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 MAX POWER - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By BUCKSPD - August 22 - 12:03 am

  A great vehicle to drive,has power when needed,on a long ride it has good comfort,very good handling vehicle,a good solid vehicle.

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  Powerful and Tough - 2009 Nissan Armada
  By Jennifer Lizama - August 20 - 2:46 pm

  I Love this SUV. I would recommend this SUV to anybody and everybody. Safe, reliable, plenty of room awesome power and features are excellent. It may be a V8 engine, but very quiet and powerful and also fast when you step on it. I just cant get over how powerful and fast this SUV is. Buy one you will never regret it.

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  Great auto highly recommend - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By joleen larkin - August 20 - 5:30 am

  I have been very impressed with all aspects of the car. I was looking at the Murano. I feel it is pricey compared to this and Rogue receives much better mileage. Very pleased, I encourage you to take a test drive.

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  2nd times a charm - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Holly - August 20 - 5:23 am

  Before purchasing my new baby, I traded in my Nissan Pathfinder 1999.5. She was a beautiful car. I had her for almost six years when we decided we needed a bigger car. She only sat 5, the new baby seats 7. I really didnt want a new car, my baby only had 57K miles, but after test-driving I fell in love. I really trust the Nissan Pathfinder. I went amost 6 years in my 99 and had not a lick of trouble with her. This new one is not only comfortable to drive, its fun. The kids are comfortable and we know we are safe with the side airbags and VDC. Thank you Nissan, for making an awesome SUV, even better.

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  Damn...Its Nice!!! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Nordel - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Like riding in a limosine with your head in the clouds. Over 3 month we test drove the large Ford, Chevy, GMC, Dodge & Toyota SUVs. They were nice but none of them grabbed both of us. Then my wife and I saw and test drove the Armada. There was just no comparison between the Armada and all of the others. We had to have one. The ride and overall comfort for this type of vehicle is exceptional. It can go anywhere I need and do just about anything all others can do with little or no effort at all. I cant stop showing it off and after a month I am still going into the garage to stare at it at night. You gotta get yourself one!

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  Suspension - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By phixsius - August 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car, run fast and have a great interior space.

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  Quest second time around - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By QuestComplete - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I checked out Sienna 2004, Odyssey and MPV and decided that this van provided most value for my money. Lots of safety features, gadgets and most interior space among all the minivans I tested.

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  The verry best - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Jerry C. - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I have been waiting for a truck to have all of the awsome things that is offered by the titan

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  I couldnt be happier - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By hwwaaahhhhh - August 19 - 2:00 am

  This truck is all that and more. I cant believe i wasted all that time test driving the Fords and Dodges. Now, im comfortably looking at them in my rear view window.

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  Theres A New Sheriff InTown! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Black Label - August 19 - 2:00 am

  This Bad Boy is a Beast! Ihave been a GM lover for 25yrs+.But this time i gave every full size truck a chance! Nothing out there impressed me as much as this TITAN! To me it feels like a sports car/caddy with a big ass truck wrapped around them!! Dont go buy your old favorite without a least one test drive of the new KING of Full sizers!! Finest Truck ive ever driven bar none,Just touch that gas pedal and go from there.Though you may have trouble keeping the big GRIN off your face Good Luck!!!!!!!!