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 Car, The Truth! - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By TreeTree - August 4 - 4:35 pm

  I bought this car brand new, and never had an issue with it. Kept up with the maintenance/ oil changes and still going at great at 115,000 miles. Ive had a lot of cars, Pontiac, Olds, Ford, Kia, dodge(horror stories on transmissions), and Toyota.. This is by far the best car Ive ever owned. I have AWD and it handles the cold, harsh climate of Upper Peninsula Michigan just fine. Lets just say, Ive past many 4wD trucks on the side of the road during the snow storms and made it home safe and sound. I would buy another Nissan Rogue in a second, and recommend this car.

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  The Beast - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Nissan Pathfinder - August 4 - 4:00 pm

  I dont think I have had more fun driving a vehicle than our Pathfinder (and I have been driving for over 40 years). The cargo space is great yet when needed will hold 7 people. I have had 6 cyclinder vehicles before but this is the strongest one I have driven. This is my first Nissan and I am real pleased with it. We considered buying a Toyota Highlander because I have owned several Toyotas and was pleased with it. But the Pathfinder was to us in a class of its own. I highly recommend this.

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  My first car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Lil J - August 4 - 6:30 am

  Man there is only one thing that i have to say about this car. Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I got this car after i graduated from high school. I thought that i was gonna get a 2.5S but i got a 3.5Se. The performance in this car is awesome. I can reach 0-60 in like 6.0 Seconds. I remember one day i was on the expressway and i thought i was speeding, i looked down at the speedometer and i was only going 50. This car has great handling and great pick up. I especially love the dual exhaust and the xenons that my car came with. It makes me think that i have a lexus or something. The bose system is great to. The only thing that i want is the navi system but i can deal without it.A great car.

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  A Great SUV - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By John Hill - August 4 - 6:16 am

  I thoroughly enjoy our Pathfinder to date. I, like others, test drove about every competitor SUV and came away buying the 05 Pathfinder. The third row is really only for children or people with short legs. The second row has ample room. I have read a lot of criticism concerning the stock cd player (not the bose) and I have no complaints. It sounds fine to me.

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  6 years and still going strong - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By barc2009 - August 3 - 8:31 pm

  So Ive had my 2.5-SL for 6yrs and 57,000 miles now ... havent had a single issue with it beyond routine maintenance stuff. Its been a great car ... was very happy with this purchase.

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  Oustanding - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Jimmy - August 2 - 8:53 pm

  What a wonderful vehicle. I love everything about it. The ride is great and all of the equipment is just like its big brother the Infiniti FX. Recommend everyone who is looking at a Murano buy it you will not regret the purchase

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  The "TITAN" - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Bdanger231 - August 2 - 1:20 pm

  "Titan" is a good title for my truck. I bought it very used with 87,999 miles on it and I have just completed a move from Texas to California pulling a 8,000 lbs trailer with no issues. I will drive this truck till the wheels fall off. At the rate this truck is driving i will probably die of old age first. The interior is a little dull but very reliable and very easy to use. My favorite feature is the audio controls on the steering wheel. I cant believe the trade in value is so low for such an outstanding truck. Tons of torque and get up and go power. Go get yourself one and enjoy! I change the oil every 6,000 miles with synthetic. No issues at all. Never in the shop.

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  Great SUV For The Money - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By simon - August 2 - 7:20 am

  I was looking at the Lexus RX 350 for months along with other SUVs but I finally decided to get the 2008 SE Pathfinder. After looking at options and the price of the 08 Pathfinder I figured I could not go wrong with this purchase. There is a big difference between the 08 to the 07 so dont be fooled. I got the SE loaded out with the leather package and premium sound. I also got tint thrown in and went with the extended warranty with tire replacement. I have had it for about a week and love the car and the ride. If you get an SE model, make sure you get a cargo mat, the rubber tends to scratch up easily.

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  Summary opinion of my 2004 quest - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By JAMES BROWN - August 1 - 2:43 am

  From the first moment sitting behind the wheel i felt this seat is the most comfortable seat that i have ever sat in and this van gives me a feeling of confidence even in the heaviest traffic, due to the drivers view. The styling is way ahead of the other vans, kind of racy looking and not a typical shoebox style. My passengers love riding in it, i have tried out the various seating positions just to get a feel of the ride and found that i agree with them. I had to pick up 6 pvc pipes that were 10 ft.Loom by 3 inches. That were no problem in fitting them in with room to spare. This is a vehicle that i plan on keeping for a long time.

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  fun to drive - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By win - July 31 - 10:23 pm

  i test drove all the others dealers and i could not find one truck i like driving and all the nissan trucks as well. i all most walk out of the dealer and went home, but i walk the last dealer and found this little compact truck o4 and test drove it and i loved to drive it. it drove like a car. it has nice looks, the bed is just wright for me small, it handles just like a nissan, breaking is fast, it could be a little faster at low speeds, but when you are at 60 and above i found out that this little truck will get up and go (looking down 85mph), and having the ac on in the summer and high 90s i get better gas 325 miles to the tank not bad for 16 gals.