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 to Nissan world - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By aussikolbe - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased Xterra 2 weeks ago. Love it! Chose over Ford Escape(appearence) I thought I liked my Durango but this makes the Durango drive like a station wagon. Alot of fun to drive. Milliage could be better. Would like to have motorized sunroof and leather but things like this keep the price very resonable. Made a very good choice.

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  Xstatic! - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By BLKJAK - March 13 - 2:00 am

  I test drove many SUVs before settling on my Xterra. It out-performed everything in its class. I too believe the seats get a bad rap - I think theyre plenty comfortable. I bought my wife a Pathfinder, but I prefer my Xterra.

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  My Research Proves Out - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By Driver111 - March 13 - 2:00 am

  I looked at and test drove many cars in the $12k-$15k range, and this one came out the best. After 15k miles, its been a fantastic choice. Lots of zip and fun to drive. Dash layout is good. Build quality is 100% so far.

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  Great Buy! - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By AKA - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car new and although it now only has 35000 miles, this car has operated flawlessly. This car drives, sounds, and rides just like the day I bought it. With the platinum spark plugs, and a timing chain (not a timing belt!) this car requires no maintenance other then oil and filter change. I believe that I could get 200,000 miles out of this car with very few repairs.

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  Black Beauty - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Thomas Hill - March 12 - 6:53 pm

  I exchanged a 2003 Track 350Z and find this vehicle more refined and easier to drive with the automatic, which is smooth as silk.

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  Sentra lover - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By C.Kushner - March 12 - 6:36 am

  I went shopping for an economical car for a reasonable price, and found it and more. With all the equipment and luxury car features the car has, it cant be beat. The ride is smooth and quiet and roomy. The CVT makes it very responsive.

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  And the winner is... - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By KZ - March 12 - 3:46 am

  With our 99 Toyota 4Runner breeching the 100K mark, it was time to look for a new, more modern SUV. Ride quality, 4- wheeling prowess, and functionality topped the list. The Pathfinder met each of those requirements as a whole better than nearly all of its competitors (and we looked at everything!). 1st and 2nd row seats offer good space and are supportive. The 3rd row is for humans under 5 feet. The 2nd row split works well for access to the 3rd row, but its reclining comfort is compromised by the center portions non-adjust.. We hit the Jeep trails in Sedona where it proved itself a worthy 4x4. While comparable to our 4Runner, its ride is far superior. Also more powerful and fuel eff.

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  Great Deal, just needs some updates - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Melaniec - March 12 - 2:00 am

  My Nissan Rogue was my first new vehicle purchase. Looking back I wish I had gone with some of the packages offered, like the bois sound and fog lights, but I didnt know you didnt have to get everything in the package. My family/friends like that the rear seating is actually comfortable. My daughter wished the windows went further down but what kid doesnt. As for the dislikes, I wish there were more cup holders. Like in the Nissan cars there have several upfront. Rogue has just 2. Also the blind spots are really bad due to the rear head rests. Also the jack in the armrest is rather inconvenient. The ride is smooth and great for traveling!

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  2010 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By Peppy - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Just picked up my 2010 Nissan Sentra S. The features that come with the vehicle is amazing The stereo sounds awesome. I am extremely comfortable in the car and I am 6 feet tall and 315 lbs. The vehicle seems very well built and the 2.0 liter engine shifts flawlessly and the car has good acceleration. I paid after the year end rebate and negotiation $15,500 for the car and $1295 for the 7 year/100,000 top of the line genuine Nissan extended warranty. I expect to keep this car for a long long time. It was an excellent purchase and so much better than the civic and corolla.

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  Owned a 350z for 10 years - it just runs great - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Will - March 11 - 1:24 pm

  Great car. Maintenance costs are very low. Brembo brakes are costly, but you only get what you pay for.