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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  altima issues - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By islander12 - March 27 - 12:45 pm

  Any issues that I have have with my 2009 Altima i just had to google and found them very quickly online. Three issues, Push start, transmission and leak in the moon roof all were listed as a problem. Nissan covered all repairs except for the moonroof. Disappointing because only had 36000 miles as of 2012 and bought the car based on consumer reports.

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  2008 Armada LE 4x4 - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By makosdad - March 26 - 1:36 pm

  I just purchased a loaded 08 4x4 turning in a 05 Pathfinder. I bought this vehicle on the last day of the month and netted over 10,000 off sticker with the 4500 rebate. We love the truck so far, the navigation works great as does the vehicles voice command. Wish the sound system had an integrated iPod adapter but I can live with this. Drive is smooth and quiet and the handling is super. Exterior looks hot with the 20" wheels and the new interior is far superior to the prior years.

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  Improve the CVT - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Rob - March 26 - 12:56 am

  We loved the car at first. Have had numerous mechanical issues, sluggish cvt (still a problem, dealer indicated that we should change our 35 years of driving approach) hard starting, rpm to low at 40 mpg, all 4 tires were defective and needed to be replaced. Service to fix was slow at best. Very disappointing. No follow up from Nissan after purchase, regarding purchase experience and performance of the Versa.

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  2009 Sentra S - 2009 Nissan Sentra
  By A.S. - March 25 - 3:53 am

  This is a good car and there are good cash back recession incentives. But here is why I think consumer reports lists owners to be less than satisfied. When switching vent from defrost to vent or floor, the A/C automatically activates. This cannot be deprogramed to function like a normal car. Routinely end up driving with A/C on in the winter. Ill adapt, but its frustrating. Back seat seat belt connector very rigid, difficult for kids to buckle w/ booster seat. Not great maneuverability in parking lots. Fuel mileage in city is much less than estimated - highway is good.

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  timing chain - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By retha - March 24 - 7:00 pm

  I love my Nissan, and it fits my family really well.It is really beautiful and everyone that sees it tells me what a nice vehicle it is.It has a smooth ride and is very comfortable.

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  Great Performance, Great Styling - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Mike - March 24 - 6:26 am

  So far have 9000 miles on it and it has been trouble free. Very fun to drive. Auto shift will not upshift or downshift automatically like on so many other cars, so its a lot fun. Dealership located the color and equipment model that I wanted and had it in two days, and expierience was very good overall.

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  WOW - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By larryk - March 23 - 6:49 pm

  I bought mine 6-20-16 and was on the road a week later to Oklahoma, and was comfortable and Im 6"1 230lbs so I have no complaints as of now.

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  One of the best I have ever owned! - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By cardinalbama - March 23 - 3:22 am

  I was looking for a mid priced crossover and decided on the Rogue. I bought the Krom edition and love it.

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  Great Used SUV - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By timmer24can - March 23 - 12:43 am

  I was a big North American fan on SUVs but I decided to try Japanese. So I did my research and found that the Pathfinder was rated very high, I found one at a small used car lot and the rest is history....what a great SUV. Motor, Tranny, look and feel A1. I cant stop driving it.

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  Unhappy - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Graeme - March 22 - 9:30 pm

  Two years ago I moved up to the foot hills of Saramento and ever since it has been overheating. No one has been able to solve it dealer or private machanic. Heavy on gas and has NO power. Body very tinny.