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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  Truely Awesome Pure Sports Car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By FLPNOUT - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Within the last 4 years I have gone from/owned a 3000GT, S2000, BMW 325CIC, Acura CL, and BMW 330CI. But none of those cars have full-filled my need for speed and handling until I test drove & purchased my 2004 Redline Touring 350Z roadster fully loaded. This car is the most thrilling car that I have ever driven and believe that I will actually keep this car as a classic! You definately get a lot of head turning, excellent performance, and bang for the bucks! This is a keeper. I now feel insecure leaving my car in a public parking lot due to the amount of onlookers that leave finger prints!!

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  350z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Dr Joseph Barrett - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car for the money....

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  Luxury SUV in Disguise - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Hector - April 9 - 8:08 pm

  Our 2017 Nissan Rogue SL AWD w/Platinum Reserve Package is, by far, the NICEST car weve ever owned - and definitely deserves a much higher, Edmunds rating than just 3 stars. The Rogue exudes quality and truly feels like a luxury car in disguise - and like it should cost a LOT more than it does. We constantly get compliments from everyone around us who either just sees it (its black with beautiful, silver/black, 19" allow rims, with the tan/camel colored, leather interior) or rides in it. When people do ride in it, they come away supremely impressed and express interest in getting one. And, we continue to be supremely impressed with it, as owners. Theres a reason sales of the Rogue are exploding, people. Its a great SUV! I really dont understand all the adoration the CR-V gets. For us, the Rogue is hands-down better. Its more comfortable, more soothing to drive, better-looking, just as roomy and spacious, and has a more flexible cargo system - not to mention having MUCH more comfortable seats and a smoother ride. Plus, Nissan always works with you to get a good deal, unlike Honda. I admit that the Rogue could be a little faster, but its definitely not objectionable, in the least. The engine is a reliable workhorse, and gets the job done - and with a pleasant, masculine growl to it. Also, the CVT now features "steps" to make it feel more like a regular automatic with much less "drone" - if thats important to you. (I, personally, prefer CVTs over regular automatics - I mean, why would you need to feel gear shifts in an AUTOMATIC transmission, anyway? If you want to feel gear shifts, just get a manual.) Its interesting how Edmunds calls the Toyota RAV4s acceleration "average" for the class, yet calls the Rogues "slow for the class" even though, literally, only 0.1 milliseconds differentiate the two. Biased much? The Rogue, also, handles very confidently. Does it "feel" as "sporty" as the CX-5 or Escape? Maybe not. But, does a car need to "feel sporty" in order to be considered good? Is it no longer a good-enough car simply cuz it doesnt "feel sporty?" Sometimes, automotive journalists are too jaded. The fact of the matter is that it handles well perfectly safe, especially for an SUV, and it instills confidence. Plus, the handling/performance numbers between all the competitors are all similar to each other (things that make you go: "Hmmm."). Also, the Rogue is, actually, a good off-roader that performs awesomely in the snow! Its AWD system is so good that it only trails behind stalwart AWD systems from Jeep and Subaru (btw, there is nary a mention of AWD performance in all these crossover reviews, which all feature AWD. How is that not an important feature to report on? Hello!) The Rogues AWD system is superior to the Honda CRVs (outright useless), the RAV4s, the CX-5s and the Escapes. The Rogue TRULY is a great SUV, people, and youd do yourselves a disservice by simply, automatically and/or blindly going for a Honda, Toyota or Ford without checking one out and driving it - and forming your OWN opinion. Dont let yourselves be influenced by biased, CVT-hating automotive journalists (who, many times, have hidden, money-backed agendas). Go check the Rogue out...youll thank me for it. ;)

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  Good Vehicle...Just Miss My Maxima - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Walt - April 9 - 6:20 pm

  Overall this car has been great for my family. We traded an 04 Maxima for this vehicle and although I miss the power and feel of the Maxima this crossover does drive very well, even on long trips. You do lose some pep with the CVT but who is trying to race with kids in the car or in any crossover SUV for that matter. It still accelerates on the freeway and out of red lights. The seats could use more comfort and I think Nissan needs to revamp the style because of the new look and space inside the Highlander. Overall I would recommend this car to others.

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  DO NOT BUY THIS CAR!!! Looks good but repairs are needed every couple of months - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By chelsey_payne - April 9 - 4:54 pm

  I bought this car my sophomore year of college with 109K on it. As soon as I brought it back to school I started seeing problems immediately. It made this rattling noise when the AC was on at idle and so I took it to the dealership and they said it was the belt. Got that fixed for close to $400 and it still to this day rattles when the AC is on at idle. Had to get the crankshaft pos sensor fixed a few months ago. Every time I get it fixed the check engine light is back on about 2 months later. Now it is losing tons of oil and coolant and I am just being told it needs a cat converter and I dont have the money for it. Only has 123K on it. I am def looking for new car. This car is JUNK!

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  Satisfied - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Donna - April 9 - 2:30 pm

  Ive had my pathfinder for about a month now. So far my family and I have been very satisfied with it; relatively smooth ride, awesome horse power, comfortable room, and good gas milage for a SUV. We have been happy with our purchase, and we really enjoy it.

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  2004 nissan nxtgen - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By quest 04 - April 9 - 10:10 am

  seats are not comfortble. rattling in roof, rear windows when open. had to have front rotors turned to prevent ongoing vibration at my cost - should be nissans cost. front panel under engine fell off - not properly fastened. vehicle sold with outdated navigation system. had to purchase new version for $199.00 van is too long could be more compact

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  Alright 4 the $$$ - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Cdogg - April 9 - 10:00 am

  I was thrilled when I purchaced a new sporty 2002 yellow Xterra. The exterior is awesome and the ride is so smooth. I am however very displeased with the lack of power and poor gas mileage.

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  2008 Nissan Rocks - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Love it - April 8 - 9:36 pm

  I had a Toyota Tundra and sold it due to its problems! I looked into Tacoma and Frontier. Frontier is far better truck than Tacoma. Nissan Frontier delivers better gas mileage and technology. I love the size and inside the cabin. Nissan should have fog lights as an option for SE model. I am looking into installing an after market fog lights. So far I have 1000 miles and I will update as time goes by!!

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  Just Purchased - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By jbredbug - April 8 - 6:30 pm

  I traded in a PT Cruiser due to poor gas mileage. The Versa has similar interior comfort and size, and hopefully great gas mileage as advertised (too early to tell). I find the ride to be smoother and quieter than expected. Its fun to drive, and turns on a dime. I bought the base model for price, so I have lower expectations and dont wish for much more other than an armrest. I drove it on the interstate and felt 6th gear ratio couldve been higher for less RPMs (its obviously geared for around town driving though). So far, Im very pleased with it. No car achieves the EPA mileage ratings (30- city for the Versa), but Im hopeful for 28 mpg. That would be 10+ mpg better than the PT.