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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  I have owned 5 - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By rwmarshall - June 13 - 8:40 am

  This makes my 5th Xterra, I love the auto and have owned one starting with a 2000. Have never had a major problem with any of the previous (4) I have driven. My wife uses it most and she feels safe and enjoys having the 4wd on demand during our NE winters, Use it every weekend to drive from Boston to our place in NH. Ride is smooth and comfortable enough to put the dog to sleep on the way up.

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  Recommend it, but... - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By maxreviewer - June 12 - 6:16 am

  Id recommend this car as shown by the ratings. A few minor things to pick on. Im 61", and this car is too small for me. My head is buried in the roof (moonroof actually) unless the seat is really reclined. Bose radio, heated seats and window safety switch all broke. Leaky window seals. Handles poorly in the rain and snow, but can be compensated for by an appropriate tire. Still, a very good car.

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  Good so far. - 2011 Nissan Leaf
  By pacoug - June 11 - 9:11 am

  Im in Pennsylvania so I havent experienced the reduced range that comes from cold winter temps yet. That comes in a couple months. But I can tell you right now this thing makes a much better commuter than I thought it would. My drive to work is about 12 miles, about 30 minutes each way. It works in my life and would work for most urban commuters. I didnt intend for this car to do much duty besides going to work and back; essentially its the third car. But its becoming my choice for anything within 20 miles of home--which is most of what I do day-to-day. If this car fits your life you might consider it. Im still probing the range limits to see what I can and cant do.

• 

  Decent Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Montana - June 11 - 4:50 am

  This truck is powerful, and very responsive. The quality is good, the ride is smooth. The truck has a great turning radius. I have taken this truck hunting and climbed over some pretty rough hills in Eastern Montana without a hitch; the truck grips! Ground clearance is plentiful as well. The truck is genuinely off-road capable. Very fun truck to drive. The only real negative I have had is in regard to the body design. If you drive on any gravel at all, the rear wheel flares get beat up pretty badly. I had to buy a bottle of touch up paint. Hopefully Nissan will do something about that in the 06 Model.

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  great SUV - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By ARM2C - June 10 - 4:30 am

  I absolutely LOVE my xterra. Everything from the inside to the outside. I love the way it sets up really high off the road. It makes seeing around traffic easy. I love everything...everything...except the gas mileage. I am trying to decide if I should sell it and buy something with better gas milage. I am so torn because I love my Xterra. If gas milage is not an issue... you will LOVE the xterra. I get about 15 mpg. I have owned 3 maximas and put 250,ooo miles on each.... So to me the name NISSAN says it all. The durability will outstand any of the competitors by far.....

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  Great Van with some glitches - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By vxk1 - June 9 - 6:40 pm

  The van has beaten all my expectations except that when it is really cold, the driver rear door will not slide open. When I take it to the dealer, nothing can be done unless he reproduces the problem. Bad Servicing Policy!

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  No Problems Here! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By S. - June 9 - 5:43 pm

  Sorry to hear about problems other 04 Quest owners are having, but Ive had mine almost a year with hardly ANY problems. Absolutely no door rattles, electrical, or performance issues. About once every two months the stereo would not come on. Dealer replacing it. Took it on a long camping trip, with the canoe on a Yakima roof rack. It was rock solid, served us well, and still does. Spirited performance, tight handling. Poor gas mileage around town, though (~15.5 mpg). I have come to *prefer* the gauges/display in the center - they are not hidden behind the steering wheel which keeps my eyes up on the road. Yes, there are some things I would change, but Im like that with everything I buy :-)

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  Not informative - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Me 2 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  2.5 L engine!... NO BOSE! Its a fun little car. Not the greatest of build quality, but I havent had any problems yet. The interior has some cheap plastics, and rattles a little bit (noticed a lot more in cold climate). Gas mileage isnt bad for a 2.5 L engine with a good amount of torque. I average more than 28mpg on every tank. The 5-spd manual is really rare. Ive seen only 1 other automatic, while the rest are all spec-vs.

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  Move over TAHOE/EXPEDITION - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By yeticc - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I decided on the Armada after driving the Tahoe and the Expedition. I even had put a deposit down on the Tahoe and got it back and went with the Nissan. I like the 5-speed auto compared to the 4-speed. The gated shifter on the floor is great as well. The power is great, the styling unique, the interior room is 2nd to none in the class. The towing capacity is great as well. The Armada is everything you could want in an SUV.

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  Xterra=Xcellence - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By BRNNIMGE - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I own a 2002 (same as 2004) and I really like it. The redone styling lured me in, but it has been its reliabilty that compells me to write a positive review. This is not car. The ride is not harsh ... more bouncy. However it does just fine on the highway and great in sand dirt or rain. It stores a lot more stuff than youd think and holds more than the lil SUVs like the CRV or RAV4. I prefer its styling to the Ford Escape. The Ford has had a few reliablity problems. More tough looking and acting than a Mazda Tribute. Not the best gas milage ... I get about 20mpg. Recommended!