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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  great car so far - 2014 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jefferson2 - September 23 - 4:27 am

  We bought this pathfinder back in Oct 2013 we have put over 15,000km on it and have had no problems up until after the first oil change and tire rotation.... since then its been making a loud noise and the faster we go the louder it gets it almost sounds like a lawn mower or weed wacker when we get up to 110-120km per hour!! if I put the car in N and rev it up I do not here the sound only when I am driving. I love this car but this noise is not cool I guess Ill find out what it is when it goes in today. other then that I have had not other issues other then the recalls which can be expected when you launch a new model, it always takes time to work out the unexpected bugs.

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  Rogue is Just a Name - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By originalstarlite - September 23 - 3:16 am

  Having waited for this car since Jan., it would be easy to be disappointed. This vehicle is perfect for my wife and me: a comfortable people mover with bucket seats that have very good support, great road manners with AWD and Vehicle Dynamic Control working full time on every curve and turn, and just enough pep to do western PA hills, flexibility in hauling everything from 18 grocery bags to 12 boxes. Wash a car once and you learn a lot. Not only is the Venon (pearl) Red paint luxurious, but the application is perfect. This complements the fit of the doors that have rubber weather strips to seal out water and dirt protecting the rocker panels.

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  best out there - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By paulr - September 23 - 1:43 am

  I BOUGHT MY NISSAN ALTIMA USED WITH 24800 MILES ON IT. IT WAS IN GOOD CONDITION AND I HAVE ALREADY MADE 300 MILES ON IT. THE HANDELING AND ACCELERATION ARE BETTER THAN ANY OTHER CAR I HAVE HAD (03 COROLLA, 03 GALANT) BOTH 4 CYL CARS. NISSAN HAS GREATLY IMPROVED ON THE STYLE, BUT NEEDS TO WORK ON THE ENGING NOISE THAT YOU HEAR WHEN YOU FLOOR IT. OTHER WISE GREAT CAR AND VERY RELIABLE.

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  Close, but not quite the best of SUVs. - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Helder - September 22 - 7:43 am

  I purchased my brand new 2006 Pathfinder SE with all of the package options, leather, sunroof, etc. Its been a great truck so far with no major issues, but it still has its flaws. It feels solid and strong and is very quick at the same time, however, there is nothing that irritates me more than a new vehicle that is already sounding like a cheap, old car. How do you explain noises that just started to appear after 12,000 miles? I think Ill purchase a European car again after this one goes, omething more refined.

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  Lovin it! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By dd - September 22 - 4:43 am

  I am very happy so far with this car. I formerly had a Toyota Corolla, so my standards were high for my new car. I was most interested in a reliable, good-handling, stylish car with lots of conveniences, and I seem to have found all these things. It is a beautiful car that makes me smile! (A caveat however -- I have only had the car for about 2 months, with 2K miles on it currently.)

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  Great car - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By HippieVictorian - September 21 - 12:50 pm

  I have owned this car for a week with the premium package. I had a Saturn Vue prior and have not noticed a decrease in comfort or the quality of driving. I test drove a Honda Fit and this car and the Fit could not match the comfort of this car. My two year old daughter loves it. I still feel like I am setting in my SUV instead of a small car, but I can maneuver so much better. Great car!

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  good - 1996 Nissan 300ZX
  By jamal - September 21 - 10:00 am

  this car is a very nice car andit is very very fast

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  nissan murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By isabell grasser - September 21 - 10:00 am

  This is a roomy midsize suv with lots of space in the back, legroom , headroom.No third seat row( which I did not want (Sorry I am not the darn chaffeur for the neighbor kids. The cargo area is easy to access and can be easy extended by lifting a couple slings in the back, the back seat folds down flat and you could easy transport larger items. This car has a great design and it is modern, what I like best. I have driven in many cars from Mercedes, VW and BMW( not to mention the ugly Explorer)And this one is my very favorite. The ride is a thrill and the price is fair.

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  Great Urban SUV! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By La Tanya - September 21 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased my Murano 4 days ago and I am quite pleased with it. I had a Toyota Tacoma which was a great truck, but now I feel like Im riding in luxury. This vehicle is very classy & sporty. Ive gotten dozens of compliments. I also had great service at Baker-Jackson Nissan in Houston. I made a great choice!

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  a world of excellent for families - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By dominguez - September 21 - 10:00 am

  This mini van is the best in its class. It was made to make all ages in your family happy and very comfortable. It drives like a car, instead of a mini van. The Quest performance is behond words.