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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  Thanks Nissan! - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By cbas00 - February 15 - 10:00 am

  This truck is just fun to drive. The more miles I put on it, the more I love it.

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  Wonderful SUV - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By desire - February 15 - 10:00 am

  This Xterra has been a god sent!!! It is great to be a 23yr old and be able to afford an suv that is reliable and doesnt make you look like you should be hauling the soccer team around. I have one child he is 2 1/2 and the car seat fits nicely he even has his own dvd player on the back of the passenger seat. There is more than enough hauling space. We have used it in the snow and believe me the first snow storm we had after we bought it we were looking for untouched snow, we had a blast and it handled as if there was nothing in its way. The ground clearance is just enough to do all the fun stuff off roding but not to high that you neeed a step stool.

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  In Love - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Scorepin - February 15 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased the Xterra XE 4x4 in yeloow. I am so in love with this vehicle. There are only 3 minor irritations. 1....horrible gas milage, 2. It could be a tad bit more confortable and 3. the arm rest is pratically non existent. The major draw back is it needs a bit more gusto. If its a smooth ride youre looking for and not an off road vehicle shop else where. If you want an outdoor vehicle capable of what the others only claim then the Xterra is for you. Fun truck, great colors. Peruzzi in Langhorne went the distance to get me this truck with what I wanted in it. Excellent warranty!

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  What a Disappointment - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Rodney H. - February 14 - 10:43 pm

  I purchased my 04 Maxima brand new and had high expectations. The first 3 years were relatively fine .... only minor inconveniences with recalls (sky view roof, heated seats) and minor mechanical issues. During the fourth and fifth years I had nothing but trouble ... motor mounts, transmission, computer errors, sensor trouble. It finally got to the point that the vehicle was unsafe for me to drive my children in ... I was afraid that it would sputter and stall with them in the vehicle as it ahd done to me alone on 2 prior occasions. Finally dumped it at the MBZ dealer and purchased an 08 C350

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  A good car,but.... - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Ed Fish - February 14 - 8:10 pm

  I like my new Altima. Have about 5k on it. Things I dont like are...Cant read instruments-poor design, lighting. cant read radio dial. Back up lights ineffective. Roof poorly insulated-noisy wheb raining. Sun roof..wind noise at higher speeds

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  Happy traveler - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By NortonGuy - February 13 - 9:23 pm

  We have taken the Pathfinder as our preferred vehicle on many long-distance trips (500-2500 miles). It is a very comfortable road car. Only once has it been off-road and that was equally impressive. It was a very fast dash on gravel roads in Death Valley. The only flaw is getting in and out of the vehicle requires you to be small and/or agile. Possibly the best car weve owned over 40 years.

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  Great BIG SUV - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By mich42 - February 13 - 12:53 pm

  We really like this Armada LE 4WD so far the only problem was the rear hatch sensor would only allow the door to close about 50 % of the time. It took three visits and a free rental car before they discovered the problem. We really enjoy the Bose 265 watt 10 speaker sound system. This SUV rides very nice and quiet I might add. Yes it uses a lot more gas than my Mercury Grand Margue did. We dont have the Nav package but that is fine. Lots of people stop and gaze at it. The 4 captains chairs and two consoles are nice along with the rear A/C controls. The roof mounted air bags are a good feature. The electronic stability (VDS) is a great feature also.

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  Super Auto - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By lamonstra - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Simply put, this is the best vehicle I have ever owned. I have owned approx. 25 other autos. This one is very reliable, quick and decisive. Get one if you have the means.

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  Maxima is a classic - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By jkm - February 13 - 10:00 am

  This car has been an absolute delight to drive. We have never had ANY mechanical problems with it. It has ample power, and the quality of the build is outstanding. With regular care, the exterior and interior are pristine with the exception of some small rock chips to the front end and windshield. We also have a 99 Passat GLX, which despite the excellent reviews, has been a lemon. The Maxima remains our favorite car, and we look forward to the next model change in 2004.

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  Smooth Ride - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By acm147 - February 13 - 10:00 am

  I drove cross country in my Sentra this summer. 1700 miles in two days, and every mile was a delight. The sound system and 6 disc changer also made traveling more enjoyable.