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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  overall good - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Kal - March 10 - 3:20 am

  this car is perfect for performance and for high school students. car is fun to drive. and under budget

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  rough ride #2 - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By kenn i - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I love the exterior of the car and the bold styling. i enjoy the bose stereo with the 6 cd in dash. though i feel for an LE this truck should have better manners on the road. i recently took the truck into new york city and i felt going over bumps the truck did not take the bumps so well. you can feel the bumps way too much. i recently had a 2002 infiniti QX4 which just came off lease which drove much better than this armada. hopefully when the Q56 infiniti comes out it will have been built much better than the armada.

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By TomT - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my Altima 3.5 SE for 7 months and have had zero problems. Its very quick. Turning radius is a bit too big, otherwise I have no complaints.

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  I was very happy with the Car - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By I liked it - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I loved the size of the Car (easy to park) could use tighter turn radius for its size. Ride, Performance and Quietness are perfect, although using the passing gear would create a slight burnt rubber smell and not a great sounding stereo system. Overall, though, I liked the car and Im thinking about buying one.

• 

  Money Well Spent - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By watermain - March 7 - 2:30 pm

  Great all around car with a sporty nature. Less expensive (on the used market) than a similarly equiped Camry or Accord. Better quality than a Taurus. Lots of room. Decent power from the silky-smooth V6. Happy with the purchase and would recomend it to friends.

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  Love the car - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Lidar - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought the 98 Altima GLE this May with 61K on it. For two months, there is nothing that bothers me. Its acceleration is awesome (much better and Accord LX). Driving through traffic is easy and fun. Great fuel economy and reliability. I strongly recommend this car

• 

  Almost Perfect - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Kiyyap - March 7 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 4 pathfinders. A 1993,1997,2001, and now a 2002 LE 4WD, purchased in February. The 2002 is by far the best car I have ever owned. It has plenty of HP and speed. The engine is enjoyable after about 5K miles. Why? I dont know. My only complaint is that the rear seats are uncomfortable as is taking things in and out of the rear seating area (car seats).

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  NEW OWNER - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By TIM - March 7 - 4:03 am

  bought the car last month. happy so far gas mpg is in 34-37 range per tank. transmission shifts are a bit jumpy from elect. to gas. hwy speeds the car tends to surge slightly. would buy the car again.

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  Fast in its class - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Chris - March 6 - 11:06 pm

  I purchased my 2005 Nissan Pathfinder 1/2005 just last week I noticed a rust at the back door panel which i called the dealership and scheduled for an appointment. They should make the cabin more quiter, everytime you step on the gas pedal you can hear the roar of the engine but overall i like it got lots of power .

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  Flawed Model - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Chuck - March 6 - 2:46 am

  The Nissan Maxima has always been a "dream car" of mine. Now that I finally own one, I am a bit disappointed. To its credit, the car is beautiful inside and out and a blast to drive. Unfortunately, all my visits to the service department have soured my overall experience. In two years, I have had two recalls. One for a wire in the seat (minor), and another for a corroding rear sub- frame. The latter is a major repair. The battery has also corroded on me and I have had 2 front-driver-side struts go out in less than a years time. There seems to be a lot of corroding going on for a car less than two years old. Yes, its still under warranty, but I feel my troubles are just beginning.