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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  Great vehicle, weak dealerships - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Cedric - April 17 - 3:26 am

  After 16 months, Im still completely satisfied with the Xterra. Nissans support network is another matter. One dealership totally botched the recall work on the factory trailer hitch; another botched a simple repair on some interior trim. My experience is that theres great design and quality control at the factory, but the dealer network needs to be brought up to a higher standard. Nonetheless its an easy to drive, well designed SUV with versatile interior space and good ergonomics. Just hope you can avoid the dealers service department!

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  Ive had 2 Muranos - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Robert Gibeley - April 17 - 2:06 am

  I purchased my 2nd Murano in November of 08. Traded my 03 Muranowith 95,000 miles. I am not disappointed with new vehicle. Many improvements over previous model. Navagation system awesome, radio great with recording feature. Ride very good but noisy with moon roof open. I miss the memory seat that Nissan decided to remove from the "09--had it in the 03. Dont understand that decision? Overall, very satisfied, would highly recommend. I can fit 4 sets of golf clubs across the back of trunk. Try that in any other SUV out there, including Lexus RX, Lincoln MKX, Ford Edge--no way! I tried it already. Doesnt sound like a deal breaker, unless you are a golfer!

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  Going Strong - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Mike - April 16 - 3:03 pm

  I bought my Pathfinder in Dec. 1999 as a bigger vehicle for my 1st born. Hes almost 12 and in that time weve had noo major problems. It only has 80,000 miles (I use it mainly to commute) and is going strong, so he may end up driving it at 16! The reliability of this vehicle has been excellent. My other cars have always been Toyotas, but this Nissan has been as (if not more) reliable than the Toyotas Ive owned!

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  Expensive at 45000 miles - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Ian - April 16 - 10:43 am

  In the last 6 months we have spent nearly$1700 on repairs to this Murano. It would have been more if we had paid the $900 for new motor mounts when the car had done 45,000 miles. The dealer got Nissan to pay for it after a lot of complaining from me. The car has done 51080 miles and 2 months ago we paid $900 for front struts and now $457 dollars for an electric window motor, 50$ for a rear stop light change and $43 for an inspection and oil change. The dealer claims the muffler needs replacing for another $914 and the car need brakes and rotors for another $600. If this is typical, at this mileage, of Nissan products, then they are producing lemons.

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  Good car but Nissan cheaps out on cross bars and CD player - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By clintjohnsonnc - April 15 - 1:59 pm

  After nearly 700 miles in 10 days, Im getting 24 mpg combined mileage and 27.5 on the highway, a little better than promised by Nissan. Pathfinder is comfortable after trading in a Ray-4 with 98,000 miles on it.

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  Got It Right - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Incrediable - April 15 - 8:13 am

  Researched-originally wanted a Volvo! However after doing the research and driving both- murano won out. Incredible drive and comfort! The body style is beautiful and classy. I have purchased over 24 cars in my driving lifetime. They really got this one right. If you find one used with low mileage get it! Cons: noise when Windows down-but knew this before purchase, but tolerable. Maintenance is easy. Overall makes you want to go out for a drive just for fun.

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  Nismo Tracked - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By Tony - April 14 - 11:23 pm

  I thought the pricing was about right on my new Nismo, until i got it on the track. What a deal for this car. The car handled very well at full steam even being heavy. The new handling package on the Nismo was fantastic. I have raced professional and know the difference between a car that handles and a car that does not. If they could add another say 75-100 hp it would be perfect. I recommend this car as a true value in a market full of over priced sports cars.

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  Its a great truck - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By bond007 - April 14 - 10:46 pm

  Its a great little truck. Ive done a little stuff done to it I put a kn filter in it , e3 spark plugs , and a flowmaster with a bigger pipe. Its a fun truck to drive around town and gets up to speed pretty good when you want it to. Its doing great for having 150,000 miles on it. Just a oil change and its good to go.

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  2000 Quest SE - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By placebo6 - April 14 - 8:33 am

  Perfect minivan for a family of five. The middle control panel is ergonomically user-friendly by both driver and front passenger and isnt obstructed by the steering wheel. Kids and grandmother have a great ride, too, with two DVD screens. The only downside to this car is the lower quality plastic used in the interior that creates some rattles.

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  Outstanding - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Lonnie Roberts - April 14 - 6:50 am

  This is a great truck. In the past I have had two full size trucks, the last being a Nissan Titan. I was concerned about going to the Frontier because of the loss in towing capacity. I have had the Frontier for 2 months now and would say it is an outstanding truck. It is "zippy" and much easier to maneuver than the past two full sizers I have owned. As for towing, I tow a Bobcat S130 (4800 lbs) at least once a week and have no trouble whatsoever. The Frontier performs without flaw. The 4-door cab will truely haul 4 people. The 4wd will really pull this truck out of trouble (even towing a trailer through mud). I highly recommend this truck.