehicle. The interior is basic but also attractive. Some things I found to be missing that were bothersome to me were: volume control on the steering wheel, one-click power- up window control (there is one-click down, but not up)and auto headlights, no navigation system. The seat adjustment controls, power steering and dash controls are basic. These features may be available if you purchase the premium package. The Rouge handles nicely, although it is loud upon acceleration and it is noticeably a 4 cylinder vehicle. The new technology transmission takes getting used to, the car can feel a bit "put-put."

• 

  Love to drive it! - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By x-terra girl x 2 - March 22 - 3:16 am

  I replaced my 2000 x-terra (213,000 miles) with a 2010 x-terra off road. Loved my old buddy very much. I went from Manual to Automatic, which was good in some instances; tho I miss shifting. I travel in snow (sometimes up to the grill-with good tires) and travel off-road all year long and could not ask for a better SUV. "Sam" was a great truck, and now "SamSon" (yes I name my cars) will hopefully be with me 10 - 12 years. I highly recommend the X-Terra line.

• 

  Nice truck...but - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By twodals - March 20 - 2:00 am

  I have had all tires replaced due to a shimmy that couldnt be fixed; 3 oxegyn sensors replaced, cd player stopped working and had to be replaced; drivers seat stopped moving forward and backward, etc. Its too bad Nissan delivers vehicles with all of these annoying little problems, because the vehicle is great in so many other ways (performance, front seats, features). Mine is leased and I will return it to Nissan when the lease expires and go back to Toyota.

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  Good Car provided service is not needed - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By dballeri - March 19 - 8:06 pm

  Ive had this car for 18 months and put 17330 miles on it and I like it. It gets 25 mpg in mixed driving and over 30 on hwy! I had a lot of problems with wheel shimmy/vibration from the time I drove it off the lot and let me tell you, Ive been to five dealer to get it fixed with most of them acting like I was the problem. I replaced the HORRID continentals with Michelins at 1000 miles. It should be a great car for you as long as you dont need service since it seems a lot of others report the same customer service issues with Nissan dealers. Mine is actually for sale since Im going back to school full time.

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  Color me an Advocate - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By in2themystyc - March 19 - 3:01 am

  Pretty happy with my Z. I am the happy 2nd owner of a 2006 GT convertible with ~15K miles. Shes like new. I like almost everything about it - good looks, fun to drive, quality fit and finish. The mileage isnt the best, but what do you expect? Its great as a 2nd car, but not sure Id want it as a primary driver. I really enjoy the 3 Fs - fast, fun...oh, and fast. The top is easy up-and-down. In the 06, missing USB and i-connectivity is rough, but I had Sirrius/XM installed and it sounds great on the Bose system. Cant wait for my next Z!

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  Getting worse with age - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By RNkaji - March 17 - 11:06 pm

  I have had my Murano for a little over a year and a half. I love it, however...in that time period I have had to replace my battery twice. The problem I am having now is the battery will not hold a charge. I have to charge the battery frequently, but it only lasts a week or so, and I dont drive very much. Also the dealership cant figure out what is wrong with it either. But I am learning that this is a common problem with Nissans. If someone could only figure out how to fix it the car would be perfect!

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  Dont buy a used one - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By tdc7367 - March 16 - 1:03 pm

  I bought my Pathfinder brand new. Last week after 245,XXX miles the dreaded transmission radiator problem took her down. Ive replaced the catalytic converters twice, the fuel pump, both O2 sensors, Oil Pressure sensor, Camshaft position sensor, the u -joint. I got 180,000 miles out of her before all of these problems and shes never left me stranded along the road. Brand new these cars are good, but unfortunately this is my 4th and final Nissan. So if you see a used one on the lot with around 150k miles on it. Move on and save yourself some dough.

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  2001 Xterra - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By CWood - March 15 - 2:00 am

  Great car, I had for two years and and not a single problem. Its never been back to dealership for any warranty repairs yet.