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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  Such Fun to Drive - 2015 Nissan Rogue
  By tenhobj - July 4 - 9:27 am

  I have made the move from sedans (my entire life) to a 2014 Rogue. I couldnt be more pleased. It is very comfortable to ride in, and the seat properly fits my long thigh, with the edge of the seat providing support for my leg. This SUV has plenty of pep and overall good gas mileage. The dashboard is bright and easy to read and operate. The sound system is clean and just sounds great. I think for the money I got a tremendous deal. Everyone told me Id be happy, they were right.

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  Nice Car - my first 350Z - Silver - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By bill350zzzz - July 4 - 2:18 am

  Picked up a 350Z Roadster 2 weeks ago. It has 36K miles on it, I am the third owner. The car is very clean with the exception of showing some wear in the interior. The previous owner liked Jewelry I have a feeling. This is my first sports car. All I can say is its a blast to drive, especially with the top down. Ill take care of the interior with some time. The car puts a smile on my face when ever I sit in the cockpit. Enough said. Good value.

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  Pathfinder LE 2005 - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By marxmitco - July 3 - 11:43 pm

  This SUV is a great combination of larger vehicle with good gas mileage. The interior is well laid out and the engine has plenty of pick up when needed. Nissan makes a very reliable vehicle.

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  I would Not Recommend - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Carlos Pena - July 3 - 10:50 pm

  I purchased my Altima in November of 2004. From the start it pulled to the left. The dealership stated it was just how tha car haldled. As you can see by the yearly mileage that I drive alot (17837--in 5 months), so I am on the road a bit. The car handles very poorly in the rain and in sharp turns.It definetely requires a lot of caution if drivning in the rain, it is very easy to go into a skid. It overall feels to light, and the steering is to soft, which in turns make you feel as if you dont have control of the car.

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  Great car! - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Chezjuan - July 3 - 1:26 pm

  I bought my 2006 350Z (base) in August that year and still love every second behind the wheel. Not only is it (very) fun to drive - even around town - but the only time it is ever in the shop is for routine maintenance. Since I live in the mid-Atlantic region, I use it year round, but I did get a set of good winter tires, which are a must if the Z is ever going to see snow. The gas mileage I get driving around town (~19 combined) is decent for the class of car and engine, but nothing spectacular. While the car is comfortable for shorter drives, I start to feel anything over about 4 hours (mainly in my right leg since the base model does not have cruise control).

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  Nice Car , still need more time to evaluate - 2016 Nissan Juke
  By kevin poirier - July 3 - 8:56 am

  Do your work on pricing...there is more room than you think

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  OMG!!!! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By LV05sti - July 3 - 1:43 am

  Ok here ya go expensive performance at budget price, this car rocks and revs like a true performance sedan should, light nimble and ready for anything!!!

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  Solid for the $s - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By neekmeister - July 2 - 4:36 pm

  I purchased this vehicle approximately 10 days ago and so far have been very happy with it. Clearly this is not a race or luxury car by any means. However, if you are like me needing cheap commuter transportation with the occasional requirement to transport a family of four around while getting excellent MPG this is the way to go.

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  Still fantastic reliable SUV - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By assem mota - July 2 - 12:26 am

  I bought it 3 years back used, pushing it to the limit, never let me down. Had problem with cd (I sent it for repair for 3 times in 2 years), tires lasted for very long time. I still enjoy it too much. In case of change I will go for the new Path.

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  Great Truck On And Off Road, - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By Chad05 - July 1 - 12:43 pm

  I have owned this truck for about three months and it is already the best truck I have ever had. Before this I have owned Fords and Chevys and both of them were in the shop after only about a month of ownership. The Frontier I can trust to start for me everytime and not leave me stranded. I have the off road package and it has the rear limited slip. With this feature this truck does great off road.