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 Compact Truck - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By Scorpio722 - December 27 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this Frontier new. It now has 61,000 miles on it, I got more miles on the tires than expected. Just put new tires on. The radio light has failed. No repairs required. Gas Milage about 23 intown to 28 on the highway. Overall its a great little truck.

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  Forth Nissan purchase for me - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Maxie - December 27 - 10:00 am

  This is the 4th Nissan Ive purchased and that first purchase goes all the way back to when they wer called Datsuns. I went once with another vechile line and came back running. If you what a well built car with a manufacter that will satnd behind what they sell stay with the Nissan. Great car to drive, good looking (could make the rear-end look a little more sporty), great service record. And, dosent cost a fortune to buy.

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  what a TRUCK! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By pimpfatty - December 27 - 6:53 am

  This truck has been great. 3,000 miles with no problems. Getting 16MPG with city driving and Big Tow package.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Char - December 26 - 9:13 pm

  I went to purchase a Toyota SUV and I stop by Nissan and I just love the look of the Pathfinder. The DVD and Navigation I love and so does my little daughter. It has so much style compared to the Toyota SUVs. I am happy I decided to purchase the Pathfinder LE.

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  Funky Fun! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By cotilyn - December 26 - 8:03 pm

  I LOVE my Krom Cube!It first caught my eye in a parking lot,and I became obsessed with finding out about who made this car.I LOVE the CVT transmission!No jolty shifty!The stereo kicks butt.The interior is very zen like with the roof in a water wave look!Very little maintenance is needed, just normal oil changes.The rear door opening sometimes irritates me, if I dont open it 100 % sometimes,it will smack you back. So I just make sure I open it fully!I have a LEAD foot, so it only gets me 27.2 mpg.I would like more. Smaller 11.9 gas tank,made me have to fuel up about 3 times on the way back from an l.a. trip.The rear seats are SUPER adjustable to make TONS of rear cargo room!I LOVE MY CUBE!

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  Nothing Better In Its Class - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Won Over - December 26 - 7:13 pm

  The 2005 Nissan Pathfinder is really a great vehicle. I bought the fully loaded LE with DVD and NAV. In comparison to luxury brands, the value here is tremendous. I also have an 2003 BMW X5, which drives very well. In comparing both, the Pathfinder holds its own. It handles great in snow and off road. I would prefer a stiffer suspension though. The Honda Pilot has more room, but not the off road handling or the looks. The Toyota 4Runner wont offer the sunroof or Limited version if you want the third row. No American car compares well at all. This Pathfinder replaces my 1990 Maxima, which I bought in 1990 - it has over 220,000 miles and is still going strong, so I really endorse the Nissan engineering.

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  Honda loyalist - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By George - December 26 - 6:43 pm

  I have owned Honda products for the past 15 years. I was very happy. I finally made the conversion, and bought my first NISSAN MAXIMA..and I have No Regrets! The MAXIMA is exceptional at every level. I really like the 265 HP 6cyl, which effortlessly and quietly accelerates, with room to spare. With or WithOut all the of Trim Bells and Whistles, it is a Solids Sports Sedan, that I will be driving for years to come. Totally, the best "Bang for the Buck"

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  A Buttkicker - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Joe Fevelo - December 26 - 12:20 pm

  Forget the Lexus,Acura, Avalon, this car blows their doors off! Not only is the car less expensive than the overpriced above models it out performs in all areas including looks & dependibilty.Also a very high resale value, pound for pound the best car on the road! Reminds me of my dads old Buick , built like a tank & fast as hell! Great on gas too!

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  Family car thats fun to drive - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By nbarry - December 26 - 5:53 am

  Had the 3.5SE 2 weeks now - great performance, gas mileage better than the EPA rating even with my lead foot. The ride isnt as smooth as my moms Camry, but the Camry lacks real personality. Huge back seat, great drink holders. Mirror remote control seems cheap, as well as the interior door handles. A fun car that doubles as a family transport.

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  Nice Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By FRANKY - December 26 - 2:30 am

  I drove both the 2005 Toyota Tacoma and the 2005 Nissan Frontier. If you want a midsize truck that drives like a car and performs like a full-size, then you want to buy the Nissan. It gives more options for your money and is well built.