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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  ill stick at SO SO - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I love the ride.Gets up and goes I got it at a local dealership I paid 14000 friend discount it had 40000 when i got it now im running on 70000 and it still runs strong.I have the problems like everyone.DTE,Check engine light,and the tire light just came on yesterday.All this just started happening this year.Nothing wrong with my tires just need new ones can easyly reset by pulling off the negitve wire from the battery(black one)and if u got ur Nissan used can check if the previous owner took it in for the recall fuel if not u can still get it replaced.It will clear out the DTE and no more check engine light.Living here in hawaii I surf and tow jet skis and boats its like the energizer bunny

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  Great Ride!! - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Picked up a 2011 Maxima two weeks ago -- Professional Trim. Love it!! Great styling and drivibility. The features - - XM, NAVI, Moon roof, specific driver setting, engine response -- are nice. Car has smooth ride and suspension. Great pick up and power when using the paddle shifters or "manual" shifitng. While I use it primarly for myslef, back seat has been able to comfortable seat 2 back there.

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  my new truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By horn - November 18 - 11:26 am

  I bought this truck bran new. used edmunds.com to find a fair price bought truck at 23,000 a little lower than the tmv pricing report given on the web site im very happy with the truck performs very well is good on gas and the eye. even the rather standard model has nice qualty with a few good opitions i would recommend this truck over its counterparts from japan and america. the nicest mid sized truck for the money

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  Just like Edmunds said! - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Del - November 18 - 8:06 am

  I bought a Titan last weekend and Im very happy. Ive only encounter one minor design flaw which has to do with the shape of the window that allows rain or dew to drip into the cabin even if the window is barely cracked open. This problem with time will damage the door switches and/or the door itself. Easy to fix however by installing wind/rain deflectors. Bought the truck based solely on Edmunds reviews...didnt even take it for a test drive.Great job doing evaluations that help us, the consumers.

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  New Pathfinder - 2017 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Steve White - November 16 - 10:59 pm

  We have only had out new 2017 Pathfinder for a couple weeks but love it already. the vehicle is roomy and very comfortable and did well after the recent storms. It has every safety feature and we are still learning all the tech features.

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  Best car Ive ever had - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Esch - November 16 - 2:23 pm

  I bought this car new in 2002. At the end of this week I will have put 250,000 miles on it. No major problems until I hit 225,000 miles, at that point it started burning through the oil and I had to replace the radiator. However, I still love to drive it, when clean it still looks brand new inside and out.

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  awesome car - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Subin - November 16 - 8:53 am

  I just got my Nissan Armada. It is fun to drive. The V8 engine helps pull the armada 0 - 60 in less then 7.0 sec. It has so much power that your head jukes back everytime you give it gas. The motor has an amazing roar too it. It takes the snow like nothing. It is flawless.

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  The best car Ive driven. - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By TITTMAX - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this car in June of 03 with 95,000 miles on it, it currently has 114,800 and the only thing Ive replaced so far is rear pads(they were factory originals!!) and fog light lens because a rock hit it. Some wood trim is deteriorating. The car has amazingly fast acceleration and speed for only 190HP 205TQ. Leather Heated Power seats are exceptional as well as the Power Heated mirrors. I HIGHLY recommend the Nissan Maxima SE -(L)

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  I like it - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By squish - November 16 - 2:00 am

  It has many conveniences like the auto rear open door, programable seats, sun roof, DVD, and backing sensors. I love how it drives and feel very comfortable in it. The seat configuration is perfect for our family with all three having their own space. The second row side seats tumble forward easily allowing the passenger in the theater seating in the third row easy access. I have ridden there very comfortably myself. Yes, the gas mileage is dismal but Im not sure for the size of vehicle I felt I needed I could do much better. The towing capacity is awesome. We pull a camper so towing was a priority as well as all the rest.

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  My Nissan - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By w8463 - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Great economy car with comfort!