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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  Assessment - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Paul Holloway - June 1 - 10:00 am

  Superb handling and riding quality, solid as a Mossler Safe! Suggestion: #1 The size of the fuel, temperature gage, and odometer needs to be increased. Could be placed to the right of the display window. I strongly believe that the display screen shoud be gray with black letter presentation, difficult to read during daylight. #2 The Manual instructions for tuning the radio is poorly written, particularly the A,B,& C, portion, confusing! HELP!! Otherwise, a fantabulous

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  Love It!!! - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By theroaches - May 31 - 9:50 pm

  I bought my Pathfinder used 5 years ago- it was love at first test drive. I do admit I baby my cars, but its handled 6 hour road trips like a breeze. Ive also towed my husbands Honda Accord short distances when it broke down. This thing is a tank. Ive only ever had minor O2 sensor problems as far as engine problems go, but we bought the platinum warranty & everythings been covered. Unfortunately Im trading it in- expecting baby #3 and 3 carseats just wont fit!

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  First Max.. I Love Forever - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By tcoopdeville76 - May 31 - 9:56 am

  First time owning a max and I absolutely love this car! This car is for the family guy that has a bit of an edge. it is not a hard core sports car but it can definitely compete. The acceleration is instant; With the CVT, the shifting is seamless and smooth. The interior is luxurious. I own an SV Premium/Tech with all the bells and whistles. I have 3 kids and they fit comfortable in the back seat. When Im without the kids.. the family car goes away and the sports car comes out! This was by far the best car for me.

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  Noisy engine during acceleration. - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By confidential - May 31 - 6:46 am

  The day after I got my new Cube, I drove it and noticed the acceleration was not smooth and engine is loud. I got a bad feeling about this new car of mine. This engine is not consistent, it drives normal and sometimes loud engine with lesser power during acceleration as if engine is struggling. I brought it to the dealership but they said it is in normal condition, just try to observe it. Mileage now is only 1,450.

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  New to SUVs - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By redelmo - May 31 - 12:40 am

  Have always had full size pick ups. Traded in my 07 Tundra for the Murano. Love the comfort, power and handling. Gas mileage a little disappointing so far (only about 18mph). Poor visibility. Very smooth accelaration. Was unwilling to pay for unwanted features just to get leather so had put in after (better quality then factory anyway). Very happy so far.

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  Two years old less than 45k engine FAILURE - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By bowiestategrad - May 30 - 9:01 pm

  Two years in as im driving down the highway truck began to rev high and loose speed rapidly. Took it to the dealer and was told they found an error code but would need to duplicate the problem. After they had it for three days and put over 100 miles on it, the final decision was since it did not have engine failure on them the vehicle was safe and reliable to drive. Spoke with Nissan USA, and was informed I would have to get stuck on the side of the road again, bring the vehicle back and then they would look further into fixing my troubles. This will be the LAST nissan/Infiniti I EVER purchase as they do not stand by their vehicles.. as previously stated I had less than 45k!

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  Nothing bad to say about this car! - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By Kaitlyn - May 30 - 4:30 pm

  I purchased this car at the end of September 2016. It replaced a 2013 Ford Fiesta SE that had all sorts of transmission problems. I have also owned a dodge, a Chevy and a Toyota. I had wanted to purchase an Altima before I bought the Fiesta, but at the time couldnt afford one. When I went to buy the Altima I had done my research, read reviews and knew exactly what I wanted. I got a smoking deal on this car and could not be happier. So many great things about this car - the seats are SO comfortable, the exterior of the car is beautiful, and I have no complaints about the performance. Ive got a little over 2,500 miles on it, currently getting 31 mpg. I do mostly highway driving so Im hoping the mpg will increase to the 34-39 range that it is rated for. When researching the car I read multiple complaints about the cabin noise at highway speeds. I drive 80 down the highway at least 5 times a week and I can say I dont know what theyre talking about. Its not any louder than any other car Ive ever driven. Well done with this car Nissan.

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  Red Fun - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Diane - May 30 - 3:53 am

  I love this vehicle and am happy to own it. The only disappointment is that the reported mpg is not accurate and although the dealership assured me the the standards are not based on real time driving and is inaccurate for all vehicles, I felt the advertising for 30- 36 mpg to be misleading. I have only once gotten 30 mpg in over 6000 miles and that tank wasnt a highway driving trip. Ive driven it from Tucson to LA and got no better mileage then around town. It has great space inside and rides comfortably and smoothly. It feels solid when compared to my 96 Toyota Rav.

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  Best midsize car on the road - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By JONI - May 30 - 2:40 am

  I just brought my altima. the a/c works so good car drives really nice. And its one beautifull car inside and out. This is my 2nd altima they are good cars

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  Bad Transmission - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By E Vining - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I agree that the mileage is poor with this vehicle. But really bothers me is that I need to put in a new transmission at only 56,0000 miles. There are two recalls on this vehicle 1) transmission part 2) seatbelt Will not buy another one, will go back to Honda Accord.