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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  Best Value - 2014 Nissan Pathfinder
  By pathman1 - February 24 - 12:58 pm

  I have been very happy w/ my 14 Pathfinder Platinum since taking delivery 3 weeks ago. I felt this vehicle was the best value in this category. I also strongly considered the GMC Acadia and favored the electronics on the GMC, but the drivers seat in Pathfinder and price for the amount of options out weighed the GMC.

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  So much more refined than any competitor! - 2011 Nissan Murano
  By meister04 - February 24 - 10:25 am

  Looked at pretty much everything except the American brands (sorry, they just cant compete for the money they charge), and went with the 2WD Murano LE based on the "fit" (Im 6-4") and finish of the interior, and the good looks of the exterior. The Murano is a couple thousand $ more than a Kia, Outback, Hyundai, or Mazda, but the refined interior (i.e., high quality materials, absolutely superb electronics, and solid driving feel) combined with an overall solid build quality make the extra $ well worth it. Previously owned a massive gas-sucking Nissan Armada, so this was quite a step down in size, but a HUGE step up in comfort and interior refinement. Overall: I REALLY like this car.

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  Refinements not frill - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By larryB - February 24 - 10:03 am

  I forgot to mention one of the main virtues that impressed me about Sentra S model: It has a very user-friendly cruise control unit on the steering wheel that I find very convenient when I am on the open road. Also, the micro- filtration A/C unit (pollen filter) is something missing even on much more expensive cars. In sum: great refinements for a compact car - without the frill. Fun MPG. Thanks again Nissan!

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  Could not be Happier - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By nick - February 24 - 9:33 am

  After months of research I purchased a black on black le with nav and have been so excited about my purchase. The reviews on here were very helpful and honest, so thank you so much to everyone for the input.

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  Hyping our 2015 Altima SL 2.5 - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By William Major - February 23 - 5:23 pm

  Well, my wife and I looked at many different Cars over a 2 month period once we decided that our SUV had seen its better day. 10 years and 210,000 miles, so in the process my Wife test drove a Kia, a Chevy Impala, a Chevy Malibu, a Honda Accord, a Toyota Camry, a Nissan Maxima, and a couple of different Altimas. We liked the Altima SL because it was equipped with basically everything we wanted, Navigation, Moonroof, Heated Seats, Heated Steering Wheel, Leather Interior, Backup Camera, Full Technology Package, Push Button Start, Remote Start, Premium Bose Sound System, Sirius XM Radio, and both front seats are power seats, the Exterior is a Beautiful Black, interior is Tan with wood grain trim. The Car is awesome, it drives great, really good on gas, we love the large video screen , and the approaching vehicle warning feature. The Bose 9 speaker system sounds great, all in all we love this Altima SL 2.5 litre, we could have spent thousands more for the Accord ( which we also liked) but this is the better value, we got every option availible including an extended warranty (125,000 mi) or 5 years, all for 23,871.00. We are happy.

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  My first Nissan, probably not my last. - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By New Nissan Owner - February 23 - 4:33 pm

  Diligent research on the net and a few visits to dealerships resulted in my purchase of the 09 Nissan Murano. The car is put together well. Leather interior is incredible. Driver seat could double as a ez chair in your house. It is very quiet. Performance is spectacular. The v6 with CVT is breath taking. Instruments and controls are all easy to see, read and use. The front console screams LOOK AT ME! at night. Very attractive. Fun and responsive to drive. Rides and feels nicer than vehicles I have used that cost twice as much. Outstanding vehicle. Absolutely ZERO "buyers remorse".

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  Best Family Trail 4x4 - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By kmsr - February 22 - 6:58 pm

  If you need 4 or 5 seatbelts and want to fit on 4X4 trails, Xterra is hard to beat. More comfortable (Im 64" and hit my head on Rubicon roll bar) and reliable than Jeep, more usable back seat and better visibility than FJ. A fraction of the cost of a Land Cruiser. Everything you need and nothing you dont. Seriously capable off road, especially with the right tires, lockers, and aftermarket mods. Great dimensions and clearance angles, especially when lifted.

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  I got a good deal on a 2010 OFF ROAD - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By Hardy - February 22 - 6:16 pm

  A week or so back I feel that I got a good deal on a OFF ROAD package. I got them down to $23,600. Out the door was about 27,700. Im 64 and I find the Xterra comfortable. I have not had the chance to take it off road yet but cant wait to. One of the selling points was the rear locking diffand the offroad lights. Its nice to see that comes stock for the offroad package. Also my wife loves the Bluetooth, portable Garmin navigation system and the Rockford Fosgate stereo. Buy one if you can find one at a good price

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  Bngwtr - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By bongwater78 - February 22 - 4:23 pm

  This is my second nissan altima, a wonderful car at an affordable price, fits all my friends and goes across town and back with the low fuel light on. Nothing like driving a stick...

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  Dont Buy This Vehicle!!! - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Kurt - February 22 - 3:10 pm

  Ive had my Pathfinder for two years. Yes, it has been reliable. But for about a year now Ive noticed while washing it that thousands of little rust specs are seeping through the paint. There are now streaks of rust down the back of it after sitting for the week in my Michigan driveway (undriven) for the week. A two year old car should not be rusting out. Its pathetic. I can only guess they use inferior steel to save a little money. For once Im glad its a lease.