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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  One Impressive Hybrid - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Russsnvic - January 31 - 2:00 am

  We purchased the zMurano after test driving the MDX,Pathfinder, Envoy, and the Mercedes SUV.Hands down the Murano excelled in comfort, space, and overall performance. The Price was right, but would have paid much more for this beauty.

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  Best XUV - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By David Chan - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Very fast...... I am really glad that Nissan decided not to put in a 3rd row seat.

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  Best Buy - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By KrisKringle - January 31 - 2:00 am

  With a quality equal or superior to SUVs that cost thousands of dollars more, this one of kind vehicle is definately a best buy. Great package includes unique styling, awsome powertrain and comfortable interior. Nissan/Infiniti is building some of the best looking vehicles on the road today and have shown that a SUV doesnt have to be some square box with a hard ride.

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  A good thing better - 2009 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Tyler - January 31 - 12:20 am

  We picked up our 2009 Pathfinder a few days ago and we are very pleased with it. We live in northern Canada and our roads are terrible due to frost heaving and heavy truck traffic. Our Pathfinder smoothly glides down the bumpy highway at 195km/h no problem. It also crosses 4 foot deep rivers, climbs steep muddy hills and pulls our 4 ATV quads like nothing. We also have a VW touareg and it compares very well to this vehicle except the touareg only has seats 5 and has no cargo space. I will buy another pathfinder when the wife writes this one off.

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  Great truck...even though - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Matt H - January 30 - 8:40 am

  I love my truck. I did not realize how much I enjoyed it until I had to be without it. The window regulator broke this past Sunday. Window dropped to the bottom of the door. Not so good for a new vehicle. Gas milage is poor, power is great. Truck can tow every bit of 9100 lbs with package, as advertised. I have put it to great use towing what ever. BVery easy to control and manuver. Get compliments all the time. More storage than one will need. Plenty of room for my 18 mo. old sons car seat, and still have 2 adults in the rear. If only the satilite radio feature was not $320.00. Then Id be 100% happy.

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  Still loving it - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By HK - January 30 - 7:03 am

  This is a great SUV. Ive owned my Pathfinder for a little over one year and I still look forward to driving it each day. Comfortable, powerful, reliable and for me, its just the right size. Since I stay on the blacktop, I cant really comment on its off-road capabilities, yet. Around town, its powerful and nimble enough to handle any driving situation with ease and on the highway, the Pathfinder really excels. At cruising speeds (70-80 mph) its smooth, quiet and effortless to drive. Plenty of room for my family of four and all of our gear on those long road trips and it can tow 3 tons. This is one vehicle that I would highly recommend.

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  350Z - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By dave - January 29 - 11:16 am

  power and handling make this an excellent vehicle to own and drive; it makes driving fun; the handling and power allows an average driver to achieve outstanding performance from the car

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  powerful upgrade - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Brian Pederson - January 29 - 9:30 am

  No question the redesigned X-terra is more powerful and more spacious. My next door neighbor has a 2004 x-terra and wants to upgrade, now that he has experiences the new model. cons: I agree with Edmunds that there is some weakness on the interior, but very little. The seat material seems prone to snag, but is great at allowing for the flow of heat (and keeping you cool) on those hot summer days. Did I mention that this thing is really powerful! If you are thinking about getting an X-terra, dont even consider buying a used one, there is just too much improvement in the 2005 to consider an older model.

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  Near perfection - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By durrrr - January 29 - 7:56 am

  I really couldnt be much happier with this car. The new transmission is great. The car has tons of HP in the 6 cylinder version. Its roomy and luxurious on the inside. Gas mileage could be a little better. And Nissan did a very stupid thing by bundling all of the available options into 3 very expensive packages. You cant get leather seats without a sunroof. You cant get the upgraded radio unless you get leather seats, etc. Each package is around $2k, but has lots of features most people dont want and are forced to pay for. Its still a great car, very reliable with a nice look on the outside and a great look on the inside.

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  Allsome - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By hv2fdf - January 29 - 7:51 am

  Very nice car ,well built ,looks and rides great Considered a Honda Accord ,but the Altima was a better car . 4 Cylinder motor has plenty of power