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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  Great Value - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By zitellijk - April 17 - 10:00 am

  After test driving the BMW 325, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and VW Passat, I was most impressed with the value of the Altima 3.5 SE. It has a very poised stance, excellent performance, and high quality. It was a simple choice to save thousands of dollars for a better car. I dont know what the fuss is about the interior quality. I wasnt impressed with any of the competition either, so I find this interior better than most.

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  a great car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By ROLA - April 17 - 10:00 am

  car is not so quiet as there is very significant road noise due to wider and low profile tires, on expressways.

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  What A Car! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By 3rd Time Buyer - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Totally amazing! This car is unbelievable, especially at the price. This is my third Maxima and by far the best design, comfort and performance of the three.

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  looks are deceiving - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By daless - April 17 - 8:10 am

  looks great, but dont judge a book by its cover. Ride is fatiguing and dont even mention wet roads with the General Tires. Overall I would never recommed this vehicle to anyone....even my enemies. Stay away!

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  Great Car ! - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By EJML - April 15 - 1:33 pm

  Best car I have ever owned. No major problems just routine maintenance. Original owner and plan to keep this one a lot longer. Car seems to be an extention of the driver and the engine responds the same way it did seven years ago. Still no rattles and original rear brakes. Car is solid and fun to drive with everything in the right place. Was planing to pass it down to my teenager, but I think I will keep this one for myself. I have driven newer Maximas and they have become softer with more creature comforts. This car is truly a working class four door sports car.

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  Bitter lemons!!! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By 04queststinks - April 15 - 12:43 pm

  We bought this car new in 2004, we immediately started having problems! Rattling back seat which was recalled and the dealers fix for this on our expensive new car was...duct tape! Seriously?! Then the sliding door started rattling, the rubber strip above the side door flew off while driving. Have replaced brakes numerous times, the front windows get stuck when it rains!, the console is made of some cheap material that doesnt wear well, the lights and vents randomly fall out of the ceiling! The timing chain guides broke and the power steering pressure hose broke and it just sucks!!! Waist of $ what a lemon!

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  Another excellent midsize sedan - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Mz6GreyGhost - April 15 - 7:40 am

  My wife purchased the Altima to replace her 2000 Neon. After driving everything else in its class, the Altima was her choice. The power from the 2.5L is impressive with either the 6-speed manual or CVT, and is plenty for merging in rush-hour traffic, while being smoother than most other 4-cyl cars. The interior is nicely styled and executed, with high-quality materials and excellent fit-and-finish (much better than the interior in my mothers 03 Altima). It rides and drives well, sportier than the Camry and Accord, but not as much as my Mazda6. The Convenience Plus package is well worth the price for the moonroof and alloy wheels alone. An excellent choice for a competent midsize sedan.

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  2009 Nissan Altima 4 door SL - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By lissysmom02 - April 15 - 6:46 am

  Bought brand new. I think that the overall appearance of the vehicle is sharp. I do however have some issues. The engine noise in the cabin is quite loud. I also have condensation in my rear brake lights and when addressed with the dealer, they told me that was normal. Had to have the rotors resurfaced already at 11,400 miles (Ive had it less than a year.) The CVT transmission seems to lag and not shift fast enough. It also feels like it cant get out of its own way sometimes. My Mazda 3 was faster and way more fun! The Altima is nice but not really fun to drive and the steering is weird, I always feel like I am correcting it.

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  Awesome SUV! - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By denvern - April 15 - 6:36 am

  Ive driven and owned a lot of vehicles and the Pathfinder is one of my favorites. Its truck tough yet drives like a comfortable car and has luxury car features. The quality, reliability is among the best in the business. It just feels solid!! It has the VQ35DE engine which has been on Wards 10 best list since 1995. This moves the truck with V8 authority. The All-mode 4x4 works very well. In "Auto" it reacts to changing road conditions quicker than its rivals and in "4Hi" it turns into a snow monster. I would take the Pathfinder over a 4Runner or Pilot any day. The only other SUV that feels tough, drives well and feels safe is the Lexus GX470.

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  I work for VW and drive a pathfinder - 2014 Nissan Pathfinder
  By andrewvw - April 14 - 10:15 am

  The Nissan pathfinder is the best overall suv you will ever buy, longer lasting less maintenance, less expensive than most but not just a better value they drive awesome with the cvt transmission, they are quality built and so very comfy if you have kids. Get the sl version its just below the platinum the top level but you have the option to get the premium package that has the full sky light sunroof I. The back the Bose and the heated seats and super premium leather. Everything about it makes so much more sense than all the crap new do serif SUVs that are more expensive and just break down. There is not one suv that literally beats the pathfinder in looks(sexy mobile) or anything else