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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  Best in its class - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Mike of Queens - July 29 - 5:23 am

  A fun to drive car in a innovative package. Lots of pick up, some torque- steer though. All in All Great car for the money.

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  Good SUV - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Sean S. - July 29 - 5:06 am

  Ive owned this one for almost 6 years and have been quite pleased. Powertrain is rock solid with no issues. I have replaced water pump, timing belt, starter, alternator, brakes, struts and exhaust. All things I consider maintenance and not done until the last couple years. Access to back seats is awkward, several people have hit their heads getting in. The gas mileage stinks which is expected. The engine is somewhat underpowered but wouldnt trade it for the reliability. The ride is decent, a little stiff but its an SUV. Front seats are comfy and the flip down rear seats give you a lot of room to haul.

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  From a 95 Sonoma to an 06 NISMO - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Rocketman67 - July 29 - 12:13 am

  This is a truck that I new I was going to like when I ordered it but never thought it would be this nice. She is not perfect by any means but its a truck that when I get behind the wheel I just like to drive and drive an not necessarily go anywhere. It just feels good being behind the wheel. It has the NISMO package which I thought would have been a harsh ride but even upping the air in tire to 40 PSI is still comfy.

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  Great truck! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By tony - July 28 - 6:50 am

  After 3 yrs and 40k, no issues or problems. Gas mileage is 15 mpg in winter and 17 mpg in summer. Still runs like a champ, great in bad weather, Nice on long trips. The Bose stereo is one of the best factory units Ive had. Overall, a win!

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  Love my Rouge - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Steve - July 28 - 5:46 am

  This is my 1st time ever owning anything other than GM vehicles and i have to say that Nissan has done a amazing job on building a comfortable and good sized SUV. Sorry GM but you have a lot of rebuilding to do before i ever trust buying American again!

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  Excellent purchase - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By VersaDude - July 27 - 7:36 pm

  This car is fantastic! I used to have a 2002 Sentra and I cant believe how much better this vehicle is over it. This has to be my best car purchase ever for a vehicle in this class. Im not sure how theyre making money from this vehicle cause a lot of thought and money went into it.

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  A Max of a car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Phill - July 27 - 3:53 pm

  Wonderful vehicle! Smooth, quiet and roomy with enough toys inside to keep passengers happy. Big turning circle a turn off but otherwise very happy.

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  2007 2.5SL altima i love it - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By gcs - July 27 - 10:26 am

  I got a 2.5SL Nissan altima and its great. Leather seats are good and comfy.

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  dream come true - 1996 Nissan 300ZX
  By badger - July 27 - 10:00 am

  Hunted a while for one in good shape finally found it. This car is not a turbo, but still has great performance and handling. very fun to drive and will turn heads for many years to come.

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  My Maxima is GREAT! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By 2 P CHEE - July 27 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE this car! Im an Acura girl at heart, but feel I made a great choice in the Maxima SE. I love the get up and go and my Xenon headlights. Im trying to adapt to the turning radius-- kind of makes me want to check out that 2004 Acura TL. Overall this car is fabulous for the price!!!