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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  Excellent truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By bigj6360 - January 17 - 4:40 pm

  I bought this crew cab long bed recently and am very excited about this truck. So far I like everything about it with the exception of one aspect. The tilt. This truck has so many nice qualities like fit and finish, pure looks, and power. I think they were looking at a different target audience, however. Im 61 and with the tilt all the way up, and the seat all the way down, it can still be a little cramped on the drivers side. But on that note it is something that you easily get use to. It is just different I guess. Overall... No compact truck beats this one in terms of overall package (Quality, power, functionality -LongBed-, towing, etc).

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  Good Design, but issues - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Craig R - January 17 - 10:00 am

  Overall a really great design. Been happy with style and performance. But been getting a few rattles/sounds that shouldnt be there. A bump up front is the main issue, when going over road imperfections. The dealer hasnt been able to find yet. If anyone has run into this, please let me know at mistergasketeer@aol.com. Its driving me to distraction.

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  Nissan Fan Until 2014 - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By aresto - January 16 - 6:32 am

  Ive had this car for 10 months now and have already had various issues. The navigation/entertainment system stopped working suddenly for about 24 hours (3 times), still does on and off. I loved the idea that it was SXM ready. In Puerto Rico the SXM satellite radio does not work, Nissan did not associate with Sirius XM in the area. Sunroof started making noise, back took to repair shop, they un-assembled it, a month passed and noise started again, back to shop, still fighting the battle. Ive been stopped by Cops 2 times, low head lights too bright. Very depressing when you purchase a new vehicle and it gives you many problems. Im no longer a Nissan Fan. Anyone else with these issues?

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  No major troubles....but - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By sticks4 - January 15 - 10:17 am

  We had no major troubles, but brakes did seem to wear out fast. Alignment in the rear tires, the shop said they were wasnt enough adjustment left and could only get them close. Backseat drink holders were ripped off from the seats several times by our kids(poor design), Nissan declined to cover while it was under warranty. After reading a lot of horror stories as I debated holding on to this vehicle, a slight flutter in the idle convinced me to trade it in. Up to that point, really tires and brakes, no major repairs at 74,000. Body was just starting to rust, I dont think I would buy another Nissan. Traded it for a Honda crv!

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  Could be better. Rogue S - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Jo Ann - January 15 - 9:26 am

  Drives like a car, smooth drive and just fun to drive. Great buy for your money.

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  like my truck :) - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Ashley - January 13 - 10:13 pm

  just got the truck so havnt had any mechanical problems obviously, so this is basically a 1st impression. the interior seems to be pretty cheap, but its VERY comfortable, more so even than the sedan i drove before. the turning radius is amazing for the size of the vehicle, i can get it into anywhere! it is a little slow to start but when you put it in overdrive its much better, very smooth on the highway. I LOVE the way it looks too. PERFECT truck for a girl who needs one, but wants to be able to see over the dash! its just the right size for me.

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  2009 Titan SE - 2009 Nissan Titan
  By tb - January 12 - 7:06 pm

  I purchases this truck to replace my 2005 titan that I leased. I personally liked the 05 much better. Some of the flashy features have been removed like the chrome mirror covers. The SE truck should come with fog lights. It also seems the suspension is a little different as the ride in the 09 seems to be bumpier.

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  97 Altima is Reliable Wheels - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Grove City Johnnie - January 11 - 2:00 am

  Bought this 1997 Altima GXE in May, 2000. It is my work vehicle. I was tired of American vehicles that were unreliable - and spending too much time with them in the garage. This car is not fancy, not fast, but it IS very reliable. Im very satisfied with it and would buy a second one in a heartbeat. 92,000 miles and still going strong!

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  SE-Rprised!! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Wetzels Pretzels - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This car is a Torque monster! It blows away my turbo VW. The suspension is very tight with minimal body roll. Initial quality was great. I was very surprised how much power the car had after I broke it in. The gear ratios are perfect for the elastic 2.5l and the brakes are superb. Keep an eye on the TACH because 6,000 comes up quick!!!

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  carlos car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By carlos r. berges - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I love this car