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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  New Owner - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Chris1221 - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had the car for a few weeks, but in that time, I have fallen in love with this car. Its stylish,fast, and fun to drive.

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  Best truck for the $$ - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Dave - July 14 - 9:36 pm

  Having owned this truck for 9 months, I feel it is definitely the best truck I have ever owned (previously GMC, Ford). At the time I purchased Some other trucks may boast a little more HP or more backseat leg room but I am more than satisfied with the power, seldom haul NBA centers in my backseat, and paid about $9000 less than a comparably priced 07 Tundra would sell for. In 8000 miles, I have not had the truck in for any service other than oil changes. It has just been flawless so far.

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  Best Of Best - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Dale - July 14 - 6:53 pm

  Ive had 38 new vehicles in my 35 years of marriage. Had most SUV out there. After having my Murano 3 years now, which is a long time for me to have the same car, Im going to buy another shortly...Ya I like it that much. With overall factors considered the Murano cant be beat, plan & sinple!!!

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  Maxima - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Tim - July 14 - 2:06 pm

  The car handles like a dream. The pickup and go is smooth and fast. Its a classy sedan.

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  handles great - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jevon - July 13 - 10:33 pm

  going from a jeep cherokee to a 05 pathfinder, i thought the pathfinder would be heavier and handling would suffer. WRONG, the pathfinder handles excellent and doesnt feel like 4600lbs. you cant beat nissan build quality. the SE OFF ROAD has a beefier suspension and guard plates underneath and not to be totally rugged i got the leather package.

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  Sold on Nissan - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By mmsr4 - July 13 - 10:00 am

  I am the second owner and a first time owner of a nissan. I have only bought subarus. Living in Maine the 4wd has come in handy since we spend a lot of time driving off road and on snow covered roads. For an SUV the gas millage isnt bad, I think if u drive conservativly its fine.I drove 612 mi(avg.75mph) and started w/ a full tank I only had to stop once for gas.The ride is very comfortable and the interrior appealing. I have found with a full load (5 passengers & 2 lg.dogs) bumps and leans are more pronounced. I had some bad tires during that time so maby that contributed to the ride quality. New tires and a much better ride now

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  A great Value - 1996 Nissan Sentra
  By TraciFred - July 13 - 10:00 am

  This was my 1st new car. I bought it when I got my 1st real job. I loved it so much! The car still looks like new. The cost to own this car is so low. I thought that I would hold it till it dies then buy another Nissan, but I have my eyes on a BMW now.

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  200o Pathfinder - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Jeffmck - July 13 - 10:00 am

  The Pathfinder has more than exceeded my expectations for comfort and reliability. Driving 35,000 miles plus per year have exposed this vehicle to every southern road condition possible. I have always been pleased with the performance and on road extreme road handling. At 87,000 miles typical maintenance and the purchase of tires have been my expenditures. I have averaged 20.5 MPG on the interstate and 16 MPG around town. Only negative response is the hard ride and limited legroom in the back seat area.

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  Surprising drive and quality - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By BAC - July 13 - 10:00 am

  I test drove a GXE in April but was not impressed with it, however I was impressed with the SE-R. In July I found payments higher than I liked and was persuaded to test drive a GXE with the Synergy package. I was amazed that there was a difference in the driving and feel of the car. I was trading in a sport suspension car that hugged the road and wanted the same in a larger car. This drove almost the same. I had a power sunroof installed and am totally in love with this car. The hp could be more making it better but otherwise its a great car. Dont quite understand how the "stone" color is tan though.

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  My Maxima - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By 2 Time Maxima Owner! - July 11 - 4:56 am

  The 01 20th Anniversary Special Edition is a wonderful vehical inside and out, including the mechanical parts. Nissan builds wonderful cars and the safety features are great. The car rides just as you move the steering wheel and stops on the dime. No hesitations! This is my second Maxima, previously owning a 95. The bang is not as strong but it drives just as well. I feel extremely safe in Maximas. The 95 Nissan was my first car, I thought I was in the Indy 500 and should have been dead 3xs. However, have been driving the Maxima saved my life.