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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  yes - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By rob nielsen - November 3 - 6:26 pm

  that was the most awesome machine I have ever set foot in. this blows the elise away in every way, then when you pop the top...wow!!!

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  A good bet - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Jenny Bee - November 3 - 1:53 pm

  I bought this car in Jan. 2003, and it was a former rental. I was going from an 88 Honda civic to this one, so I was pretty impressed. Its a good looking car. A bit small, but my family of four fits just fine. A few things broke: front pwr. windows wont roll, AC works only on high. I am bummed, but still happy with my choice.

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  2006 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL - Great Car !! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By ungrecco - November 3 - 8:43 am

  This car has a great engine, good brakes, great interior, xenon headlights, great stereo, nice interior, fold down seats, just about everything I could want in a car (at this price point anyway). I lugged tons of pipe, wood, and materials with the fold down seats - never let me down. Make sure you dont leave the xenons on without the engine. They suck juice fast! Again, great car, spacious, has a luxury element to it (gray with black leather interior). Steering wheel radio controls. I turned in my lease, no regrets!

• 

  Frontier of my discontent - 2014 Nissan Frontier
  By Jvincent - November 2 - 6:42 pm

  Engine idles rough , lot of vibration . Front seat rattles ,dealer repaired , still rattles. Climate control difficult to regulate . Slow to warm in the winter. Wanders from side to side , loud when driving .

• 

  Had it right with 2012 - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By swallerstein - November 2 - 6:10 pm

  We leased a 2012 for a couple of years. Ran flawlessly, pretty comfortable, fun to drive. Lease ran out so we leased a 2013. 2013 engine is powerful with great gas mileage; weird high pitch whining, rattling though. I find the drivers seat to be one of the most uncomfortable Ive ever sat in. Very difficult to find a comfortable position that doesnt cause back pressure. Passengers in back dont find those too comfy either. Gearshift console is very instrusive which further compromises comfort. The dashboard is extremely reflective. Even in low light, you are always looking through a reflection of the dash. In strong sunlight, its a safey hazard. Designed by monkeys!

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  Impressive and Satisfied - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Melinda - November 2 - 6:00 pm

  This car is incredible. More than I expected. Been eying it for two years, finally bought it. The ride is amazing, the pick-up is unbelievable, and the comfort/feel is impressive - it "feels" sturdy/dependable. I just love it.

• 

  X The Xterra - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By Fred Smith - November 2 - 10:00 am

  The Xterra is the most uncomfortable vehicle on the market today. Test drove it for twenty minutes before I bought it. Should have driven it for an hour so I could have found out how uncomfortable it really is. Even took it to an upholsterer to have the seat stuffed with padding...twice. Still felt like I was sitting on steel spikes pointed northward. Im 64" and weigh 225lbs. Actually, I like everything about it, except the uncomfortable front seats.

• 

  97 Nissan Pathfinder - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By grasshopper - November 2 - 10:00 am

  Its been a good vehicle. The only nits are mileage - but I knew about that going in - and cup holders. Oh, it has two cup holders in the front but one is basically useless. Other than that, it still looks good and the Bose CD is incredible. It also has a great, throaty roar that belies the fact that it is far from a race car.

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  Maxima - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By aliasabc - November 2 - 10:00 am

  Fun car to drive even for a family man

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  Carlike drive/Truck like look - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Booosh - November 2 - 10:00 am

  Just recently purchased the vehicle. Compared it against the Toyota 4Runner and Highlander. No comparison in my mind. You get more for your money with the Pathfinder, and especially in the month of April; Nissan is offering 3.9% financing plus $1000 cash back. Best deal Ive seen in years. Got both the POP and Sunroof pkgs and when it was all said in done I only paid $250 above invoice. Those two packages in other makes/models would run the price from $2000-$3000 more than a Pathfinder. I love it, you will too.