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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  Love Me X - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Shrubber - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I used Edmunds when looking for a vehicle so I thought I would return the favor. I have only had my X for about 4 months but I really like it a lot. I have had to take it back for minor non- mechanicalwarranty work twice, the lumbar support in the driver seat and the passenger window, other than that love it! I think it is important to know I was in a small pick up before. Gas mileage is about 17 for me in the city. This isnt a race car by any means but I think it is adequately powered. Love the exterior looks, and all back seat passengers have complimented the higher up seating. Problem is there are so many of them on the road now!!

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  number 1 - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By pollo_fuego - July 6 - 10:00 am

  The Nissan Xterra, is buy far the best off-roading/in-town suv in its price range. Although lacking in comfort during long road trips, the standard V6 offers enough power to get you anywhere. Good preformance on and offroad, I personaly have left many of my friends SUVs in the dust, weather on or off road. The best choice for the active, go get it lifestyle. I love it!

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  EXCELLENT BUY - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By LEONEL - July 6 - 10:00 am

  EXCELLENT PURCHASE. FEATURES ON THE MAXIMA HAVE REALLY BEEN UPGRADED. EXTRA FEATURES SUCH AS BOSE STEREO AND NAVIGATION SYSTEM REALLY MAKES THE MAXIMA LOOK AND FEEL LIKE A LUXURY CAR. BASED ON THE COMPETITION, THE MAXIMA STANDS WELL ABOVE THE REST.

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  2004 Maxima SL Review - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By feyzi - July 6 - 10:00 am

  This 04 Maxima SL replaced my Honda Accord Coupe. Great car, except its cheap interior materials. Plastics used for headlight and wiper controls have to go. Nissan, please add a $10 foot rest, please. Coin box would be great. Excellent stereo and computer system. Great sound quality. Fun to drive. Excellent exterior design. Great breakes.

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  I love it! - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Abby C - July 6 - 9:46 am

  I bought my 03 Pathfinder in Aug 05 and ever since its been wonderful. Yeah, the gas mileage isnt anywhere near a hybrid --but if thats what youre looking for then buy a Civic. But my Pathfinder is great!! Ive never had any mechanical problems. The only problem I had was with the heat shields. They became rusted and was removed, but thats what I get for living in Chicago. Let me tell you, I absolutely HATE driving in the snow, but the 4WD helps a lot. I love the bose, heated seats, 6CD changer, programmable drivers seat, & everything else! My boyfriend was mad because I made the decision of buying this car without him, but he (being the car guy he is) even admits it was worth it!!

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  Best Suv - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By gene - July 6 - 6:33 am

  This car replaced my 2000 Lexius Rx300. The Lexus was a great car, but I like the Murano even better. I dont think the Lexus is worth $10,000 more, same price maybe I would have gone back to Lexus.Just completed a 3000 mile I95 trip down and back to Florida and got 23 mpg fully loaded and high speed. Unlike others I like the metal finishes on the inside. Gives a high tech and cool feeling. Great seats and I LOVE the rear camera.Holds a ton of stuff. 18 inch tires give the vehicle great height, but still easy to get in and out of and I am only 5.6.

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  watch out baby - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Wendy - July 6 - 1:26 am

  All the research on this vehicle was worth it. Ive enjoyed every minute of driving. Ive been off road and feel completely confident in every situation. This SUV handles great on and off road, the stereo is fantastic. I added my XM satellite radio. You can feel the bass under your seat. My 13 yo loves that! This SUV has the power to get on the freeway quick and handles great. I look forward to driving this SUV every day.

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  floats like a bee - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By murano - July 6 - 1:00 am

  i find that on long drives i am not so fatigued and tired it must be the height and very supported seats i liked the quietness of the engine hardly any vibration its a pleasure to drive than there is the gas pedal which i found it hard to accelerate smoothly it seems to jump out

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  Made for the Track!! - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By trak350 - July 5 - 12:10 pm

  I have owned my 350 for about 2 years now and its still as fun to drive now as it was when I first bought it. Super fast, awesome design and lack of them on the road still allows the heads to turn when I drive down the road. Although some of the interior features are a little cheap, I still feel like Im in a cockpit behind the wheel. The handling is outstanding, but you pay for it with bumps on the road. Have had gliches with the windows, but it was covered on the warrenty. This car isnt just for dudes, my wife drives it all the time. Not much else to say except go see for yourself!

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  Even Better then I thought. - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Markym - July 4 - 5:53 pm

  Traded in my 2001 Mazda tribute. I wanted something between a car and my SUV. Thus The Rogue. I had a chance to take it out for an hour on the hwy. It was great. At first I left the radio off to hear the possible noise issues other have said. After I stopped focusing on the noise. No problem for me. Lots of pick up. NOT going to miss my Tribute. The Rogue takes corners so well. I can feel that car feeling. Love the option from automatic to manual shifting. Works well for that extra kick you might need the odd time. If your more aggressive you would tend to use this more so. .I did push it around the corners getting off the hwy. Did very well. hugged the road