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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  One of the best cars Ive driven - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By pvnguyen94 - January 16 - 6:16 am

  I am very happy that I bought this 2013 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL. I am also very satisfied with the Campbell-Nelson Nissan customer service, they do everything possible to make their customers happy. My salesperson Roy answered all my questions I had about the car and he explained everything that I needed to know before I left the dealership with the car. I will come back if I ever plan to buy another car.

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  No major troubles....but - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By sticks4 - January 15 - 10:17 am

  We had no major troubles, but brakes did seem to wear out fast. Alignment in the rear tires, the shop said they were wasnt enough adjustment left and could only get them close. Backseat drink holders were ripped off from the seats several times by our kids(poor design), Nissan declined to cover while it was under warranty. After reading a lot of horror stories as I debated holding on to this vehicle, a slight flutter in the idle convinced me to trade it in. Up to that point, really tires and brakes, no major repairs at 74,000. Body was just starting to rust, I dont think I would buy another Nissan. Traded it for a Honda crv!

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  2011 Xterra S, you wont be disappointed - 2011 Nissan Xterra
  By One Trick Pony - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Ive never written a review before but have read others and found them helpful. Because of other positive reviews I purchased my 2011 S model and what a GREAT vehicle. The Xterra rides great, its very quiet,the performance of the 4.0 engine and trans is impressive. I drive approx. 100 miles per day and Im getting almost 20 mpg on the button. The brake pedal is a little spongy but not a big deal. Even the base radio isnt disappointing to listen to. I do wish they made the upgraded radio an option with the 6 disc changer for the S model. I also drive a new 2010 loaded F-150 Platinum as my tow vehicle. Ive owned BMW, Porsche, Acura, Corvettes, Shelbys etc. and the Xterra will be a keeper.

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  Didnt go wrong this time! - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By Great Ride - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Traded 2008 GMC Acadia for a 2010 Murano SL. The Acadia was larger and I miss not having the bumper sensors and Onstar, but something has to be said about reliability. We are so pleased with our Murano. Gas mileage is anywhere between 19-26 mpg and this has just been a joy to own and drive. You cant go wrong with a Murano.

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  7,000 Mile Update - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By Idaho Opinion - January 15 - 10:00 am

  Now that weve put on a few more miles an updated review seems in order. We drove on 2 winding, steep mountain roads in the Hells Canyon area of Idaho, and were so pleased with how little effort it took for the Murano to negotiate those roads. Going down I used low gear or the over-drive button on the side of the shifting lever, so that hardly any braking was needed. Going up I left it in "over-drive off" and the vehicle seemed to just glide around and up those steep corners and hills. With the Muranos ease of steering I could keep one hand on the wheel and one on the shifing lever. This is all coupled with an incredibly smooth ride, so that driving those roads was simply a joy to behold.

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  The jury is still out - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By tmagman1 - January 15 - 10:00 am

  I read many reviews on this website, and saw where the Altima received really good ratings. I bought the basic model a few months ago. So far I cant say Im impressed. If you need horsepower, you better keep looking. You wont find it with this car. And with the unique transmission that seems to gear down on take off, the car seems to have even less horsepower. If you need to step on the gas, get ready for a loud roar from the engine noise. It aint pretty. Sounds like a darned airplane about to take off. I purchased the car brand new. You know the economics of buying a new car, so Ill lose my big time if I trade.

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  Could be better. Rogue S - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Jo Ann - January 15 - 9:26 am

  Drives like a car, smooth drive and just fun to drive. Great buy for your money.

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  Unhappy Owner - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Danny - January 15 - 7:30 am

  Car has shimmy in front wheels, dealer says they cant fix it. A/C works intermittently, chrome is coming off all 4 wheels, rattles in front and rear of car. Every time I take it in for repair, dealer says no problem found. Car had a rattle underneath it, I found a nut missing off of the tailpipe hangar. Not the dealers problem, but had to replace the tires at 15k because of cracking in sidewalls. This is the first and last Nissan I will own, because of poor build quality and lousy customer service from dealer.

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  Outstanding Engine - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By reynard4 - January 15 - 7:16 am

  We love our 97 SE. The engine is all that youve heard and more. It wont plant you in your seat like a 69 Z, but the power and torque range is broad and smooth. You can cruise at 60 and pop up to 80 to pass and the car just leaps ahead while maintaining a civil ride. The handling is quite good also and the car squats nicely under braking (4-wheel disc), with very little pitch. Not the biggest interior or trunk, but hey, when youre having this much fun, who cares!

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  Great Truck for the Price! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Mike - January 14 - 2:46 pm

  I researched & drove every SUV on the market and determined this was the best value. It had every option and priced well under $40k! Buying exp. w/Nissan was good. The truck looks great and interior quality is excellent. Engine is well powered but gas mileage is mediocre at 17/22. An 8 cylinder option would have been nice. A few grudges; interior road noise is load at hwy speeds and some interior rattles have begun. Re tighten every bolt and nut after 1k miles and this truck would be perfect! Driver side window derailed at 1,200 miles and wouldnÂ’t open/close, but was quickly fixed by dealer. IÂ’m still very happy with my Pathfinder and would recommend it to friends and family.