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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  2008 Nissan Quest - 2008 Nissan Quest
  By Phil Glasser, Sr - October 26 - 2:23 pm

  I purchased a used 2008 with 500 miles. At the time I wondered why anyone would trade this vehicle with under 500 miles, but was taken with the style and the lay down 2 row seats. Long story short, after my first long ride, over 100 miles, I took the van back to the deal complaining of hard ride that left my kidneys aching for two days. After some counseling, we exchanged tires, used nitrogen, reduced tire pressure, tried every seating position with electronic seat and manual lumbar adjustment during the next week--all to some relief but still could not get comfortable. Talked to managers, other salespersons all to no avail. tried leather seat vs cloth--no

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  Love this car. - 2012 Nissan Sentra
  By Molly - October 26 - 6:06 am

  This car is amazing. I traded in my 2000 Ford Focus for this Sentra. I bought it at 85,000 miles, which was scary at first. However, I received a lifetime warranty and a great deal for it. Ive put 12,000 miles on it in 7 months, and it still drives beautifully. $20 gets me 415 miles, and even with commuting a lot for school and work, I fill up every week and a half. The car handles wonderfully. Very smooth. Even after so many miles being put on the car,Ive never had any issues with it. A month after buying, I actually T-boned another car. The only damage was my bumper being ripped off. Nothing under the hood was damaged. Extremely reliable, safe car. Great mileage and I feel secure in it. I was always a Ford girl, but this car changed my mind for life.

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  A solid CUV - 2013 Nissan Rogue
  By terrancesneed - October 25 - 2:24 pm

  I purchased my Rogue in June of 2013. So far, it has proven to be a reliable, comfortable, and fun to drive vehicle. I test drove The Jeep Patriot, Toyota Rav-4, and Ford Escape, before choosing the Rogue. The Rav-4 and Escape were nice, but were pricey. As for the Patriot; no comment smh. The Rogues smooth ride, decent acceleration, nice handling, and fair asking price were what sold me. The CVT does take some getting use to, but it serves it purpose. MPG ranges between 23.5 and 26.7. Only issue I have is I wish it was just a bit larger. The cargo space is modest but I knew that when I bought it. Overall its a good vehicle, although I think a Tucson or Sportage gives more bang for buck.

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  Maxima - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Reypsu - October 25 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is a great deal. The performance is excellent and the styling is good.

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  Nissan Sucks - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By Never buy a Nissan - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Let’s see where should I begin. My car has been in for service since the first week I got the car. I have had my computer, bearings, AC Pulley, alarm, and numerous other things replaced. Not to mention I have had to put three new tires on the rear left (they all blew!) they cannot seem to get my car in alignment. Not to mention 5 recalls...now have load engine noise that always comes back no matter what they say is wrong. Also, I have had bad experiences with rude service people!

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  Overall a very good car - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By JayLaw - October 25 - 10:00 am

  rode 81000 miles, a very sound car in good weather. corners well for class. Im a big guy, so i have pissues with room. the excelleration is very good. ive reached 115 MPH performed well. Now the bad. The brakes, while very good, in need of ABS. Stop short, you will skid. the chirping sound when I pull off in the morning, until car warmsup. I have had problems with the dealer and the company. my oil dipstick head broke, and now the stick is in the oil pan of the car. the cost of getting it out is 500. got a bad deal from the dealer, 1st new car, I will know better next time. i will stick with nissan, if i could find a dealership i feel comfortable with

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  Nice duds - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By potter1021 - October 25 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased an 02 LE. Love it. Had a Honda prior- a lease. DONT EVER LEASE. I made that mistake 3.5 yrs ago. My Pathfinder has all the perks. Smooth ride. Substantial power when I need it. Averages better gas mileage than advertised, 4-5 miles better. Nissan should revise the mpg to 19/23. Excellent vehicle to start a family with.

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  After One Week In Our New 02 Pathfinder - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By ChicagoPathfinder - October 25 - 10:00 am

  After a week with our new Pathfinder LE I must admit that Im very impressed overall. I also heavily considered the Toyota 4Runner, Infinity QX4 (almost the same vehicle as the Pathfinder), and Lexus RX300. Build quality is excellent. Performance excellent! Price was less than the Lexus and the Toyota. Drives more like a car than a truck. Not the most attractive of the bunch (the 4Runner is better looking). However, the 240 HP engine and towing capacity (tows my 2500 lb boat) put the Pathfinder well over the others. Even without the towing capability I would have chosen it though.

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  Good basic small pickup - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By dageezer - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I needed a vehicle that was good on gas for commuting to work and could haul stuff on the weekends for various home improvement projects. I like the handling and overall ride of this truck. The interior with the bucket seats is a little cramped for me (im 65"), the bench seats wouldve been better. Its pretty quick once you get it moving, a little more low end torque would be better as another reviewer said. The base CD stereo system is pretty decent. Overall I dont think you can go wrong with this truck.

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  ??? windowshield wipers and brakes - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By loren whan - October 25 - 10:00 am

  I have had nissian trucks since 1984 and this is the second one from this dealer and frankly was not happy about the service given I am taking back again for the brakes to be checked out. The wipers smear in different spots. AND THE THING THAT ALL MY NISSIANS HAVE DONE IS THE DRIVERS OUTSIDE MIRROR SHAKES AT 45MPH AND THE PASSENGER SIDE DOES NOT.