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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  Its the 4WD Maxima - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Kayakingmom - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I cant say enough good things about our 2001 Pathfinder. We were skeptical trading in a 1999 4Runner. This pathfinder Wins HANDS DOWN. Safe, nimble handling, much better gas mileage than the Toyota. We Just Love it. Two kids in car seats rinding in the back seat now, Golden Retriever in the way back. Two Kayaks on the roof. The Power and Handling are key. Great Feel for the road. The reliability is BULLETPROOF. My husband is on his 3rd Maxima and he prefers to drive the Pathfinder AKA the "4WD Maxima" Cheap Gas does not affect the power.

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  Wonderful Car! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Sandra L. - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I cant say enough about this car. Its such a pleasure to drive. The ride really amazed me. The engine is so smooth also.Compared to my last car a 2001 Altima. I havent had any problems to speak of with this car. Also that this car doesnt have to have a tune up for 110,000 miles was a real selling point. Just a all around great car. Go get one.;)

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  I Love My Car - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Josephine Novak - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle last May 2003. The performance has been absolutely great. It is easy to handle. Very confortable with the lumbar in the drivers seat. We have driven for at least 500 miles in one day and come off the trip feeling fine and not exhausted. It has not caused me a minute of worry. We have had it serviced several times with oil change and that is all that I have invested in one year except gas of course. I seem to get 24 miles to the gallon in city driving. The leather has held up great.

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  Titanium Tough - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By JG ATVS - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I have approx.2000 miles on the truck and the acceleration,torque and towing capability is great.The mpgs is a little lower than expected but the ride, handling and interior features are excellent.Would recommend truck to anyone.

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  Tough to Beat - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Alteema - September 15 - 10:00 am

  Drove almost every family car out there. This is by far the best of all worlds. No compromising size with sporty character, its all in here.

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  Maxima 2004 - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Nancy Aaberg - September 15 - 10:00 am

  It is a great vehicle. It has a lot of power. Extemrly comfortable with lots of leg room

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  Pretty satisfied - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Pretty satisfied - September 15 - 9:16 am

  Ok, so Ive been reading the reviews here and I must say, consumer knows best indeed. I purchased my 08 Altima on 10/19 and it has been a thrill! I love to CVT. I was going to going to get the 3.5 but my pockets wouldnt allow me. I happened to approach a 2.5 S that had leather seats put in along with the woodgrain kit so i went with it. I love the overall design and feel of the car. Great gas mileage. I just recently totalled out my Monte Carlo SS and needed some new wheels quick and this car saved the day. If youre looking for a low-key, stylish ride, this car is for you!

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  Good to Me - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By juliemc - September 15 - 5:23 am

  After driving a certifiable lemon, I purchased the Altima. The ride is really smooth. I havent needed any major repairs to the car, just annual stuff and oil changes. The heat/air cond. is superior. The seats are comfortable. Gas mileage is good. The trunk is roomy also.

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  Nissan Armada SE Off Road - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By barry aguilar - September 14 - 2:00 am

  best suv out there, priced reasonably, drives beautiful, i am a very short woman and thought i would be intimidated by the size, but it drives awesome. The exterior is different from alot of other suvs out there, and we love the color.

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  GREAT Car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By NissanFan - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I just got my Altima used and its been great so far. Its fast and great on gas. Ive been getting 30+ mpg average. Car handles great, looks awesome, but interier could be a little nicer, but isnt too bad.