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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  Maxima 2004 - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Nancy Aaberg - September 15 - 10:00 am

  It is a great vehicle. It has a lot of power. Extemrly comfortable with lots of leg room

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  Pretty satisfied - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Pretty satisfied - September 15 - 9:16 am

  Ok, so Ive been reading the reviews here and I must say, consumer knows best indeed. I purchased my 08 Altima on 10/19 and it has been a thrill! I love to CVT. I was going to going to get the 3.5 but my pockets wouldnt allow me. I happened to approach a 2.5 S that had leather seats put in along with the woodgrain kit so i went with it. I love the overall design and feel of the car. Great gas mileage. I just recently totalled out my Monte Carlo SS and needed some new wheels quick and this car saved the day. If youre looking for a low-key, stylish ride, this car is for you!

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  One thing after another - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By OneThingAfterAnother - September 15 - 7:00 am

  Problems encountered since purchase: 1) ABS actuator failed at 28,000kms 2) Alternator failed at just over 60,000kms 3) Wiper motor failed 69,000kms 4) Electronic fuel gauge and odometer sometimes becomes faint to the point where it is not legible

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  Good to Me - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By juliemc - September 15 - 5:23 am

  After driving a certifiable lemon, I purchased the Altima. The ride is really smooth. I havent needed any major repairs to the car, just annual stuff and oil changes. The heat/air cond. is superior. The seats are comfortable. Gas mileage is good. The trunk is roomy also.

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  The Real Poop On the 2013 Sentra SR - 2013 Nissan Sentra
  By billwunder - September 15 - 4:37 am

  Ill get right to my point. I just purchased a 2013 Sentra SR. Originally looking at Optima, Sonata, Altima and Accord. Optima and Sonata dont come with spare tires?? Ruled out. I liked the Altima better to drive but ruled it our due to additional cost and size (fitting in my garage). The Accord was just too boring. I am a retired Toyota Salesperson. I have driven most cars in this category at one time or another. Was introduced to the Sentra by a neighbor. Read every road test and drove a demo 3 times. Every professional criticized the car for noise and acceleration. In a 0-60 mph race the Sentra beat the Corolla and Civic. The performance is about the same as the Corolla I

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  Bad Engine and a lot of issues - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By disappointed56 - September 14 - 11:20 pm

  End of July 2010 bought car with 32000 miles on it. 1st week of November car went into shop, 39000 miles now, my mechanic said top of the motor was bad & needs to be torn down to see what was wrong. Was under warranty so I took it to the dealer. The dealer started the car listened to it for 5 min & then told me the engine had oil sludge. Told them no way it had sludge. I called nissan consumer affairs. They paid for my rental & repairs. took the engine apart-no sludge-engine was bad. I needed a new longblock engine for the car. The new engine they ordered was cracked so they ordered another one. Bottom line it took 3 wks to get my car back. Hope this engine last longer then the last one.

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  EXCESSIVE FRONT TIRE WEAR AND NOISE - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By piehole4 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  The 2003 Nissan 350Z has a documented front end suspension problem that causes premature front tire wear and loud tire roar. Autoweek has reported that Nissan is now investigating the problem but no word yet on a recall. Otherwise you will be buying expensive new front tires every 5000 miles. The problem is explained at www.nissantireproblems.com

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  XTERRA - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By DD214 - September 14 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH IT EXCEPT THE GAS MILEAGE WHICH IS 14-15 IN SUMMER USING A/C. GETS ABOUT 20-21 ON THE ROAD W/ AIR CONDITIONING ON. NOT GOOD FOR SMALL WOMEN OR WOMEN W/SHORT LEGS.

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  needs traction control - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By syd - September 14 - 2:00 am

  This SUV needs traction control.Spun tires an intersections with the front half of the vehicle in the way of oncoming traffic many times. Also doesnt handle well on wet roads. Was very fast but almost too fast for what it was (a light rear wheel drive truck) Used the 4WD in the rain. Enjoyed the truck at times and thought it was fun and sporty to drive but didnt feel secure in it. Didnt hold the road well. Also not roomy enough for our small family of 3 plus dog. Gas mileage wasnt great either for such a small truck. Just got rid of it after 7 months and moved on to an 02 Explorer. Much different ride. Wont miss the Pathfinder.

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  Nissan Armada SE Off Road - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By barry aguilar - September 14 - 2:00 am

  best suv out there, priced reasonably, drives beautiful, i am a very short woman and thought i would be intimidated by the size, but it drives awesome. The exterior is different from alot of other suvs out there, and we love the color.