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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  Nice rig! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By DesertAl - April 21 - 3:36 pm

  I just purchased this Pathfinder last Sunday and drove it to work the next day. The vehicle steerings a little stiff (compared to my 2000 Toyota Camry) - i figure its the tires (265/70R16). The road noise, bumps and ruts reflect back to the cabin. Fuel consumption is typical (13.9 mpg.) Power is amazing. When up Cajon Pass enroute to Apple Valley CA and vehicle performed wonderfully! Tach was registering 2000 rpm but my speed was 75 mph up driving up the hill(6% grade incline). This means the SUV has a lot of spare power when needed. Acceleration is surprising considering its heftiness and weight, you can feel your head jerk backward when stepping on the gas. Tight quarters though.

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  Very happy with my purchase - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By harop - April 21 - 2:56 pm

  Two weeks ago I bought a used(6mo old) armada with 20K on a odometer. So far I am completely satisfied and enjoy driving it very much. It still smells new. Planning for some light off- roading, and will report back for off- road experience.

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  Much better than expected - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Ron S - April 21 - 9:40 am

  Nice ride, good fuel economy, interior very comfortable, lots of trunk space and love the hidden trunk space. Blue Tooth is worth the extra cost and stereo system is very nice.

• 

  Good Truck Revisted - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By RichGil04 - April 20 - 7:20 am

  1st reviewed a year ago. I still love this truck. My wife bought an 05 Xterra. Very jealous of the new design. Considered new Frontier, but sticking w/the 04. Feature I would like most the rear door on extended cab for easier access. Golf clubs are hard to get in and out from behind back seat. Other than that, Ive really enjoyed this truck. Good commuter vehicle and great for hauling whatever.

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  Cool truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By togo - April 20 - 6:43 am

  I traded in an 05 KC Frontier for this one and I have not been disappointed. There was nothing wrong with the 05 I just needed more room. I got the SE CC Longbed and just love it.

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  What happened to Nissan and Quality - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Dirk - April 20 - 6:13 am

  This is my second 4th Gen Nissan Maxima. Fun to drive in a 5 speed, a true wolf in sheeps clothing. I sold my 95 for a fully loaded 99. Since November 06, Ive replaced the ignition coils ($600), alternator ($200), brake calipers ($200), a new clutch ($800), starter ($250) and NOW, gearbox/tranny work (proven factory defect) ($1000) - all in the last 6 months. The coils, tranny, and starter should at least last 10 years or the life of the vehicle. Similiar so should the alternator. This vehicle is NOT reasonably durable.

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  A Gas Hog That is Worth It - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By fat_professor - April 20 - 4:59 am

  I purchased a 2011 Maxima with premium and premium tech packages one week ago. It is a gorgeous car which is tremendous fun to drive. My previous vehicle was a 2009 Altima, and I can definitely notice a performance difference with only 20 more hp. There is plenty of room for all 4 of us to fit comfortably even with the slightly lower dual panel moonroof. The drivers seat is particularly comfortable. I bought the car in the Summer in Texas, and the chilled drivers seat is a tremendous bonus. The rear sunshade makes the clips on the carseats easier to touch and handle. We live in a city of 100,000 with a lot of 1-2 mile trips. Horrible town mileage (14-15), but 29.5 @ 70 on a highway trip.

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  takes a lickin and keeps on rolling - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By aaront - April 19 - 10:00 am

  original owner from 1996 Has never needed to go bakc to dealership. Likes to eat front brakes and tires, but I drive fairly aggressiviely. Lost a few wheel covers which can add up unless you check out the junkyards. It is now my 3rd car and still runs well.

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  BRAKE PROBLEMS - 2000 Nissan Quest
  By NISSANCT - April 19 - 10:00 am

  We have had our van for almost 4 years and we constantly have to replace the front brakes. None of my other cars have had this problem, but it seems every 6000 miles the brakes are completly shot again. It is in the garage again today and the brakes are 90% gone. They are covered by a warranty for work, but it is a pain to keep bringing it in. We have also had a problem with the gas pedal sticking when you go to hit the gas. My daughter is just learning to drive and she noticed it also.

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  It Is Lovely - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Nguyen - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving Nissan for a long time, mostly car though. But this is wonderful, the SUV isnice, the drive is good... U have to try it