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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  2006 Pathfinder SE - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Dan - August 26 - 7:16 pm

  I traded a 2001 xtera which was also a fine truck. The pathfinder was a little noisy until I put good tires on it and the noise level dropped quite a bit. My se is very tight fitting, solid on door closing I find the front seats very comfortable and my wife likes the electronic pedal adjustment. We tow a 23" boat with no problem. 45,000 miles and not one problem. Over all the best truck I have owned.

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  No complaints here - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By jasinke - August 26 - 2:20 pm

  We love this van. The interior space is incredible, like a full-size van. The "experts" dont like the center- console instruments, but they take it for one test drive and make their verdict. After a couple of drives, it seems natural to look there, and its a whole lot better than trying to look around the steering wheel. The ride is very smooth and it has lots of power. My young kids love how easy it is to get into the van, and the gas mileage is fantastic - 25 mpg highway, 20mpg city.

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  no brainer - 2009 Nissan Xterra
  By L.A. - August 25 - 2:53 am

  This is my second xterra, my first was a 2000 SE purchased in 99. There is no other suv out at the moment that I would rather have (excluding the larger BMW Xs and infinity QX56). My 2000 only gave me a fuel pump problem (replaced by dealer on a recall) in 100,000 of driving, with very bad maintenance record after the 2nd year, changed oil every other year. So I figured I pushed it to the max (last day came back from the jersey shore at avg.80MPH and it was time to get a new one. I love my 2009 off road - the sound system is awsome. The truck, well Ill just let it speak for itself. now if I can just pay this sucker off I would be the happiest man on the planet.

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  features - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By fred - August 25 - 12:00 am

  Disappointed it did not come with safety remote key entry, rides a little rough. First time pick-up owner I expected more comfort. After purchase dispointed in jump seats instead of 4 seats. Bad choice on my part. Color was not first choice but acceptible. Overall pickup is very good and enjoy a lot. pricing of basic vehicle color should not change options or price.

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  Awesome old Maxima - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Calmadre - August 24 - 4:30 pm

  Bought as a lease return. This car currently (2/2010) has 250k miles. Minimum maintenance.Im religious about 3k oil changes. I LOVE this car. It is going on 16 yrs. and I have no worrys about long distance trips. Nissan is the BEST. I figured I spend about $600. yr in repairs. Can anybody beat that?

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  Problems - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By ANDY - August 24 - 4:30 pm

  In 2002 I bought new Nissan Xterra hoping that this car will be reliable. I bought an extended warranty to protect myself from any potential problems. Just before the warranty expired I have noticed some intermittent noise coming from the engine, I went to the dealer to have it check but they did not hear any unusual noises. Of course after my warranty expire the noise became louder and then the dealer diagnosed a manifold issue, they did not care that I was there before with the some issues (before the warranty expired), so the cost of repair was over $800 dollars. One month later my torsion bar broke and that was another $800 (with front shocks replaced), now I have found out that I need

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  The Little Car... - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Estela - August 24 - 12:50 pm

  Good car, almost 75000 miles and still running as new. Reaches great speeds in short time, very strong. The engine had a recall but Nissan took care of it. Unlike other reviews where said that Nissan did not notify their customers. Sorry, they sure did, several notes were sent in the mail. Other than this, the car has been great, I do take care of it. Service it on a timely manner (well... I stretch a bit). The little car is still in great condition after almost 5 years and I intend to keep until it dies on me. Thanks Nissan!

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  Nissan Sentra 2004 - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Anna - August 24 - 12:43 am

  A couple of times the car would just not start after it would sit in the garage for a week or so after a vacation. There was a constant squeaky noise which the Nissan service guys could not figure out, then later on it turned out that the crank shaft (or whatever) was loose. Had to replace belt a few times. I was very disappointed because of these problems, because they all happened within the first 33,000 miles of usage of the car.

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  Good Relief - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By d_allison - August 23 - 11:50 pm

  After driving a 95 f150 for a while it was a pleasure to drive this car, the fuel mileage was way better, and the performance was outstanding. My only complaint is that it doesnt look the part. the "Bose" sound system is incredible. i wish we had bought the traction control for it cause i dont even go mid throttle sometimes and the wheels just spin away from all the low end torque. This car is an excellent daily driver after driving a 3 ton brute every where. But i would highly recommend this car for anyone who wants a thrill, with an above average fuel economy.

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  3000 miles and still luv it - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By roguecustom - August 23 - 5:17 pm

  Bought our Rogue in Aug. 2010. Liked the styling and handling. Got indicated 34 mpg on the way back from Chicago to Madison at 58 mph. Dropped to 31 at 65 mph. Cold weather drops mileage considerably. In mostly suburban driving in winter we average 23 mpg, freeway driving 28. The AWD/ABS/Traction control is fantastic in the snow. Its wonderful to be able to accelerate without spinning wheels and hoping theyll grab before the wolf pack descends on you. We installed U-haul hitch, grille chrome, lower side chrome accent strips, and roof rack which approximates the 2011 look. Also installed a compass/Homelink/garage door opener/self-dimming rear view mirror from Ebay which is great.