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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  Superb Mid Size Performance Sedan!! - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By jhatfie - May 20 - 11:38 am

  Having owned this car for a while now, I have to say that is still blows me away. It really has excellent power, on par with my tweaked 320HP Subaru Legacy GT I once owned. Gas mileage is averaging 25mpg in mixed driving, but have seen as high as 28mpg in heavy highway stints which is very good for a nearly 300hp V6. With the sport package the car handles very well with little body roll while still being comfortable. Interior is on par with entry level luxury model like the Infinity G37 and Lexus IS. Ride is quiet making it easy to converse with passengers or to hear audio details in the rather good Bose Stereo. Car is very handsome looking and muscular without looking overdone.

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  Pathfinder - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By lonewolfviii - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I have seen the up and coming models and if there like this then you should start including them i have had 3 models in my onwership and i want to say i have never had any problems with this suv i will buy the armada when it is released i am sure it will be the one all that beats all just like the 2003 pathfinders so watch out . this pathfind i have pre ordered for my company so do your homework and see the truth

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  Just bought a 4X2 LE - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By gem - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Pretty nice SUV. It has all the bells and whistles of a luxury car and rides rather confortably on long journeys/trips.

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  Nissan Maxima SE - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Ridre52 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I own a 1997 Nissan Maxiam SE with close to 100,000 miles on it. There has only been two things wrong with it (Belts broke ($36 fix) and alternator (Factory Recall). So far (knock on wood), its a great car. This is why we decided to spend the extra buck and go with a 2002 Maxima SE with every avaiable option including the navigation system (which rocks). I recomend this car to anyone. They truely are great cars.

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  Getting lots of attention - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Jeff Buice2 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I now get lots of looks from people who apparently either like or dislike my new Murano. I personally like very much the styling and that is one main reason I purchased it.

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  I love it! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Carolyn Brewer - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I fell in love with this vehicle when I test drove it and couldnt wait to buy one. It is easy to get in and out of, drives like a dream, and I love the styling, inside and out.

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  My Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Joe De Vivre - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This car is a winner! A Snug interior, sleek, new design, very quick very smooth. Handles perfectly. The 20 gallon tank is a terrific feature allows for long rides without frequent stops. The storage space in interior is more than adequate. I really love the Z. Its more fun than any other car I have ever owned. Other people seem to really love the look, I know I do. The Z has all the fun and great performance of the pricier sports cars with a more reasonable price. Nissan has a winner here in this new Z. I Love it!

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  The best car I have ever driven - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By PeterNice - May 20 - 10:00 am

  I wouldnt trade this car in for a BMW three or five series. I wouldnt even take this car over a Benz

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  04 MAX - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By GJ53 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Have 9000 miles and no warranty issues. Will try to adjust doors on right side to see if road noise goes away. Great on long trips, very comfortable

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  45,000 Update - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By billiebad - May 20 - 4:55 am

  Still very happy with the vehicle. No repairs just normal maintainence through 45,000 miles. Tires will need a refresh at 50,000. Leather looks brand new. Love the wide cargo area in the back - great for golf clubs. Fun to drive for an SUV. CVT will remain a worry until the newer models show they hold together than the 07 and earlier models.