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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  Nissan Early Armada Review - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Lairdland - November 25 - 4:13 pm

  I have owned a 2004 Armada SE 4wd since May, 2004. For a $40k vehicle, I would think the build quality would have been better. Also, the Armada burns up tires pretty fast, about every 35k miles. Too many times Ive had to take it to the dealer for recalls and/or warranty repairs, and recently I have had to battle Nissan to warranty a replacement of my moonroof glass and seal, as it has started leaking like a sieve. Status of this > $1k claim: pending. I really like the styling and interior layout, and the engine is powerful and smooth. However, the amount of time it has to spend in the shop is appalling.

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  Be carefull - 2010 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Mario - November 25 - 11:33 am

  Watch out when buying Nissan. They are known for the "check engine soon" light coming on - this will cost you at least $550.

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  Great Car, better than Corolla I owned - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By RG - November 25 - 7:16 am

  I have owned this car for a month now and have to say I am very pleased with this vehicle. I traded my 2009 Toyota Corolla in for this car and I have no regrets doing so. From day one I had issues with my Corolla. I cannot say the same about my Sentra. I am currently averaging about 32mpg with 50% city and 50% highway driving. CVT is very smooth.

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  Excellent - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Gajas - November 25 - 6:30 am

  The car engine is very good. Mileage is not that what they advertise but it is definitely worth buying the car especially if you are not looking for anything which is fancy. Interior is very comfortable and airy and has lots of space. The car design is different than new versions like Fit and 2007 Hatchback of Hyundai but it is different and unique.

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  Great Truck...Period! - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Czech1 - November 24 - 9:40 pm

  Like the title says, Great Truck...Period! Did a lot of shopping and comparing before deciding on the Frontier. Standard features plus what you get with the SE V6 Value Pkg blew the others away. Absolute best value out there. The ride is very smooth and quiet, transmission shifts are almost unnoticeable, more power than expected, handles great. Fit and finish is awesome. Especially surprised at how little, if any wind noise at highway speeds. Plenty of interior room. Interior is rather plain but very functional. Ive only got 2000 miles on it but on my last trip I avg 24.5 mpg on the highway. I highly recommend this truck!

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  great car - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By driver2000 - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle, solid handles great. Poor OEM tires. Try Nitto 450s.

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  Most Reliable Truck ever owned - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By 95SEPATHFIDER - November 24 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my 95 SE Pathfinder for over 4 years, and have not had any problems AT ALL (knock wood) since purchased. Its not the fastest out there, but the ride is good up to 75 mph. I want to buy a new SUV but cant justify it (buying). This (95) was the Last year before the major changes, so this is a tried and true truck, with a 10 + reliability rating!

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  GREATEST CAR MONEY CAN BUY and fast - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Tru - November 24 - 10:00 am

  this is my 3rd maxima and this is my favorite. its a 1996 gxe which i turned into an SE in over 5 months. spoiler, sunroof, custom leather seats, exhaust, air intake. and 2002 SE wheels. Maximas are the greatest cars of all time. I cannot believe Im selling so i can buy an american *****. Sorry to my fellow Maxima owners. I need a v-8 Trans AM. DO NOT GET ME WRONG Maximas are still fast and luxurious this is going to be the first American Car i am buying and if one this goes wrong Im going back to the Maxima. If you are just wondering stock the Maxima runs 15.9 and my maxima now runs 14.66. these cars are fast stock and have great potential.:)

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  All Around Decent Truck, But... - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Squid - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Lots of people have complained about the gas mileage and yes its not great. Recently, got about 315 miles on 15.6 gallons. Thats about 20 MPG with mostly highway driving and thats what the sticker said, so Im not complaining. Very pleased with the long bed. Ive run into quite a few instances where the extra length was needed. I really like the overall versatility of the truck. It seats five (somewhat comfortably) and yet still has plenty of room in the bed for bikes, fishing gear, whatever.

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  Excellent Car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By AltimaLover - November 24 - 10:00 am

  Great car!. If you dont want all the bells and whistles you can get it for well under $20K. The stick shifts well. The 2.5L has plenty of power. Ive had mine about 8 months now and still love it. When I went away for a week for vacation and came back my heart was pounding from anticipation of driving this car! Getting 25-29 mpg depending on conditions. A/C and heat are almost instantaneous. Seats are very comfortable. Steering is solid and it holds the road very well. Ive gotten so many complements on this car! If youre looking for a good solid car that moves, is fun to drive, practical, and wont break the bank, this is it!