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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  Would love to love it - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By bschipper - May 16 - 10:03 am

  I bought the car Friday night, 4 days ago. It has been dead since Saturday. We noticed it idling rough the night we got it home, and after that it wouldnt start. Absolutely nothing happened when I turned the key - no lights, no sounds, absolutely nothing. I couldnt even get the CD out of my stereo. Yesterday I had to pay $90 to have it towed 45 miles to the nearest dealership (Nissan only pays the first $100 of the tow.) Its been a fiasco, and Im NOT happy!

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  I will never buy another Nissan - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By justicebrown - May 16 - 7:13 am

  Several expensive repairs prior to 90,000 miles. Front struts, causing tire wear, frequent tire replacements and eventual front strut replacement. Rear Suspension was wobbling at high way speeds, causing consumer hazard and had to be replaced. AM/FM/CD replaced several times, eventually purchased after market replacement. Speakers go out sporadically but, infrequently. Nissan didnt forewarn about exhaust manifold problem. I almost paid for this out of pocket. Luckily I found out about a TSB. Nissan doesnt value customer safety or customer satisfaction.

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  Nissan Versa SL - 2013 Nissan Versa
  By versa_2013 - May 15 - 8:50 pm

  Bought a Nissan Versa SL. The cabin has more than enough space for four passengers, as well as providing comfortable seats. The interior is completely made of hard plastic, make sure your foot doesnt hit the door on the way out. The 1.6L engine is adequate around town and really does sip gas. On the highway, theres tons of wind noise, and the CVT, while providing smooth acceleration and excellent fuel economy, can be heard at any speed. Dont be fooled by the 109 hp rating, the car has more than enough get up and go. Excellent visibility all-around, smooth ride.

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  So Far, So Good... - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By D. Jarrett - May 15 - 3:06 pm

  Its only been two months for us, but aside from the dismal gas mileage, this vehicle has been all we hoped it would be. There is an annoying click, or, slight hitch in the driver and passenger power windows as they go down. Not sure if that is common to other Armadas. A bi-fold thrid row seat would be prefferable to the current all-up or all-down. It would just give you more seating and cargo options. If I had to guess, Id bet that Nissan corrects this for future models. But its eye-catching good looks and thoughful features like a power liftgate, rear sonar, mud lights, and fold-flat 2nd & 3rd row seats have made it very nice. Oh, did I mention the power? Wow...

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  We fight over who gets to drive it - 2013 Nissan Leaf
  By Mr. Light - May 15 - 2:35 pm

  I purchased a used 2013 Leaf (lease return) with 30k miles for $6400. What other car can you do that with? Its like a brand new car, very tight and quiet with no rattles or annoying noises. At the time it had full bars but we lost one around 35k miles. We had been a one car family (2007 Lexus RX350) for a number of years until our kids started getting into a lot of after school activities and we found ourselves needing a second car.......but still only once in a while. I was originally looking at the Fiat 500e because the lease deals are ridiculously cheap but the car is a shoebox. The Leafs are similarly priced but a lot more car for the money. Then I saw what they were going for used and decided to pull the trigger. I waited until a good deal showed up, talked the gentleman down a little more and drove off with a 2.5 year old car for a little more than $6k. My wife is very particular and will nitpick about the smallest details. I assumed this would be my car and Id use it those 4-5 times a month that we need a second car. Go figure........my wife LOVES the car! I mean, I do too but Ill drive just about anything and be happy. Weve only had it 3 months and were hooked. I dont know that Ill ever buy another gas car. Weve only put gas in the Lexus a few times as it really only gets used for longer trips now, sitting unused for weeks on end. I was a little hesitant to buy this car because the car reviewers typically give it average ratings. Im not sure what it takes to make them happy because Ive owned just about every car under the sun, including some very nice ones and this is my favorite. We live in a warm part of southern california so Im a little apprehensive about what the heat is going to do to the battery but the way I see it is: even if the battery completely dies in a few years, Im still ahead of the game because it costs almost nothing to drive. Our electricity bill has gone up about $30 a month which is a quarter of what we were paying in gas and aside from tires theres literally no maintenance. When this thing dies well be moving onto either a Bolt or Tesla Model 3 as the range is the only complaint I have of this car.

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  Nice Auto! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By stephen dudas - May 15 - 6:46 am

  I have had a 2004 and 2006 Maxima. The cars have been excellent and great quality and value. Performance is great, driver comforts and features excellent. One complaint is the stiff ride I would attribute to the 18 inch tires with stiff sidewalls. Very happy overall however.

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  Trucks Arent Just For Boys - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By candy miller - May 14 - 8:40 pm

  I am a mom and grandma of 3 and always wanted a truck and finally got one and I am so happy with this truck. It is so roomy and 6 of us can fit into it very easily. The gas is pretty brutal though. And I have one of Nissans tailgate extenders and once you lose one of the knobs they are irreplaceable, so whatever you do, dont lose one. This truck is so powerful and fun to drive and my sons love it too. My grandsons love the entertainment system. I love all the exterior chrome on the outside. You really feel like youre in a big, safe vehicle.

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  Reliable Daily Driver - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By nissanfan4lyfe - May 13 - 5:40 pm

  28k miles in 7 months. Great used car value, awesome fuel economy, quiet relaxed ride, Nissan reliability, inexpensive to own & maintain. I use the car for travel reasons for work & its has performed flawlessly. I am happy with the purchase but car could be better.

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  gxe - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By graydon116 - May 12 - 10:00 am

  awesome. leased and would have bought at end except I had to get a minivan!

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  Dont Buy 02 Altima! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Kat On Fire - May 10 - 8:10 pm

  After 2 yrs, my car required a new Cat Converter. Now 42K miles later needs another Cat Converter and has engine problems-cost repair 5K - Nissan & Dealer 24mo/24K warranty on replacement-wont cover now. Although beautiful on the outside, this car is a LEMON. CD player skips when car hits bumps, car is noisey, Paint protector so thin scratches easily, quality tire style limited and difficult to find must buy thru dealer. Battery died,shorted out radio, Southlake dealership said replacement cost $2500. Another dealer pulled radio and replaced back fuse for $20. Dont buy this car! Wont last financing term. 1) Bad Motor; powertrain; paint durability; noisey; tires; sound system overall=LEMON!