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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  Excellent Job Nissan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Mike ty - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2000 SE 4X4 Xterra for this XE Crew Cab 4X4 Off Road Titan. I cant believe what a better vehicle this is than the Xterra and even the Dodge SLT 4X4 Crew cab. First the milage is only 1 mile less for both town and road compared to my Xterra. Im averaging about 14 miles/gallon. This is during the breakin which I generally see about 3 miles/gallon better after about 5000 miles. The power is awesome, faster than a Hemi Ram (Motor Trend/Car & Driver)and offers a ride comparable to a lux car. Even my X didnt ride this good. Has all the goodies in the off road pack. Fit and Finish are great as well as the sound system.

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  Great for price, but... - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By burger - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I am a 27-year old male, living in LA. Commutes only a few miles away, never had a new car, always wanted an SUV, so I got the Xterra. Test drove several SUVs and while performance wise this would not be my first pick, for the price and the look I was sold. It fits me to a T this car. I got mine in black, its rugged looking and compliments have been plenty. However the gas mileage is atrocious! On a 19 gallon tank, Ive probably averaged somewhere between 210 - 240 miles before it starts to reach E. They can definitely do better than that. So while Id recommend this car to the younger, hipster person w/ a short commute, its not ideal for the practical crowd or folks w/ long commutes.

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  a lemon - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By bob - January 1 - 7:10 pm

  This truck has cost me more in the 42,000 miles I have put on it than any other truck I have every owned. bought first truck in 1972. Nothing but high priced problems. Doors freeze shut $650.00 kit to fix both doors.no warranty. Both rear seals leaked at 18,000 covered by warranty. Power steering lines needed replace at 25000, no warranty. rear seals and rear axle need replace at 36,000 only cost of axle covered $900.00 for rest. Soaked brakes shot replaced $600. no warranty. front brakes replaced at 40,000 $700 no warranty. If I go for an oil change you know it will be a min of $500 when they get done fixing everything else they find.

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  Tonys Truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Tony - January 1 - 12:56 pm

  I love the sporty looks of the truck. I believe the back seat needs some adjustments to accomodate more leg room and less seat room. The truck as a whole is awesome. At first I thought with a long bed I would not need a bed- extender to put my bike in the back. After having to leave the tailgate down to accomodate it, I figure that it would have been a good investment.

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  Rogue Warrior - 2015 Nissan Rogue Select
  By Kalli House - January 1 - 12:41 pm

  We have a 2015 Rogue Select. Before I tell you why about some things, let me tell you our first SUV was a Chrysler Pacifica (used) that we loved. We were in a situation where we needed another SUV since the Pacifica was on its last leg and after driving a Jeep Cherokee we found the Rogue Select for about the same price. Happy we didnt go with Jeep. The Rogue is a good car for entry level, which is what it is for. If you are looking for well built interior parts, you wont find it there; its a lot of plastic but easy to clean! The Rogue Select is fun to drive and easy to maneuver. It has a sport mode which increases your RPMS and decreases your fuel mileage as you drive but fun in hills. We just took the Rogue on a 500 mile trip through hills and it did great, I drove. However the blind spots are horrible, my husband and I about ran two cars (both of us did this) while driving because we did not see it, even checking our mirrors! The back up camera is nice but distracting and doesnt beep when approaching an object..found that out. The car is noisier than I would like and the sound system is sub-par at best. This is an honest review. The car handles great in rain, I feel comfortable in it and for the price it is you probably wont find a better SUV that handles and drives as good as the Rogue Select. I do miss the conveniences I had with the Pacifica such as dual climate control; multiple USB ports; smoother and quieter ride. However that SUV had drawbacks too and thats not the review here. If you want or NEED (as was our case) an entry level SUV then I would suggest this.

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  If Only... - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By Audrey - January 1 - 6:33 am

  I have huge mixed feelings about the Nissan product. I love the styling and the power, but there is no doubt about it, my Armada is a piece of crap. It must have been built on a Friday when everyone wanted to go home. Within the 1st year of ownership, the brakes squealed horrendously, the radiator had to be replaced because it was cracked, the rearview mirrors would not adjust upward, the transmission would shift roughly, the steering would shake while braking, and the list goes on. It took 6 trips to the dealership to finally convince them the radiator needed replaced. Now, there is a loud rattle when accelerating, the car needs a front- end alignment, and Im stuck because of the economy

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  Very Nice First Car - 1998 Nissan Sentra
  By Brina - December 30 - 8:23 pm

  Well we have had this car for over a year now and bought it used. I liked the styling and the interior is more roomy then the newer models 2002 and above. The only problems with is is of course the oil changes and breaks but lets see the alternator,battery and starter. Could have been because we upgraded the stereo system with amp and sub without upgrading those first.oh yeah and the front axles but my husband does deliver pizzas in the hot Arizona desert. other then that the cost has not been that much and it drives much better then my moms 2002. I would highly recommend this car for the first time buyer or for the college student.

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  Mostly Awesome - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By TallBoy - December 30 - 1:33 pm

  I have the 2006 SL AWD. I test drove a lot of smaller 5 doors including the Nissan Rogue which would suit my active lifestyle. Its unfortunate that no manufacturer has figured out how to make a comfortable car for tall people. The Murano has comfortable leg room; but the seats fall just a little short in leg support. I get about 19 mpg average and up to 22 mpg. I bought it at Mossy Nissan in El Cajon- the sales team is extremely slippery- be careful. Although I still got a somewhat fair price- they lacked integrity.

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  reliable transportation - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By 4xe4wd - December 30 - 2:00 am

  ive owned this car for 7yrs and besides change the oil and 1 tune-up i have not incurred any cost ohh yes 1 new battery this past summer if youre looking for a reliable 4wheel drive look at this

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  Personal - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By GMiller - December 30 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has met all of my expectations as to design, functionality, dependability, and value.