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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  I was shocked - 2016 Nissan Pathfinder
  By DCruz - November 27 - 2:14 pm

  After reading so many disparaging reviews I left the Nissan Pathfinder for my last test drive. Earlier the same day I drove the top rated Kia Sorento and the Honda Pilot. I can say that they are all nice in their own way and all noisy when the engine is pushed. If you want a tight feature packed precision machine with a ton of value go with the Kia Sorento. If you love the smoothness of a Lincoln but want a more versatile vehicle go for the Honda Pilot: it feels superb cruising on the highway. HOWEVER if you want that illusive "farfegnugen" the youthful joys of driving a car that literally MOVES with your own body and sense of gravity... Be sure to drive the Nissan Pathfinder before you make up your mind.

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  Stunning reliability - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Togoshiman - November 27 - 7:50 am

  Passed 150,000kms this week. Nothing has gone wrong with this car in nine years of continuous operation. While regular maintenance has helped, Im astonished that I have done nothing but tires, oil changes, brake pads and a new oil dipstick the entire time. Nissan has been quick about recalls - the throttle issues seem limited to those who fail to heed the recalls. I dont baby the car at all - cars are meant to be driven. Its been on dirt roads to cottage country and through nine Canadian winters with salted roads without rust (save for one muffler bracket which was replaced for $60). While the design is showing its age and its no luxury car, I am very impressed overall.

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  No regrets - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By James Morrow - November 27 - 4:33 am

  I thought long and hard about buying my first truck/suv that what not a gm product. I have no regrets at all. We took a short spring break trip and had a blast in the new Armada. I am very impressed with this vehicle so far. It is very quiet and smooth, with a nice sound from the v8! And it is responsive!! My only regret is I wish I could have afforded the 4wd.

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  Passenger airbag light malfunction - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By gdoucet - November 27 - 1:34 am

  I purchased my 11 Maxima new on 03/31/2011 and have had an issue with the passenger side airbag light coming on with an adult passenger in the seat. When the light is on, it reflects that the airbag is in the off position. I have brought the problem to my dealers attention, Giles Nissan, Lafayette, LA ever since my first 3,750 oil change service, and was given a variety of reasons. At first the dealer could not locate the trouble then I was told that it was normal. I finally brought my wife with me and rode with a service tech who witnessed the problem. Since then, different techs at different times have experienced the light on, however the issue has not yet been resolved.

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  Quietest Ride for under $50,000 - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Dave In Portland - November 26 - 9:23 pm

  Leased RX 330 + RX 350 for the last six years. Spent last two months testing all brands to try and find something better for less $$. Low road noise important - I have hearing damage. Tried everything to $50,000,and the Murano and the TIGUAN were the two most quiet cars using decibel meter on common stretch of highway at 60 MPH measured at drivers left ear and middle of car interior. Mercedes and BMW were both louder by 2-3 db and worse gas mileage. Murano quiet as the Lexus identical db stats even with LE 20 inch wheels. Rented SL for 2 weeks louder than LE by 1 db! MPG 1 less than Lexus. Venza 4 db louder! 2010 RX530 NOT quieter than previous year. Murano lease 2/3 $ Lexus - loaded to max!

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  This van is a piece of junk - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By kn - November 26 - 10:03 am

  This van looks nice and thats about it. Our problems began at 4,000 miles and now were at 45,000 and the problems have not ended. The van is in the shop every 4-6 mos. Exhaust bracket broken several times, 3 sets of brakes, 2 sets of rotors, header pipe, parking brake assembly replaced x 2 and tightened x 4, catalytic converter replaced, battery x 2. Nissan has had terrible customer service, even at corporate office. Customer service is not their #1 if you have a problem, only when youre there for routine maintenance.

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  Excellent Luxery 4x4 - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Jared Salinger - November 26 - 1:46 am

  We bought our 2005 Nissan Pathfinder LE 4x4 new, with exactly every option we wanted, no more no less. There was one recall (for Pathfinders being driven in regions with snow) for the air bag sensor, which was replace at no charge, of course. A piece of the roof rack came loose in a car wash, and was replace by dealer under warranty, no charge. The vehicle has had no problems or issues (other than mentioned above). It has averaged 17 mpg, overall. I usually get about 18, while my wife gets abotu 16 (Im a putster, shes a sporty driver), except during winter, inclement weather when mileage drops about 2mpg (thats when its in all- wheel or 4x4 a lot). Its a keeper!

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  Best Vehicle I have ever Owned!!! - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Frosty Power - November 25 - 4:56 pm

  Just like the title says. This truck is fast, can tow, haul, and take me anywhere I want to go. Looks are great and I definitely will put a smile on your face every time you drive it. I cannot say that for many vehicles Ive owned in the past. Ive had F150s in the past(never again) and this thing beats it in all categories hand down. Drive one and you will know what I am talking about!!!

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  Good on Tech but Bad on Driver Comfort - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By idesi1 - November 25 - 4:54 pm

  There are plenty of great Tech options available on this SUV but the most important aspect has been left out and that is "driver seat" as it is very uncomfortable. Mine is SL with Auto Memory seats and there are only 6 position memory so with my 6 + height and legs I am having a hard time adjusting to the positions coz there is only certain position I can change to, very frustrating. Its been 3 weeks and I cant wait to get rid of the car. My previous ride was Ford Explorer Limited fully loaded the only reason I traded in coz I crossed 60K miles and was filling up gas every other day due to 130 miles a day ride. But now I miss it I would have afforded it but I made a mistake. Secondly, the Chime Volume for BSM , Lane assist and Rear Cross Traffic is so low that u can hardly hear it plus it not as sensitive as Ford was. There are a lot of major issues Nissan needs to work on. Its a good car but Nissan needs to focus more on comfort instead of tech only.

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  Great Truck - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Dan - November 25 - 4:43 pm

  I bought this truck new and have 20,000 of problem free miles on it. Test drove other midsize trucks and this was the best one by far. I could be like a lot of other people and say the fuel economy could be better, but its a truck and I expect it.