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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  awesome truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By tommy - August 30 - 7:33 pm

  Have owned 5 trucks and by far this is the best nissan has built. I have the le crew cab and there is ample room for myself,wife and grandkids . This is a bigger truck all around with more room lots more horse power and fun to drive. Had a 2004 xe crew cab I thought was good but this 2005 le crew cab is awesome. I have leather package and ets. Test drove a toyota tocoma before buying the frontier/although toyota is a fine truck in my opinion the nissan crew cab is much better.

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  A super SUV to own & drive - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By D MARTIN - August 30 - 7:30 pm

  This truck is very fun to drive.The main reason why I purchased it was for the 5 star safety rating. Then the ride is very smooth and the power on the highway is great. It came with everything I wanted. I think the only thing that could be change is wood grain should be in all on the models.

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  Maxima will never break on you - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Kolyan - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I have 95 Maxima with over 160,000 miles on it and I never had to change anything, except for the oxigen sensor which is only about $100.

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  Japanese Sports Sedan - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By 03Max - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I have had the car for a little over a week now and all I can say is WOW!! The acceleration is unreal and the fit and finish is top notch. Bose stereo is second only to Lexus Mark Levinson. Got a great deal(bought at invoice) and the whole dealer experience was excellent, will definitely buy the 04 when it debuts.

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  Great new car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By JLeTourneau - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I love the interior of the vehicle. It is roomy and is very comfortable. It is a smooth ride.

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  excellent - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By bill - August 29 - 1:53 pm

  great truck to drive. much better than tundra we looked at. not one complaint!

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  what a great vehicle - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By mrs. west - August 29 - 8:00 am

  I have throughly enjoyed my 05 Pathfinder. I have received so many compliments that I feel so proud to own it. I has so far satisfied my needs in reliability and overall comfort. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone of any age.

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  Our Third Rogue: - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By pkrfan - August 29 - 6:26 am

  We leased a Rogue in 2009, and again in 2012. We turned the 2012 Rogue in early and leased a new 2014 recently. We enjoyed the earlier Rogues but find this new one to offer features that will be to our benefit.

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  easy - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By casmpb - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Love everything except ride when going slow. This is smooth driving on highway but rough in city going under 30. The comfort of 4-5 adults and a large dog in back is amazing.

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  It has been a good one - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By greenville sc - August 28 - 10:53 pm

  I have been awarded a company car and am selling my Pathfinder. It has been one of the best vehicles that I have ever owned. It was bothg fun to drive and versatile. I have never had any problems with it. I have 112,000 miles on it now and it runs like a new one. Buy one if you find one.