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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  titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By mike - July 26 - 6:56 am

  excellent truck to own and drive. Great performance and handling, Gas milage could be a bit better, though overall driving experience i would rate at 9.5 out of ten, especially the looks my wife gets while driving it to the grocery store!

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  4 door Sports Car - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By miles316 - July 25 - 6:40 pm

  The 4 door spots car indeed; My Nissan Maxima SV sport package, loaded. Your evaluation of this car will depend on your definition of driving. If you like hard cornering and accelerating adrenaline junky of a car, this is for you. If you want to drive in acute boredom, void of road feel with high speed cornering avoidance, look to Lexus and Cadillac DTS. You need to take this car by the scruffs; tame it like a bull, and you’d be laughing. I got my wife an Acura TL SH-AWD 2010; great car. The Acura tells you when you are going too fast. My Maxima says “is that all you’ve got” seducing you into losing your license. What a machine.

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  My great first car - 1995 Nissan 200SX
  By Nissan fan2 - July 25 - 5:30 pm

  This was my first car ever and I was nervous. Never thought I would be buying a "sporty" car. This is the greatest car though. No major repairs, fuel efficient, enough space for a Xmas tree. I hope it will last another 10 years. I am thinking about finding some used just in case I need the parts. Nissan indeed should bring this car back. Why not? I never want anything else!

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  Bulletproof!!! - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jonnom130 - July 25 - 8:44 am

  I recently purchased this vehicle with 220k miles and was skeptical because of the mileage. However, this skepticism was short lived. This truck is solid! There are no fluid leaks, seeping gaskets, or strange noises. It doesn’t smoke, knock, or tick. I am amazed at how well it runs with such high mileage. EVERYTHING works as it should. I have had to make a few minor repairs that are common with high mileage vehicles. I recommend this model year vehicle to anyone looking for reliable transportation. My only complaint is the fuel economy. I have to say it gets terrible gas mileage. Expect about 13 city and no more than 20 on the highway.

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  Nissan truck disquised as SUV - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By vixkix69 - July 25 - 6:46 am

  I like this XTERRA a lot. I have only had it for 2 months, but it is just like an old friend, specifically the old Nissan truck I had years ago. It IS very rugged looking and DRIVING. It feels every bump and curve in the road,but it keeps on going. Its a fun truck / suv to drive. Yes, the 5 speed is NOT powerful, but anyone knows that before they buy it (internet research).It keeps me from getting tickets! Its too cute for words and so far, I like it. We also have a Titan which is rated pretty low.But we like it,too. IT IS TOO POWERFUL!

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  Love this truck - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By LIONSNIS - July 25 - 4:00 am

  just have to say thank you nissan for makeing a TRUCK, thats right a truck ahead of the rest . i get so many compliments on the truck its great, cant wait to go somewere my wife needs something from the store you bet i say yes ill go for you honey thank you agin for The #1 truck made ... Have a great day

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  bad luck with cars - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By wyant - July 24 - 5:12 pm

  Ive only had my 2004 nissan sentra since February. Ive had nothing but problems with it. Ive already had to have a new cat converter put on. Light is on again for a gas cap code, and then last night i hit the on button for cruise....and my horn honked. It honks now whether i turn my cruise on or off. And then a couple times it didnt do it!!! Anyone else having the same problems? Especially the horn honking!!

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  Pathfinder numero dos! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By pheb - July 23 - 1:06 pm

  Drove a 1996 Pathfinder for nine years (180K miles). Nothing wrong with the old one - just wanted something new, and could assist a relative by giving them the old one. I wanted another SUV and thought Id try something different; "new and improved", so to speak. Did lots of research, many test drives, and the 05 Pathfinder won again. Its comfortable, drives tight, and accomodates the combination of long legs and high heels. The new styling is fresh and the combo performance/comfort package makes road trips pleasant. BTW, the 96 is still going strong. I was unable to ignore my personal historical data. I have every expectation that my 05 will provide the same years of reliability.

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  2004 nissan 350z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By griff - July 23 - 1:06 am

  I am a very aggressive driver and this car takes it very well and handles like it is on rails. The only problem I have found is that the tires wear out really fast front and rear. It gets excellent gas mileage considering the power the car has. I drove the car on a trip 5 hours straight and was very comfortable. I would rate this car a 9.9 out of 10.

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  O5 Pathfinder LE AWD - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Mazi - July 22 - 11:10 pm

  I bought my 05 Pathfinder LE AWD 3 weeks ago and so far Im enjoying the ride its quiet on the road and smooth but it roar on first and 2nd gear if you push hard the throttle but quick and fast , I like the comfort in front seat especially driver side And Bose radio With 9 speaker,SSV ann offroad capability and this vehicle is 3 in 1 SUV,Truck,Van