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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  best of the pack - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By george11 - October 29 - 2:00 am

  The 3.5 L engine is the reason to buy this suv. My came with the 5 speed and it performs ok. The automatic is a better choice. Plenty of room for 4, tight squeeze for 5.

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  Too expensive to fill up the tank! - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By J&Ms - October 29 - 2:00 am

  When I bought my Xterra, I was unaware the of the horrible gas mileage that it got. Typically it will get 12 miles to the gallon and it takes premium fuel to fill up. Here in California, we are approaching $3/gallon. I wont be able to afford the cost of driving it.

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  Great car - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By All66an - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Well worth the money

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  Overrated stereo - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Rollo51 - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Once again, a car purchased in spite of Bose sound system. This company has to be the most overrated sound production corporation in the industry. Off to the audio clinic for an upgrade of what should be at least better sounding than my daughters Pontiac Sunbird "Monsoon" system. Rear visibility almost non existant. Other than that it is a joy to drive.

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  350z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By tatum - October 29 - 2:00 am

  excellent braking.....excellent handling....engine performance is responsive.....minimal engine noise heard in driver compartment.

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  owner - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By scdecoy - October 29 - 2:00 am

  great power and handling. a real hoot to drive. heads turn when driving by. mpg is good unless you like to turn it loose. would advise you to try one.

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  New 350Z Roadster Touring - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Jack Gerrity - October 29 - 2:00 am

  As a young man, I always hungered for a sports car. For one reason or another, I never satisfyed this hunger, until now. This car is such a rush to drive, I now anticipate my wife sending me on errands. The pickup and go, the looks, the quality amd workmanship that Nissan has placed in this vehicle. I think this car is going to be a big seller, and I couldt be more happy with it.

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  nissan maxima new york - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By tonypremiumnissan - October 29 - 2:00 am

  great,lots of fun to drive

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  Great car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By STEELROBS - October 29 - 2:00 am

  I love everything about this car.

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  The 2 Gs, Good Looking&Gas Guzzler - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Joel2002 - October 28 - 10:00 am

  Folks, this vehicle is everything everyone claims it to be, no wonder its the Editors choice. I test drove several of its competitors and for my money this is your best midsize SUV on the market today. In fact, my wife loves this vehicle so much she wont drive her car SO now Im going to have to buy another one for me. Give this one a look!!!