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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  Reliable - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By Xy San - December 1 - 6:25 am

  Got this car from my mom in 2013 with 120,000 miles. She purchased this brand new in 2005. it now has 180,000 miles on it. I drive so far to and from work everyday. Still running great and only had to do maintenance. Didnt have to replace anything prematurely.

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  Mediocre Maxima - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Cadjockey - November 30 - 7:06 pm

  I like the styling and performance ( acceleration/handling/brakes ) but the interior is sub par. I have a dash that rattles/squeaks and the seats are cheap. I donÂ’t have the Bose stereo so I installed a sub-woofer which helps immensely. The Idler pulley bearing went out so the dealership loaned me a Lincoln LS. For the same money ( $18,000 ) I could have gotten a 2003/2002 Lincoln LS instead of the Maxima SE. I made a mistake. The Lincoln is twice the car as my 2003 Maxima SE. I am now shopping for a nice 2002/2003 Lincoln LS with low miles. My only concern is that the Nissan is probably a more dependable car than the Lincoln. IÂ’m going to take the chance because the LS is WAY nicer

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  I LOVE driving my Nissan Quest!!!!!!!!! - 2000 Nissan Quest
  By MinivanMom - November 30 - 2:00 am

  First of all, let me say that I never wanted a minivan. I am one of those moms who really wanted a big SUV, but deep inside knew I could not afford the gas. In comes my slightly used 2000 Nissan Quest GXE...I really love this minivan. It is fun to drive and really handles the road well. In my Quest, I do not feel like I am driving a minivan. It looks great, inside and outside and gets good gas mileage, too! AND...its a NISSAN!!! I would recommend this minivan to anyone. I cant wait to see what the future holds for the Nissan Quest. From a very happy Nissan Quest owner!

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  Super reliable..so far - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By Ricky153 - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Altima in 01/98 with 20,000 miles for 12,500. I have 68400 today and the only thing that I have had to replace(outside of battery,tires,oil changes & brakes)was the oil sending unit, total bill was $22.00. Its been extremly reliable and feels sporty to drive.I like the quick pick up. Average 23 mpg. Still runs like a champ.

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  Super - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By sil - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Reliability is amazing, +130,000km, without a problem, truck needs more HP and torque. There is just not enough power behind the wheel.

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  Super - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Sil - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Reliability is amazing, +130,000km, without a problem, truck needs more HP and torque. There is just not enough power behind the wheel.

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  Econosport = Cheap fun - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By intimidator - November 30 - 2:00 am

  A great car for the price - youll swear the engines not a 4 banger. Im 61", and the head room and leg room in the front are plenty roomy. This car loves mountain roads - the tires are nice, until you wear them out from spinning them on fast starts... The front end Skyline look is awesome, but the rear needs work, even with the decent spoiler. Tends to burn oil quickly...

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  Im not Kidding - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By OL HENRY - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I just received my Maxima yesterday and can already tell I made the right decision in picking this vehicle. The Horsepower is great, and the Stereo is unbelievable. Looks, feels, runs, and drives great.

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  awesome pathfinder - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By ron woyciehowsky - November 30 - 2:00 am

  tested many suvs in this class but Pathfinder diffinetly won out. It has titlt rear seats, great power, nice lines. Only wish it had 4 wheel discs all the way around. Nissan also discounted a full package that was quite acceptable along with a great loan. My other vechile by the way is a 2001 Maxima. Neither has given any trbl. to date.

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  Buzzes and rattles - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By tranzec - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Car ran great the first 2,000 miles. Then, when starting up and engaging drive we get a grinding/rubbing noise. Once this started, we get lots of buzzing and vibrations in the gas pedal and steering wheel. Have taken to the dealer twice and told there is nothing wrong. Fun car to drive, but when a car costs this much the dealer should fix these type of problems. Will definitly NOT buy another Nissan.