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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  Been a great lease, deciding to purchase it or not - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By tmac4718 - September 14 - 12:07 am

  Brand new lease on 08/13/2008, now has 36k miles. Have enjoyed the car so much Im trying to decide whether to just buy it. If it was awd it would be a no brainer. Even with brand new Toyo all seasons this year it still stinks in the winter. Car is too light and cant keep the front tires from slipping entirely too much in the winter, drove my 4wd instead. Brakes have squealed the whole time, dealer says normal. And an odd loud ping upon startup when putting in reverse. Dealer can never reproduce the ping. Other than that great car. Other peoples tranny issues concern me but still has warranty

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  To Juke or not to Juke! - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By osu_dtm - September 13 - 9:32 pm

  I will say the car is fun to drive... BUT... like many other reviews... the frog does not get the gas mileage it should and a 11 gal gas tank is pathetic. I can get 26 mpg on the highway with really babying the car - meaning no quick accelerations, not going over 65, and in ECO mode. Once you hit the gas and try to pass anyone you will get 23 mpg. This is with 91 octane. I also noticed the electronic gas mile estimate is not accurate. If you do the math mileage/# of gals you will get better numbers. For example, the car states 22.8 and I am getting 23.4. Also, the interior has too much plastic, the seats are pretty stiff, and there is no arm rest which is ridiculous.

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  great in head-on - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By ellen black - September 13 - 8:40 pm

  This is my second Pathfinder. I was in a head on collision in my first at 45mph with my daughter in the front seat. Both cars were totaled, but we both walked away. I had whiplash, but by daughter was unscratched. Accelerator pedal sticks, doesnt handle well on turns, and the fuel economy is awful, plus there are small rust spots around passanger door windows already, after 60,000 miles. Im still mostly happy with it.

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  Great Truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By TM - September 12 - 9:46 pm

  I love this truck. Ive owned a Toyota and believe me it is a Toy compared to the Frontier.

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  Nissan quality cars and trucks - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By THOMAS MANZO - September 12 - 6:56 am

  Ive owned a couple of Nissans and they are both outstanding vehicles. Reliable quality vehicles. I never had to worry about being let down or stuck somewhere on long trips cross country and I drive them hard. High mileage vehicles and they handle and drive like new. Very happy and satisfied with the vehicle, and I love my 2002 4WD Longbed fully loaded Frontier.

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  Great car, great value - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By DavidG - September 12 - 5:30 am

  Purchased this car used with about 8k miles on it. New, it stickered for about $31K, but I picked it up for about $21K, a real bargain. This is a fun car. Ive only had 3 problems with the car: At around 25k miles the Speed Sensitive Volume became erratic. Nissan changed out the Bose unit, it was fine for a few months and then the problem came back. They replaced the unit again and suggested if it happened again they would probably replace the amp. Both times were under warranty; no charge. No problems since. I now have about 68k miles, and a few months ago the front psgr window motor was replaced due to some sticking. Thats it. This car is reliable.

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  2004 SL AWD - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By CK - September 12 - 12:03 am

  Very comfortable cabin. Seats are very comfortable. Auto climate control is one of the best I have used. Dashboard has a couple of rattles, but no other quality issues have come up. Has great midrange power...accelerating from 40 to 60, etc. Off the line acceleration is fine, but average. This car has great ability to haul passengers and cargo. It is very versatile and just plain comfortable. I originally wanted a Dodge Magnum with the big motor. Although I still wish I had the big motor, this car does too many things "right" for me to look back now. I am very happy with my selection. Also looked at the Saturn VUE, but it is really not in the same league as the Murano.

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  Great looks, no reliability - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By manny andujar - September 11 - 8:13 pm

  I have had my Maxima for about 3 years now and I love it. This car performs, as well as offer great style. I take care of my car and I would expect it to last. Sadly it has me fed up with its annoying problems such as when I put the cd player on, the left side speakers dont work, the transmission jumps, the back of the car spins out easily, there is even an annoying flickering sound. Sometimes it reeks like rotten eggs, and the steering radius is horrible. I love my car, and I might not ever part with it. It has only 40,000 miles and when I can afford it Im gonna have to get a new transmission, cat converter, cd player and new finger valves.

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  Truck Rating - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Mikeeads - September 11 - 2:20 pm

  I drive my truck to work and home all week which is about a 55 mile round trip. I have to go up a mountain and through a very curvy two lane country road. The ride is smooth and comfortable, and I have power to spare when I want to pull out and pass going up the mountain. It goes great in the mud and snow and shifting into 4 wheel is a breeze. I enjoy just getting in my truck and driving not only is it comfortable but its fun and I always feel safe in it.

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  Great first car, I love it! - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Angela - September 11 - 2:04 pm

  I got this car for my very first car, and so far Im inlove with it! It drives perfect and is so easy to drive! So far its been very reliable and Iv already put around 500 miles on it, in 2 weeks! I think the only complaint I have is when I look over my shoulder its harder to see because of how the back is, but it hasnt been a problem! I drove 4 hours up to my moms house and I was comfortable the whole time, and so was my dad in the passenger seat! It gets very speedy too! Overall I recommend this car to anyone!