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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  Impressive - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Linda - August 20 - 7:56 pm

  I drive this vehicle hard. I have 95k mi, and NO notable problems. I consistently get about 18 mpg (L.A.traffic). The only thing that has failed is the face light for the Bose (too expensive to pull out and send out for repair). I absolutely love the engine (powerful and good torque). Good ride quality. Good looks. Very reliable! I have been struggling with whether or not to replace this vehicle (since Im nearing the 100,000 mi mark). Struggling, because I really have no other reason to trade this vehicle in- its still running strong and looks good. And yes, my purse falls on the floor, too- and I hate it!...but it has in all my other vehicles.

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  2016 Nissan Altima Led Daytime Running Lights - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By Norman Smith - August 20 - 12:40 am

  Unfortunately, you will be very upset to know that even though it appears to have led daytime running lights which all new cars have today. You will not get them even if you buy the most expensive model like I did. Every time I drive my new 2016 Altima SL (3.5), I see all other cars which are less expensive driving with their Led Daytime light on. I feel very much cheated. and rip off. So buyers beware when purchasing this car. Everything else with the car is completely fine.

• 

  Awesome Altima - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By DMODE - August 19 - 7:10 pm

  I just bought my 2009 Nissan Altima and I love it! It has a really smooth ride, has a good sound system. Looks almost like the other Altima upgraded models. Real big trunk and glove box to store items. Every time I drive it I feel real safe, I love the intel key and push button start. It has real good MPG too. I would recommend this car to anyone. GO NISSAN! :D

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  How can they call this a NAV system? - 2015 Nissan Rogue
  By sparky196 - August 19 - 4:54 pm

  I recently bought a 2015 Nissan Rogue with "NAV". This car is not equiped with a NAV system it is a map system only. If you want NAV you have to pay a monthly fee to Sirius something the dealership neglected to advise me of. . I have owned the car for 2 months, and during this time during the free trial period have been stuck several times in traffic situations Only to be "warned" of a problem while already stuck in it. This system is totally uselees and a complete waste of money

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  Not impressed - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Paul99 - August 19 - 4:40 pm

  My main complaint is the engine and transmission. Reliability is good, only replacing the exhaust manifold in 85,000 miles. But the engine is extremely weak (I have SC model), and the 4 speed auto transmission shifts very rough. Engine takes 15 minutes to "warm up" before the engine and trans are even acceptable for use. The supercharged engine only performs well in dry 60-70 degree weather. I live in Michigan, and we rarely have dry 60-70 degree weather. If I ride alone and temp is optimal, the car is fun to drive, but if i carry passengers, its sluggish at best. Gas mileage is unacceptable for a V6! I rarely get over 13mpg in city driving even when i baby it! Highway mileage is no better!

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  Love the power - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By JB - August 19 - 12:36 pm

  Purchased in Feb 2009, got a great deal (left over from 2008) and havent looked back since. This is the best pickup Ive ever owned, hands down.

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  LE w/Nav System and DVD player - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Done-in - August 19 - 8:03 am

  Pathfinder purchased had 3500 miles and came w/ everything. Its a pleasure to drive, solid in construction and well designed. Time will tell whether it holds up. Dealership experience very positive. Did not seem eager to discuss the .9 financing. Picked up the car a couple of hours later; they took it upon themselves to do oil change and give full tank of gas.

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  Absolutely love it!! - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Max17man - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I got my 96 GLE loaded when I got my license, and have loved it ever since. It has everything I could ask for and then some. The Bose audio system is simply amazing, I thought I was gonna have to spend big bucks for a nice sound system, not with this car! The sunroof is an added bonus, so are the leather seats. When merging onto highways, Im at 60 MPH in no time.

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  good little car - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By orcinus49 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Overall the 2002 se-r is a good car with room for tweaks of improvement. It is an improvement over the 99 limited edition sentra gxe I traded in for this one.

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  2003 SE-R Spec V - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By bnewton_xp - August 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car! I love everything about this car. I have about 400miles on it so far - I have nothing but good things to say about this car.... bnewton