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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  Maxima 3.5SE - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Stefan - October 1 - 10:00 am

  My Maxima is fun to drive, although the engine is not as smooth as could be in slow, stop-and-go traffic. But there is plenty of power to get easily on/off highway ramps. The ride is excellent at speeds above 35 and you really have to watch it to stay below the speed limit on the open road. You get what you would expect with pot holes and speed bumps, considering the 18-inch tires! So avoid the bumps or slow WAY down. Overall, I love my car and still feel like the sporty one on the road, despite my three kids in the back seat!

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  Only the transmission - 2009 Nissan GT-R
  By tokyogtr - September 30 - 4:13 am

  Had the car for 5 months now with 11000 km. Transmission started to make severe mechanical noise, couldnt shift from 1st to 2nd. The dealer transplanted a new transmission... I still love the car, enjoy the acceleration and cornering. If not for the transmission, its a reliable car on every aspect. When you can beat Porsche Turbo at about 1/3 the price, I couldnt complain.

• 

  Above Average - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Devin - September 29 - 8:46 pm

  I drove a Dodge 4x4 and it doesnt compare! This truck has great power, speed, and can handle itself in a crowd without any problem. Its had its share of problems though - complete brakes, rotors everything was replaced at 20k (unpublished recall). Replaced some switches from breaking, replaced wiring from rear passenger door because I had no trailer lights (recall), replaced tires at 35k, completely bald, and finally the doors wouldnt open when it got below 30 degrees (another unpublished recall). But I have to say cars fall apart, its a part of their makeup.

• 

  11 yrs - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By afrey - September 28 - 9:13 pm

  My first 4wd. I live in the SW and have gone many interesting and wild places. No engine or starting problems after 131000 . Two AC problems, cracked lines fixed by dealer under warranty. Radio lite out after 5 yrs. Acceleration is wimpy but sufficient. It is now using a little oil. 1qt/2000 miles. No 4wd, suspension or drive line problems.

• 

  Follow Up to June17th review. - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By JET - September 28 - 8:06 am

  In my original review, I mentioned that the brakes produced a strange feel just before a complete stop and immediately after acceleration. I took my truck in to the local Az Nissan dealer to have the oil changed and to check the condition of the brakes. I also wanted them to check the drivers side sun visor because it seemed loose and does not stay against the windshield. When I went to pick up the truck, the service manager told me that these conditions were observed with other like vehicles on the lot and that the condition was considered as being normal. If you purchase one of these 2009 Frontiers and expect the dealer to "fix" these conditions, think again. They were no help at all.

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  Beware of Nissan Corp issued TSBs - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By Marie Reyes - September 28 - 7:43 am

  I never thought I would be a minivan owner but I saw the style of the quest..I fell in love with it. I read reviews vs other minivans and all seemed great on the Quest. Shortly after my warranty expired I started to notice a whining noise coming from the engine. When I took it into the dealership they kept it over night,charged me $100 to diagnose it. I was floored to find out that the estimate to replace my timing chain both primary and secondary along with the guides was going to cost $3,000!! I took it to for another opinion and at that time I was informed that Nissan KNEW this was a problem for years and has a Technical Service Bulletin out. I had never even heard about a TSB!??

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  moded v - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By propane - September 28 - 2:00 am

  i hade my v for 3 weeks now i went all out with the fanatic pkg & moon roof for $20k flat the 175 horspower motor feels vary strong and i love the rush when my blood races when i skrach 1 2 and 3rd gear {TIP WANT TO CHERP 4TH GEAR.. RED LINE 3RD WITH YOUR RIGHT FOOT ALL THE WAY ON THE ACCELERATER THEN ENGAGE THE CLUTCH WITHOUT LETINGOUT THE ACCELERATER MOVE TO FORTH THEN LET THE CLUTCH OUT AS FAST AS YOU CAN YOU WILL CHERP FORTH I DID}I MODID MY V WITH HI FLOW MUFFLERS COLD AIR INTAKE HOT SHOT HEADERS WITH THES EASY EXTRAS I MAD 198.7 HORESPOWER ON THE DYNO AT THE CRANK SHAFT FOR $650 THE ALREADY FAST V IS FASTER AND WITH MORE DEADLY WHEEL SPINING POWER

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  370Z - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By baldman - September 27 - 9:53 pm

  Much improved looks inside and out from the 350 z. Great engine and brakes. Nav system is very good. Tough to beat features for price.

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  A very good mini-van. - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By arcticslalom - September 25 - 8:29 pm

  Weve owned the car since fall of 07 and its been a really beauty. I had to put a front wheel bearing in each side, but the van is now at 170,000 miles and still going very strong. Interior fit and finish isnt the best, but overall Nissan makes a very good engine and transmission. I cant complain. I would recommend a used Nissan Quest to anyone with kids or bulky stuff to haul. So MUCH more room than other SUVs out there. Dont buy an SUV to be in the in crowd. Accept the fact you have kids and get a van, save gas and haul all your stuff in comfort.

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  Sentra SER - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By John - September 25 - 7:40 am

  The option it offers compare to price are great but fuel economy in city driving is really less advertised. SER stearing is very very senstive (responsive) at high speed. While driving if you not pay "full" attention to the road then you can get in serious accident.