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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  Best all around vehicle in its class - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Tim J - March 9 - 3:26 am

  Been a great car since day one. I used to be a GM fan until problems with Saturn drove me to check out other car makers. Best move I ever made as the Altima rides and drives circles around anything GM has in its class! Hopefully, the engine oil consumption issue will be cleared up soon as it was extremely proactive by Nissan to provide us with an 84 month or 100,000 mile extended engine warranty at no charge!

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  Sporty with Comfort - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Bob B. - March 8 - 4:40 pm

  What a fun car to drive. We went thru a lengthy process to pick out a sedan that met mileage, comfort and appearance conditions we deemed important. The Maxima won out no hands down. Mileage is good for a luxury car, about 25 so far with mixed driving, and comfort is superb. We bought the SV model fully loaded and cant be happier. We strongly recommend this vehicle.

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  Gas mileage Stinks - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By william b. paatrick - March 6 - 10:00 am

  okay, the titan is fun to drive and the exterior design is snazzy but the gas mileage stinks. You cant keep gas in it! If I had it to do over again, I would not purchase the titan truck. I recommend you wait and buy the new 2005 Frontier which is coming out in Dec 2004. Im serious you cant keep gas in the titan. deac

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  Power - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By JOE Shmoe - March 6 - 10:00 am

  this car could climb everest it has a powerful v6 and is backed with a killer 4wd system. iwouldnt trade it for anything

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  WHAT A CAR - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Mikenoc - March 6 - 10:00 am

  when I heard the new release of the maxima I was in aw. I have been a long time nissan lover since my 92 nissan maxima which i traded in for a 2002 altima but when i heard of the maximas new release I was ready to trade in my altima. I waited of course until this year and did just that. My black SL with the 5 speed automatic not the 4 as in the early year productions really blows my mind. This car has power and style. I was in the market for a new car and it was teetering between the maxima and its sister car the Infiniti I35 but I am very glad I went with the Maxima. It is truley a work of art inside and out!

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  How to love your Pathfinder - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By pfluvr - March 5 - 3:17 am

  Step 1 - Have your transmission cooling lines disconnected from the radiator! There is an external auxiliary transmission cooler that does the job already. The only problem you may encounter is hard shifting in extreme cold. You can, if you want put another auxiliary cooler on the truck, but unless youre maxing the towing capacity every day you will not need it. The stock cooler is very large. Step 2 - Youve basically now cured the only problem you will ever encounter, except for some little maintenancy things. Enjoy!

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  its a MAXIMA!. - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By riverone - March 4 - 2:56 pm

  This car is amazing,its my 2nd Max,his appearance and performance is incredible,25mpg is superb,my wife is always impressed with the strong and at the same time smooth ride.We love this car.

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  Nice Van - 1999 Nissan Quest
  By #1 Dad - March 2 - 2:00 am

  I like the Quest weve had a few minor gliches when we first purchased it used. The TV/VCR can be a bit troublesome at times. The break pedal sometimes sounds like you are stepping on a mouse.(Ive already had this looked at and well the mouse came back again) Overall though this has been a good van for our family of five.

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  Best car ever! - 2009 Nissan Quest
  By scott in virginia - March 1 - 10:03 pm

  This is the best car that I have ever owned out of about 13 in my life. It is perfect for my family & I. We love the looks and how well it handles.

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  what i feel - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By zambi - March 1 - 3:13 am

  with just over 15000 klicks, if i am on the highway and apply the brakes my steering wheel shakes. take it to my dealer, problem was solve. right now i am just over 19000 klicks, problem is back.