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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  Least reliable vehicle Ive ever owned - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Tony - November 5 - 8:16 am

  My wife and I have owned 12 vehicles in the last 7 years; this truck has been in the shop more times in the last year than all the others combined. Items replaced: fuel gauge, all belts, window regulator, and as of today, fuel pump. We will not buy another Nissan product. Also, if you have 2 car seats, one being rear facing, forget about being comfortable if your over 56". We will be selling this vehicle soon.

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  Super Black - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Betty Eddings Winley - November 5 - 4:06 am

  I enjoy my ride experience with the 350Z. I love the convertible style and also observed that it is an eye- catcher...almost a magnet chemistry from the watchers! I contacted the eastern district corporate office and suggested to them to improve the brake system to avoid brake dust accumulation on the attractive wheels.

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  Rogue for a rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Marc Gear - November 4 - 6:19 pm

  Read the reviews when it first came out. Great fuel economy! I am 66" , my son is the same and my daughter is also tall. bought this car so we could all fit in! My wife is above average but not in height and fits also.

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  No Buyers Remorse - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Ken Boutin - November 4 - 1:10 pm

  This truck is awsome! I drove everything else with a king cab and 4WD and the Titan was my choice. Great looks inside and out, superb brake modulation, quite at speed (not wind, just exhaust),slamming audio system, plenty of interior room and the best transmission I have ever encountered. The only negative is a 5K miles the front rotors are starting to become untrue. Will be taking it into dealer soon for resolution.

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  Highly Recommend this Car!! - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By spiffie19 - November 4 - 12:16 pm

  This car is simply outstanding when compared with other cars in the economy sedan category! The SE-R comes with many great standard features in addition to its horsepower, and looks appealing. The car offers plenty of zoom plus the benefits of a 4-cylinder--great gas mileage! (I average 27mpg with combined highway/city driving) The car drives wonderfully-nice combination of smooth steering and that "road feel".

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  200k and going strong - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By MishaBella - November 4 - 7:52 am

  I bought this car used and have had it for the last 6 years. I havent been the best with maintenance on the car, and I think thats important to note. I regularly went 7-10k miles before an oil change. The car has over 200k miles and has had very few issues. Engine mounts have been replaced, ignition coil, rotors and wheel bearings... The only irritation Ive had is with the headlights. They have been replaced more than I would have expected and they get very cloudy. Otherwise this car is Ah maze ing! Amazing... My son and I took a road trip from Cali to Arizona and back (where it turned over 200k) and the car was completely reliable. We were comfortable and had fun driving fast and without caution to the age and mileage. The head unit and rear speakers were upgraded for current technology. My son is excited to have this car as a sophomore in college when I get a new one. We also own an Xterra... Oh should note the interior space is better than most midsize suv. Our family is much more comfy in the Altima then some suvs weve rented, way more space then the Xterra.

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  poor quality - 2011 Nissan Titan
  By rubrman - November 4 - 5:51 am

  After many trips to the dealer for a/c defrost repairs still not fixed. Sun roof works on and off would not recommend buy this truck way to many problems.To many to list

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  Perfect, great car, totally reliable - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By suecag - November 4 - 4:40 am

  I have owned my 1997 Nissan Maxima GLE for 5 years (purchased from a private owner). I have never had any issues whatsoever. I have never had to get any repairs besides the regular oil changes, tires, etc. And it is perfect inside and out. It is wonderful to never have to worry about your car.

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  Titan monster - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By burdman - November 4 - 2:16 am

  All said, its the best full size truck buy out there. Plenty of power, good handling when towing. Do your homework though there are a couple of others that give it a run when shopping. I recommend the spray in bedliner instead of the plastic liner.

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  Accord to Altima - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Pattiee - November 3 - 10:30 pm

  Overall a nice car. A bit disappointed in the gas mileage, as Im only averaging 27. The hardest part is the lack of initial pickup, compared to my Accord, its pretty bad and my Accord was a 4 cyl too. The other biggest complaint is the seat belt. It is too low on the frame and impedes across the shoulder too much.