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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  Nissan wins again - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Confident Customer - March 28 - 3:00 pm

  Had this car for 2 years. I have 120k miles on it. Asside from regular maintenance, I have had no problems. It drives very nicely in all conditions. Awesome for long hauls on the highway. Plenty of power when you need it. This car is the best one I have ever owned, and I plan to drive it until the wheels fall off.

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  good car BUT........... - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By car guy - March 28 - 9:53 am

  Bought this car with 109,000 miles on it. reallygood deal, the car was awesome, but after 3 months the check engine came on so we took it to the dealership they said it needed new spark plugs $120. After it got fixed we drove about 300 more miles and the check endine light came on again. so we took it to the dealer again. after a few days the dealer said that the car had a blown head gasket in the engine and the coolant was getting inside the engine, the estimate for repairing was $2000 and that is a lot of money. i think that he was lying because it doesnt cost more than $900 to fix it. I think i am going to sell this car and buy another 2002 altima with lower miles.

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  Could not be worse - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By RMan - March 28 - 2:00 am

  own it 16 months,serviced only in Nissan dealerships,never late for maintenance. result: CD/AM/FM replaced,1 recall-headlamps,sometimes driver door leaks when its raining,shift bulb replaced,back sit leg room for people with no legs,dashboard makes noises,legendary horrible paint job. 11 months after purchase had steering noise-still not fixed.Nissan certified mechanic says supposed to be like that (Sentra"feature"!?). Cust.Service dealership or headquaters THE WORST. Auto trans on SE-slow start even with145hp engine, 4 cyl.Once was driving straight,frontend started vibrating and car started pulling to right-still investigating

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  top marks to Nissan Pfinder - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Sooner85 - March 28 - 2:00 am

  The Nissan Pfinder is an excellent vehicle that has been trouble free in two years of ownership. With 240 horse under the hood, the Pfinder definately has power to spare. Interior is very functional with leather heated seats and in dash CD player which sounds like a concert hall. I have been off roading with it in Colo. as well and the 4 wheel drive will climb like a billy goat. Fully loaded 4x4 SE for 31,500.00 and 3.9% for 60 months were icing on the cake. I may never drive a domestic car again.

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  great car, great ride - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By b16turbo - March 28 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle handles exceptionally. You cant go wrong with the engine, the interior is very pleasing, the suspension is great, and its a lot of car for the money.

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  best for price - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By bill sivi - March 28 - 2:00 am

  went from 96 4runner to this vehicle. i got more power and features for $4000 less. does everything i want for a suv. do not go off road, but pull 2500# mcycle to fla every year, and pull utility trailer. cannot beleive difference from 4runner. maybe new 4runner is better, but i am not waiting for price gouging arrogant toyota. as for wind noise from roof rack, had dealer remove it. never used one anyway.

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  2003 Nissan Pathfinder 4wd se - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By pgaman - March 28 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle provides a very comfortable ride. Very good power in the engine.

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  Lack luster performace - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By mehere - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Check engine light came on day after purchase has been in and out of the shop three times since.

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  Murano Rules! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By cindy3792 - March 28 - 2:00 am

  What a wonderful vehicle! I feel safe, yet stylish. The transmission is awesome - smooth as silk! Mileage is better than an SUV by far! Its easy to get in an out of - rather than hiking myself in and out of my old Explorer! The Bose system is worth the $$!

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  Nissan Has A Winner - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Mister B - March 28 - 2:00 am

  A fast, powerful and fun car to drive. Steering at times gets dicey. Large turning radius makes for awkward turning maneuvers. Owned several ZXs and this car is just as strong...lots of interior room and cargo space