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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  A great all weather vehicla - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By ChrisR - November 9 - 7:13 pm

  My previous car was an 07 Saturn Vue. I looked at Toyota,Honda & Kia before going for the XTERRA. I am so pleased that I did. It is excellent for the money. first Nissan I have ever owned. A day or so after I purchased it we had the worst snow in NJ for many years followed by heavy rain storm and high winds. The X performed excellently in all conditions. It has an excellent heater. Very good visibility all around. Steering a little heavy when maneuvering in 4WD but not an issue really. It provides and excellent feeling of security in bad weather conditions.

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  Transmission Nightmare - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Patrick - November 9 - 2:40 pm

  Less than 65000 miles already have had one transmission replaced, two stock tires blow out, back interior shelf replaced, all 4 warped rotors replaced, front grill replaced, timing chain replaced, Air conditioning system needs to be replaced but not willing to pay 1300 dollars to do it. I am now replacing my 2nd transmission due to a defect acknowledged my nissan but not covered because out of 12000 mile part and 60000 mile powertrain warranty. I do not recommend this vehicle to anyone. This is my 2nd and last nissan vehicle I will ever purchase. Nissan consumer afairs and customer support group have yet to be helpful in this matter.

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  Good car to commute! - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Mustafa - November 9 - 2:05 pm

  I like that car so much. It has 143k miles on it, still no gasket and/or transmission problems. Besides, it is a great DIY car. There are bunch of videos on YouTube about that car, and the replacement parts are not expensive. Installing the replacements are easy as hell! I have driven that car non-stop 450 miles. The only I would concern about that car is the gas consumption. It consumes a lot for a 2.4 4 cyl car (16/22mpg). You have to be aware of a point: 98-99 and 00-01 altimas are not completely identical (the interior as well); some of the replacements are different, such as shocks.

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  Great SUV - Only a few negatives - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Good SUV - November 9 - 3:56 am

  This SUV was purchased for towing a closed 6 X 10 trailer with DJ gear and the ability to haul extra people. The engine is powerful enough. I would go to a larger SUV for larger boats and trailers. I have had no mechanical problems. There is no point in complaining about gas mileage. All mid-size and larger SUVs need a lot of gas, especially if working hard. This six-cylinder is no different. This is a nice looking truck that stands out in the crowd of Trailblazers and Explorers. I didnt test drive Explorers (not a Ford fan), but the Trailblazer handled like a sponge compared to the Nissan and the Trailblazer seats felt like you were sitting on a soft mound - ready to roll off.

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  Best Car I Ever Had - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By edee - November 9 - 2:50 am

  I really liked the altima, but when I saw the sentra, it was on! I didnt like the plain one, I picked out the 2.0sl with peanut butter color leather seats, sunroof etc. The ride is quiet and smooth, sound system is great. I think I made a good choice, the only thing I wish they would add is more horse power for more speed. Thank you for making a great car.

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  A Best Buy - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By cla - November 9 - 2:00 am

  My 95 Maxima GXE has been a terrific buy from day 1. I almost purchased an Accord or Camry, and now am happy I spent more for the Maxima. It has been reliable and has had no out of the ordinary problems happen to it. Also, it is a stylish car that has a certain charm to it. People are impressed with the car even though its almost 8 years old. Plus, it feels like a sports car, but handles itself like a sturdy vehicle.

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  nissan maxima - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By ecsengland - November 9 - 2:00 am

  havent had any problems...reliable, fast, safe. Had 1991 prior - manual which was more powerful, but automatic also powerful.

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  Only way to go - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Thrilled - November 9 - 2:00 am

  My job is seling cars on-line. When it came to buying my next car, I did the research. Checked out all the 30K-40K SUVs available. When the research was over, the 2003 Pathfinder won hands down.

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  This Truck Kicks A## - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By felixguru - November 9 - 2:00 am

  I have never had this much fun driving a truck before in my life. I have taken this thing EVERYWHERE! It is only 6 months old, and it already has 15,000 miles on it. Bad for resale, but I cant help it. Its so much fun to drive!

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  EVEN BETTER THEN BMW325xi - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Xterra2Murano - November 9 - 2:00 am

  I have been looking to trade in my XTerra for a softer ride.....test drove many cars in the procces, all of which fell in the $30-36k price range, wanted to keep it fair.....the Murano out did all of them, even the Acura MDX, and the BMW 325xi.....its worth paying the 2-3k dealers want over sticker....but shop around, i managed 2 get mine at sticker, fully loaded.