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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  2003 SPEC V - The Best of the Pack - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By arainy - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I bought the 2003 Spec V yesterday in Molten Silver (Base Package). So far, it has been absolutely top notch. The best improvement over the 2002 model is the seat covers. The "loud" lava color has been replaced by a classy silver/gray with a matching stitch on the steering wheel. It looks a whole lot better, especially with black or silver exterior.

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  Best truck I ever had - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By sB - May 29 - 10:00 am

  I know I didnt have it for a long time yet... but so far I love everything about it... took it for a couple long road trips... was comfortable for me and great on the mountain roads. For some "older" people could be a little rough... but it is a truck and I like this about it :-) Best truck for the money!!!

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  Fun to drive and to own - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Miss D - May 29 - 10:00 am

  When I first saw the new Altima, I knew I had to have one. Its so stylish that I thought immediately that it was a Lexus. I was pleasantly surprised when I realized that it wasnt, and that it was instead a car that I could actually afford to own. The performance is out of this world!

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  I wasnt planning on liking this car - 2012 Nissan Sentra
  By paulncincy - May 29 - 9:36 am

  This car and I didnt start on good terms and that was my fault. I previously owned a 2009 Nissan Altima. That car was financed through Nissans financing arm. I didnt miss a payment on that car which is how I found myself owning my 2012 Nissan Sentra Special Edition. Nissan finance has a deal where they will guarantee you financing if you never missed a payment with them previously. I got a 6 year loan at 5.74% and my FICO score sucked. My Super Black Special Edition Sentra has been flawless and CHEAP to own so far. Ins./Gas/Payments are LOW. Special Edition pkg. is worth $. Im tall of torso and I can fit easily in this car. Engine is strong enough and smooth. Easy to get into.

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  2007 Nissan Pathfinder - 2007 Nissan Pathfinder
  By JO - May 29 - 2:16 am

  I did months of research for choosing a new SUV and it came down to the 4Runner and the Pathfinder. I purchased the Pathfinder and I love it! It handles way better than the Toyota, the look is great, the 3rd row seating is actually workable, and mpg is better than I thought it would be. I went from a Jimmy, to a Rav4 because I thought the Jimmy was too bouncy, then the Rav4 was too small, then the Pathfinder, PERFECT!

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  Impressed - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Impressed - May 28 - 6:50 pm

  I love this vehicle. This is my third Nissan; however, my previous car was a Volkswagen and I didnt realize how much I missed Nissan until I drove the Murano. The 09 interior is a vast upgrade over previous models. So long as you dont mind the lack of a third row seat (which I dont) then this is quite possibly the best "CUV"/SUV on the market for the price. It is a perfect blend of power, comfort and style. The front-end styling is much more appealing than in previous versions.

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  Good but not perfect - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By alorents - May 28 - 2:36 pm

  I bought my Nissan Maxima GLE in 2006 it had 94k. Overall the car is great but it does have some problems. So far I had to replace my starter (which is to be expected), the O2 sensor, had trouble with throttle control motor relay and power windows control switch. The car does not perform as well during cold season. It takes a long time to warm up, engine throttle and transmision do not respond as fast, power windows are slow during cold weather. Rides pretty good but the trunk ratells while driving. Gas mileage could be better.

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  Z Lover for life!!!! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By zprincess - May 28 - 4:55 am

  Purchased a 2005 Z Roadster Enthusiast with 91k miles. It was in good condition (better than most I saw). The performance/engine are in excellent condition. My husband is doing some interior work. This car will look new come this weekend. I LOVE THIS CAR! I have never owned a Z. I hated driving, it was something I had to do. Now I drive for no reason at all. I never imagined a 9 year old beauty would make everyday so much better! Even at its age no one can guess how old it is. They stare at this car! Its Chrome Silver Metallic with the burnt orange seats (love those). The speed, handling, appearance, EVERYTHING is 5 plus stars. Get ready for compliments. One of the best made cars EVER!

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  Bulletproof Car - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By 97vq30de - May 27 - 9:08 pm

  I bought this car with 188k miles. It now has 231k miles. This is my second car. Ive replaced wear and tear parts like any other car would go through. Ive done some upgrades. Fun to drive. 120mph + stays glued to the ground. I get 24mpg 70city/30hwy. The engine is very quiet, even under load. Awesome Bose audio system. Great looking exterior, especially when lowered with wide wheels ;). Plenty of cargo space. A lot of visibility; easy to park. My girlfriend liked it over her Ford Focus. I plan to keep this car until it literally starts to fall apart. Very good job Nissan.

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  Good at the price - 2010 Nissan Pathfinder
  By bluevista - May 26 - 11:13 pm

  Just bought the truck for 3 weeks. Main reason is it is truck-based SUV. My family likes it. It is quit, strong, spacious first row and second row seats. And my daughter likes the DVD system. Currently got fuel efficiency at 17mpg (4 wd/mountain) and 18 mpg (2 wd/local+free way). The vibration (that occurs when the car is in gear but not moving) mentioned by Hman became very smaller after 2 weeks in my car. The car is good at its price.