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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  superb - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By keyur dashing - July 19 - 6:43 am

  It excellent for its luxury

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  my titan - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By kenseth - July 19 - 5:33 am

  this truck is solid and reliable,i like the long bed can get a lot of stuff in there,

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  Good quality, reliable truck - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By WC DVD - July 18 - 10:36 pm

  I bought the truck with 186,000 miles on it. The former owners dad worked at the Nissan Training Center so it was well maintained. Former owner disclosed the transmission was replaced under warranty. Ive put 40,000 miles on the truck in 3 years and other than a battery that died with no warning, no major problems. The extra DC power plug has never worked for me. The tailgate latch works but is a bit stiff. The tailgate strip with the Frontier name is beginning to peel off. Interior is a little bland but build quality is good. A lady in a Jaguar hit me in the front right and it all did was scuff the bumper. A tough little truck and I look forward to seeing how far it goes.

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  2014 Pathfinder with transmission and brakes issues - 2014 Nissan Pathfinder
  By astridmp - July 18 - 5:15 pm

  Hello, I purchased a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder in october 2013 and the following day it started shuddering at around 20mph and the steering wheel would start vibrate at 50mph. Then I had a weird feeling when using the brakes and they told me it was normal I told Nissan, they did not mention the issues the 2013 model had... I had to find out by myself online...I should have done my homework before... I also noticed a loss of power when accelerating and the gas mileage is between 15 and 19 after driving it for 3 months. I received a recall notification a few weeks ago for the barkes and my car is going to the shop again tomorrow. I had to fight to get a rental car while they work on it...

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  I love my baby!!! - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Jonesnayshini - July 18 - 2:04 pm

  When I purchased my 2016 Nissan Maxima Platinum Edition in June 2015 I FEEL IN LOVE. I have always owned Maximas. There are two things that I am disappointed in with the cost of this car. The passenger front seat should be able to move all ways just as the drivers seat (it only goes back & forth not up and down. so its sits very low) & the back seat is not spacious at all. The look of the car is very sporty. Because I wanted the panoramic roof and the LED headlights I had to get the Platinum since the other styles only offer one or the other. Overall a great car..

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  Pathfinder LE "08" - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By AJ - July 18 - 5:10 am

  Fantastic machine, a computer on wheels; the navigation is all one could ask for and works better than most Ive seen. The driver interface with the car works well (voice interface) and is state of the art. Drove the Highlander, Envoy Denali, Saturn Outlook, and decided on Nissan for both looks and ride. So far mileage has been better than manufacturer specs.

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  Sporty but reliable - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Lisa - July 18 - 12:53 am

  I have owned this car for 9 years and love driving it. I am only buying a new one because the miles are getting up there and I want to keep some trade in value!

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  Awesome car! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By nvnj - July 17 - 3:15 pm

  Just purchased my 2013 Altima 2.5 SL and I can not get over just how beautiful this car looks and drives. The interior is hands down one of the best i have seen. I was between the Altima and the new Accord (test drove both) and decided on the ultima. It gets a little better gas mileage and the interior of the Altima looked and felt much better than the Accord. The Altima is a ALOT of car for the money. I encourage anyone considering a mid-size family sedan to test drive the Accord and Altima. I think you will be pleasantly surprised.

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  Why a Maxima? Great Performance! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Markish - July 17 - 2:00 am

  I have had four Nissan cars so far including the 03 SE that I got last September. The performance is excellent in terms of acceleration, braking, and handling. The exterior and interior design is very good throughout. Pricing is unbeatable. Recommended improvements are: (1) quieter interior; (2) better mileage; (3) Zenon highbeams and fog lights;(3) wider opening angle of the moonroof; (4) better positioning of the mirror adjuster (hard to reach); and (5) Electronic compass on the rearview mirror.

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  Nissan Sentra - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Bob418 - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Great Car...interior needs an overhaul though...exterior is great smooth acceleration great car!!!