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 Family - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By POCO - October 12 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I purchased this vehicle with high miles because we got a very good deal on it. My husband loves it. We are Nissan owners. All our past Nissans have performed exceptionally well and we hope this one will repeat the same performance. When Im in the drivers seat..Im comfortable, however, when in the passengers seat, Im not as comfortable although, the ride is a smooth one..I like a little more room to stretch. My son loves it. Its stylish and the blue color is just amazing. Its fast on the highway and the ride isnt bumpy at all. Big tires contributes to the smooth ride.

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  Simply Spec V - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Aldie - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car in the beginning of 2002. Today is the 2nd year I own this car. This is actually my first brand new car purchase. And in my opinion, this is a very solid car. This car has very good power, quick acceleration, useful accessories, good styling, and good handling. The only complain I have, is that this car has been recalled 4 times already. Hopefully they fix all the problems. Sad to hear but, I will be trading this car for a 2004 Acura RSX Type S.

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  Pleased in Chicago - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Ronin0975 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Overall this truck is very solid and reliable. I would have appreciated a suspension that could withstand more rear weight and higher ground clearance. Power is great for this mid- size truck but you also pay for it at the gas pumps. Great 4WD system, have taken it off roading a few times with no problems. Been in service to replace the front power window motor and a few problems with sunroof wind noise and mis-alignment.

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  Very Creaky - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By shira - October 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Pathfinder in a row. I have taken it to the dealership 8 times and they can not fix a creaking noise that I hear above my head. Did not have this problem before.

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  excellent vehicle - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By meterman - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Driven Suburbans for 22 years. Very impressed with this vehicle. Pickup is great, very comfortable.

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  Dealers warranty wont be as good suppose - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Javier125 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Sentra 04 1.8S automatic, first came with water in the tank and begin to have problem with less than 1/4 tank so dealers told to fill more than 1/2 tank until evaporated the problem gome after 2 month, then the front shock absorbers are not good with the car 1400 miles milleage on it they replace after 2 month of been order. now is running very well no other problems report.

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  Head Turning Fun! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Jimbo Murano - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I went into my buying decision as a car guy, not a truck/suv guy. This vehicle won me over with head turning good looks, car like handling and very impressive performance. The AWD makes short work of Great Lakes snow and I can tow my 20 runabout. The 18" chrome wheels and 225 watt Bose sound system are the iceing on the cake!

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  Expect nothing less then Awesome - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Thor34 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 00 Maxima for the Murano. What a GREAT MOVE. I love the interior of the vehicle. The layout is comfy and well thought out. The Exterior is an eye catcher. Example, My wife works at Ford Motor Design and research. I dropped her off from lunch as one of the Ford Design people were walking in. She said " thats is a beautiful car, if only Ford would design a vehicle like that. We might start selling vehicles again." No other car on the road looks like this. I promise you will love it.

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  Right On! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By ARKT - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Started shopping of a truck last Sept. Drove Ford, Chevy, GMC, and Dodge before getting in a Nissan. Once I did, I was hooked. Excellent power, features, and comfort (especially the heated seats). Nissan did their homework and it shows, right down to the driver side cargo box, so I dont have straps behind the seats... eventhough they would fit.

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  Trouble - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By I Love My Car BUT... - October 12 - 12:20 am

  I bought my car in May of 05 and love it to death. I dont know what Id do without it. The audio system is excellent and I believe it is roomy enough for me. But in Dec 06 my car has mysteriously stopped turning on but once it is on it runs great. So far the dealership keep replacing the fuel pump and spark plugs and it works for about a week or less, then I cant start it again and again with the replacements. I love this car but it is trouble....