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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  frontier 05 - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By steve - March 13 - 10:03 am

  Love my truck other than a squeak its had since it was brand new that they have never been able to fix. seems like something in the suspension. mainly when going over bumps.

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  Buyers Beware - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Pathfinder Owner - March 12 - 9:46 am

  I have read several comments from people who own a Pathfinder about the problems with the radiator leaking into the transmission. Well, now I am personally having this problem as well. The fluid has leaked into my transmission which now has to be completely overhauled and its only 3 years old and of course out of warranty. So buyers beware. We called Nissan but were basically told too bad. Until now the vehicle ran great so if you do purchase a Pathfinder then make sure you buy the extended warranty!!

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  I love my car - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Lily - March 11 - 8:10 pm

  I love this car, it is incredibly fun to drive. It feels like it has more power than the numbers indicate, and the engine is incredibly smooth and light. I have never had any trouble passing someone when I need to, from a stop or on the highway. The steering feels a little loose, but when you get used to the car it can take turns and dip lanes beautifully. For the amount that I beat up on the car (a LOT, I push the car to its limits more than I should) it has proved incredibly strong and durable. It has never broken down without giving me warning for months beforehand, and it was my fault for being to lazy to get it fixed. This car has sold me on Maximas forever. I love it.

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  Goodbye Murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By MV - March 11 - 5:46 pm

  I absolutely loved the look and performance of this car. It did not get as good gas mileage as it was rated. Rated 20/24. I got 18/20 only occasionally 22. I need better mileage than that and just sold the Murano 2 weeks ago for a hybrid Toyota Prius. Back to the Nissan...the alternator went out last month but was replaced without incident under the warranty. I had the Cafe Latte interior and it was too light for me. I do a lot of paperwork in the drivers seat and got ink marks all over. The paint FALLS off of this car inside and out. It takes very little (bugs) to scratch especially on the bumper, connector between the hatch and back bumper, and the dash, steering wheel middle.

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  Fun economical compact pickup - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Rob Dollen - March 11 - 10:00 am

  There is a fair amount of power in this 4 cylinder.

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  Good Vehicle - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By irongirl - March 11 - 10:00 am

  My first car. Bought it new. Had a few wear and tear problems once I hit 110,000 miles: replaced alternator, exhaust manifolds on both sides - expensive to fix. Other than that, great first car.

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  Altimax - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By John Buller - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought Champagne GLE on a whim after Honda dealer jerked me around buying my 3rd Honda. Never drove a Nissan before, and Altima seemed like a big step up from Civic EX. Mfg was paying Mass excise tax for life of lease, that was swaying factor. Car itself, while comfy, wasnt much fun to drive, and economy was dreadful. Too small an engine dragging around a porker. Dealer brochure showed a 97 with auto climate control and CD, ended up with a decontented 97.5 with manual A/C and no CD.

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  best car - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By MikeWiser2 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  built well. very few repairs if any. comfortable. hugs the road. smooth drive. pretty. presentable. roomy.

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  its a monster - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By fattboyy1105 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  A great performer in all aspects,unbelievable perfomance all around!!!!!!

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  Nissan Pathfinder - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Russ0887 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Great all-around vehicle! Love to drive it!