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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  Fun to Drive - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By jtl5552 - August 3 - 1:03 am

  For its size, I have found the 2005 Armada easy to drive. However, I have noticed that when driving over 75 miles per hour, the steering wheel begins shaking, which is quite odd and is difficult to get used to. It seems from reading prior reviews that this has been a problem with the 2004 Armada and it definitely is present in the 2005. However, overall I am very pleased with this vehicle. Great ride!

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  05 SE pathfinder - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By davmc - August 2 - 11:40 pm

  This is my 3rd pathfinder lease. I was able to get my notes lower than my 1999.5 model and it has way more features. I really like the new layout and the center with brushed metal accents. The cup holders are just right for my large cup of Joe in the morning. The engine sounds like a v-8 at low speeds but disappears at highway speeds. The cabin is pretty quite and it has a great sound system. The rear doors seem to open wider than my 02. This helps getting my son out of his child seat. The back floor my be easy to wipe clean but your stuff slides all over the place. My kids love the 3rd row seats and dvd player.

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  2014 27,000 Miles no issues simple and functional - 2014 Nissan Versa Note
  By Kerry - August 2 - 3:49 am

  This is a 2014 bought Jul 14. Did not want a CVT so the base model was only available. Basic operation no issues. Braking, accel, paint, tires, oil consumption (none), Radio, Dash indicators, visibility, fuel consumption 33-40, manual trans 5 spd, long trips great, steering, traction great in rain, cross wind in Tx good, internal room for 5, internal room for stuff surprising for a little car. Purpose of this car was for long trips (3500mi) thus 27K mi in 1 year. Only expense is oil and oil filters every 5K miles. Tires like new. I use synthetic oil and now Wix/Carquest filters. Car power is good enough and can get to 80+ ramping on freeway in Tx. Would like a 6 speed but 5 works. Need to rev to 5k rpm to get full power. Has coolant Temp indicator that I require. Few cars I checked still had a temp gauge. I have can have pain with my lower back on long trips. This car has seats that beat any other cars I have driven. Dont know why but I have driven 1500+ miles (2 Days) and arrive with no back or knee issues. I didnt notice at first but after a few gas stops on first trip I realized I had no pains while pumping gas. My wife had the same experience. I have also noticed my lower back can be hurting and after a few hundred miles it feels great. Secret is the lumbar support, there is no adjustment. Just the best seats for long trips. Can pack a lot in the back. Great leg room in back and can seat 3 adults in back. Baby seat attachment points for 3 seats in rear. Storage with back seat up is good for trip. I wish It had auto door locks, cruise, 6 gears, see through rear head rests, 13 gal gas tank, and arm rests both front seats. Windshield wipers with a faster setting. Rain-X fixed this. Average Mileage indicator over states and sometimes under states actual average mileage. The gas pedal is not positioned well for long distance but I can position my foot so it is fine. Cruise would take care of this. Driving experience has been great in town or on highway. In Tx, speed limits up to 85 no issue. Rpm is about 4200 at 85 and mileage drops to 30 or so but power is not an issue and tracks as well as any car I drive. One of my first trips was to Chicago and hit extreme rain storm on highway. We were 1 of the few cars driving with high winds, dumping rain, and hail. No problems. I was extremely surprised at the traction and stability, dont think the traction control activated, just rock solid steering and traction. Continental tires may be the reason. Around town is great with small turning radius, visibility, fuel 36+, and great AC. Mileage ranges 30 -40+. Speed and hills make a difference. Flat: 80 = 30-32, 75 = 33, 70 = 34, 65 = 35-36, 45 = 40 At times on flat road at 45 I got 40+ When I take it easy at 65 flat roads I get 36-38 mpg. I did not want CVT nor too much technology so decided on this car. It has hand crank windows but does have power outside mirrors. I have to remember to lock the rear hatch and would be nice if it was power lock. Glove box is good. Drink holders are functional but could be better especially holder in door. Would like a better spot for 2 cell phones. I use an inverter for 120V computer or cell phone power and works fine using 12V power port. At night, cannot see key ignition location with door closed. 27k+ miles This is a simple car with AC that covers Tx. 105+ days, gets good gas mileage, long distance driving comfort, plenty rear leg and head room (6 2), plenty of space for luggage or groceries, no maintenance costs, uses no oil, paint looks good, good traction, and tracks well in cross winds. Does not have a CVT and car computer is not impacted by outside hackers. Good little car.

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  Excellent Buy - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Dean - August 1 - 4:10 pm

  I purchased this car from a deal who priced it incorrectly at $4,900 (in 05 w/138k), what a steal. This is my second Maxima initially owning a 95. I have been completely sold on Nissan quality. The steering/ride is a nice mix of European "feeling the road" with some American "comfort/ease of use." Repairs are more costly than domestics, if you ever have to do them. The longevity of the mechanicals, fit and finish certainly bring the cost of ownership below American brands and certainly German makes. If you are comparing to Camry and/or Accord- you gain a great deal more fun, but lose a bit at the pump- I have maintained 25 mpg hwy- and premium is recommend- but I do med- grade at times.

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  Perfect for 47,000 then problems - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By byers - July 31 - 6:10 am

  Car really performs great in the hills. Fun to drive and good ride for a compact. Gas mileage in hot weather is 34 mpg. No problems at all until 45,000 miles, then the fuel pressure regulator started leaking and resulted in hard starting. Now at 48,000 miles the ABS warning light is on and I have been told the repair could be over $2,000. The ABS option was only a fraction of that. Makes you wonder what may come next. Drove my last 2 LeSabres and Silverado for a total of 275,000miles with no failures.

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  Professional Critics: Stop saying the same things - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Frank - July 30 - 7:39 pm

  You will notice the professionals who review cars say the same things over and over! Here is a different view to them where I agree and disagree. First, I love the Xtronic (CVT) Transmission. After driving the Maxima for a while, and then driving other cars with a regular transmission, I love the CVT!! It is smooth and sounds so much better - so relax "car pros" - you think you are sooooo smart to shake your head at the CVT, but I LIKE IT!! The interior is amazing and the looks suite me just fine. The handling is good, but I will agree with the pros that front wheel drive can be a negative for some (until you drive in the snow) - and all wheel drive would be nice as well (but would add cost). It is a FUN CAR TO DRIVE, so sorry "Pros," I am good with the 4DSC moniker. (so there!)

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  Truly a "Shift" in the Nissan sense - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By JH in TX - July 30 - 7:16 pm

  Traded in an 02 Maxima SE for my Xterra (different needs) and I love my new rig. Nissan really has their stuff together and I am glad to benefit from their change in styling, performance, and quality. I made the move from Honda to Nissan in 98 and havent regretted it at all. I thoroughly enjoy my new Xterra from its powerful engine to the great stereo. The ride is firm but controlled, and the stereo is fantastic (much better than the Bose in my Maxima). Combine that with great reliablity and a strong dealership--this Xterra makes the ninth Nissan purchased by our family or neighbors from Peacock Nissan in the last 4 years--and you cant go wrong. My dogs love it too.

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  I love my Armada - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Jennifer17 - July 30 - 6:20 pm

  We purchased this vehicle after researching several other options, including the Tahoe/Yukon, Escalade and Sequoia. I fell in love with the automatic lifting back hatch, with a 3 yar old and newborn it is very accommodating. My husband loves the 3rd row seating, it is very spacious and your knees arent in your face. Very comfortable and I would highly reccomend this vehicle for someone looking for a large SUV.

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  My First New Car - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By J Las Vegas - July 30 - 1:26 am

  I drove up from Las Vegas to South East Washington to buy this Car (I saved 2k doing so). I was some what worried because I didnt have the ABS pkg. and there were icy conditions. Well on the way back my buddy who had bought a pre-owned 4x4 truck got hit buy a gust of wind, lost traction and rolled it. 4 of us were now in 1 car. We had some icy roads all the way down into central Nevada but by brand new Sentra handled like champ! I did a lot (I mean obsessive amounts) of research on cars in this class and price range. I was going to get a used Honda Civic but when given the opportunity to get a Brand New Sentra I jump on it. Honda and Toyota make you pay for all the nice stuff.

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  Crusin Titan - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Curt - July 29 - 3:00 pm

  I have owned this truck since new and it has been one of the best trucks I have ever had. I have never had a problem with it. I had a 04 titan and it was a good but I wanted a longer bed. I did have some problems with the 04 such as the brakes witch dealer fixed. As for my 2008 its been a great truck. I pulled a trailer all over for the first year I had it and I had no trouble at all. I got 10 to 12 mpg towing the trailer witch is better than my chev with a 454 that got 6 to 9 mpg.