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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  It s a 10 - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By FINKS Z - June 24 - 5:20 pm

  The Z has everything that a sports car should have. Looks, performance, and reliability at a reasonable price. The intown fuel economy is not bad but the road mileage is excellent. At 57, my wife said i was having a midlife crisis but now she drives the z more than i do !!!!!!!

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  Sweet Ride - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Paddler - June 24 - 4:03 am

  I previously owned a 94 nissan pathfinder that went to 308 thousand. So, I decided to try my hand with a 98 model and I love it. From the 94 to the 98 the ride is so much better. The 98 does really well off-road. Its an easy truck to accessorize with brush guard and racks. I use mine alot for kayaking which leads me all over the southeast and on some back wood trails where it performs both excellent on and off road. The mpg could be better though. I average around 15-16 mpg.

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  Bought used, drives like new - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Tom in SW Va - June 23 - 6:46 pm

  I did a great deal of research before buying my 2011 Murano LE. It had almost 40k miles on it, but it was in showroom condition, and after 14 months, still is. It is the most comfortable SUV Ive driven, by far, and the interior is that of a much more expensive brand. The CVT transmission is terrific, with no jerks or pauses at all, and the power is exactly what I wanted with the 6 cyl engine. I know the 4s are better than in the past, but still not enough power for me on the highway. The cargo area is quite roomy, particularly with the 2nd row seats folded down, and the rear leg room is much better than similar sized vehicles. I cannot say enough about the comfort of the front seats. I would recommend purchase of either the LE or Platinum version of the Murano, because it truly is a luxury car at a reasonable price. My only regret is that this otherwise perfect Murano was not equipped with the Navigation feature. Other than that, it was exactly the vehicle I was looking for, down to the exterior and interior colors. If I ever purchase another SUV, it will likely be a Murano, as additional features have been added in years subsequent to the 2011.

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  Was a little unsure - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By shaunsully - June 23 - 3:46 pm

  Was a little unsure about such a small car and some reviews! to sum it up! Great car! economical! practical! Fun to Drive. recommend the SL with the CVT. And it comes with center armrest! and Ipod hookup! also Sl has few great features that take away most complaints I have seen! If people were not so cheap they would get a much better value for some pocket change! really peppy car actually went from a Pontiac G6 gt to this and his would probably keep up with it! lol handles nice and very very comfy! also more lighting and mirrors in the SL! great buy for the price. Must drive it

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  Very fun car to Drive - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Sheldun - June 23 - 9:40 am

  This car blew my mind, if you think Im lying take a test drive. Very smooth driving and to think that I use to own an Audi.

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  Best Altima yet and I should know, this is my 4th one! - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By nissanfan65 - June 22 - 10:09 pm

  This is my 4th Altima since 2005. I came to the Altima after my first Nissan, which I also loved, a 2002 Maxima GLE. I had no intention of getting an Altima until the dealer let me drive one while my Maxima was being serviced. When I returned the next day to pick up my car, I started getting that "itch" to trade and that started my love affair with the Altima. Ive only bought the top of the line V-6 models and have always found them to be as luxurious as the Maxima with better fuel economy. I am constantly getting comments about how nice the car looks and I love the performance. People in Mustangs and Camaros are surprised when all they can see is the back of my car!!!

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  Great Buy - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By bigboi - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I have a 2001 Nissan Maxima GLE. I bought it brand new and havent had any problems except for the driving belts which onl cost $110. Horsepower is great and the car is very respnsinve to the pedal. Overall i give this car two thumbs up.

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  Very Reliable Truck - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By TBart69 - June 22 - 9:53 am

  One of my favorite things about my 1995 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4X4 is how rugged and reliable it is. Being 16 I have done a lot of stupid stuff to this truck and its still fine. It has a very good four wheel drive system but dont let it go to your head because I found out the hard way that it doesnt mean your invincible. When I first purchased my pathfinder I had a few things done. The Speedometer didnt work so I got that fixed, Changed the Transmission fluid, Changed the Oil and got new tires. I love my pathfinder and I made a great choice.

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  One tough truck. - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By justin - June 22 - 7:10 am

  I bought mine after a 3 month search, the guy at the dealership was great at finding my truck, and he gave me a great deal. I love this truck. Its rugged, and can take a beating. After a few rough off-road sessions and about 20k miles, the suspension loosened up a little more than I would have liked, but I should have bought the Pro 4X, which I am going to do now that my truck has been totaled in an accident. Which is another reason I love this truck, it took a 60 mph head on collision with a utility trailer & truck when they came into my lane from the other direction. I walked away, but the truck was totaled, but the important thing is it saved me.

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  MY Wife and I really love this car! Purchased 2 months ago! - 2013 Nissan Pathfinder
  By auchris9 - June 21 - 6:43 am

  For those complaining about the lack of multi disc changer in the Platinum edition... It replaces the cd changer with a dvd player which means that you can watch dvds on the main screen when in park. You also can put all of your music from your computer onto a dvd and listen to 100 times the music of a regular audio cd. My wife decided to get a 16gb usb drive ($10) to put all of her music onto and plugs into the port in console. On top of that you can stream bluetooth audio. We traded in a Honda Pilot and are very impressed with the improvement in handling, interior quality and gas mileage.