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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  WoW! - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By I Lovr this truck - October 1 - 3:10 am

  We bought this truck about three months ago. And every day its fun to drive and it never gets boring.At a first glance its big bold face looks like its ready to take on anything.The inside is comfortable.The seats are soft but offer great suport.The bose is clean and clear no matter how loud it is.The simpe fetures like one touch moon roof are great and the individual climate controll is great.How ever this is a truck and going down the free way is hard at times but the suspesion feels firm and solid.When you put your foot in it the pathfinder seems to think its a 350z it takes of burning the chick in the Chevy Taho.It holds the open road and when thrown into a curve it sicks.

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  Great style inside and out! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Rob - September 30 - 9:56 pm

  I just bought this car but since I live 3 hours away from the dealership, I have had that much time behind the wheel. I traded a 2003 3.5 se for the 2.5 S. That power difference from the two are like night and day, but I saved a few thousand and am overall happy with my purchase. The new style is better than anything in its price range. It actually looks better in person than in photos. I chose the 6 speed manual over the CVT, I drove both but the CVT did not offer that same sporty feel as the manual. Overall, if you want a greal looking reliable car in this price range - this is it.

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  Love my Leaf - 2015 Nissan Leaf
  By Orlando - September 30 - 4:56 pm

  I bought my 2015 Leaf used in November 2016. The purchase price was very affordable even though as a used car it is not eligible for any tax incentives. My commute is 35 miles each way and while I can drive to work and back on a single charge my office parking lot contains EV charging stations. I generally use them for 2 hours because I like to leave work on a full charge in case I want to make side trips on the way home. My main reason for this purchase wasnt the price of gasoline but rather low maintenance. Given that I have 3 other high mileage vehicles, maintenance has always been an issue. This is a no brainer for me. Just unplug and go. In six months Ive driven 13,000 trouble free miles. The ride is great and acceleration very brisk. Overall Im very pleased with this purchase. This is the perfect commuter car for me.

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  4 Door Sports Car - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Djante Rodgers - September 30 - 10:00 am

  This car is great. It is fast, nimble and comfortable. I have several friends who are 65" and they enjoy riding with me in the comfort. Perhaps yes it could be faster, but where and when do you get to "open it up" ? I put about thirty thousand miles on this car in a year, and except for oil changes, and two new tires it has been a great ride. Paint still looks good, interior doesnt look worn. The plastic appointments are still sturdy in the vehicle. Its roomy and it turns heads. I dont like the fact that you cant turn on your fog lights without turning on your headlights. .

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  FUN TO DRIVE - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By BELINDA - September 30 - 10:00 am

  ROOMY POWERFUL FUN TO DRIVE COMFORTABLE SEATING

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  Very Happy - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By JamesCarter - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Very satisfied with the room and comfort. Love the style and the Navigation system is awsome!

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  Best Buy for the $ - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By bigityj - September 30 - 10:00 am

  My 2003 XE-V6 Kingcab 4x4 Frontier has 22,350 miles on it now,and Ive used it for hauling, towing,commuting, and 4-wheeling. It has yet to let me down. Gas mileage averages about 19.5 mpg with 31 inch tires and about 18.5 avg with stock 30" tires, which I am very happy with. Dont be supprised that this truck doesnt ride like a Caddy, or have the frills that come with a luxury vehicle. The Frontier is the old hardbody Nissan truck with a beefed up drivetrain and new visually appealing design. I have only been back to the dealer for 2 very minor problems. To date I have NO regrets & dont expect any either!

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  New Nissan Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By nisbobby - September 30 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my Titan after driving small trucks for 15 years and it was a big change, Overall the truck seems perfect for what I do Boating,Fishing,Beach,Lake and Camping.I can hardly wait for the break in period to be over ( 500 miles ) to start towing my boat

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  Great Trcuk - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Wildbill - September 30 - 10:00 am

  Best truck I have ever driven. Fun, powerful, responsive and comforable. It is a great pleaseure vehicle and a great work truck all in one. It is fun to drive and a pleaseure to ride in. Very well thought out in design and features. Wonderful truck!!

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  TITAN RULES - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Larry Larue - September 30 - 10:00 am

  After much research, I traded my 2000 Ford F-150 4x4, extended cab for the Titan. This truck rocks! From bumper to bumper and inside out, Nissan has hit a home run with this vehicle.