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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  This has been a great vehicle! - 2000 Nissan Quest
  By Suzanne64 - December 12 - 4:33 am

  I have loved this minivan for the past six years and will miss it (my husband is making me sell it to make room for other vehicles). I never wanted a minivan to begin with, but never felt I was driving one with this Quest. It is so luxurious and comfortable inside and looks great on the outside. I have always gotten compliments on it. Has been a very reliable vehicle -- no major problems.

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  Most reliable car I have ever owned... - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By JMoney - December 11 - 6:16 am

  I bought this car with 60,000 miles on it and I have never done any work to it except replace a left front axel. (1 hour of work). Regular maintenance only. Excellent reliability, great performance (for 200 Horsepower), great looks, good fuel mileage, and awesome quality. I would totally buy another one!

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  First Nissan - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By JC of VA - December 10 - 8:20 pm

  I considered buying a Saturn Aura or a Chevy Impala for the V-6 engine. I first test drove the Ultima in September and was pleasantly surprised. The 175 horsepower takes off very quickly. Even though the vehicle is a 4 cylinder it feels like the V-6 Aura and Impala. It feels like having a V-6 engine at a 4 cylinder price. The vehicle is very stylish and good looking. It is a lot of leg room and is very spacious.

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  Converted Dodge Guy - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Diesel - December 10 - 3:10 pm

  Since getting into a Titan I actually enjoy driving again. I cant remember the last time I have gotten into any vehicle and started smiling as I was driving. Even the congested roads of western Washington dont get me down anymore. The power and smooth response of this truck is like that of a sports car but with the capability of driving off road, pulling a tree stump, and hunting. Everything from the BF Goodrich tires to the XM satellite radio is just a joy to have. The engineering is excellent and nobody can touch the utility track bed. All I want to do is drive. I want to go on a road trip so bad I cant sleep at night. However, this weekend, Mt. St. Helens, "Baby."

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  I love my Pathfinder - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By starultra - December 10 - 2:53 pm

  Nissan really had to step up on the design of the interior this year. Nissan has always designed a beautiful car and SUV but when you open the doors you kept thinking what went wrong. This is my 3rd Pathfinder in 3 year. All I can say is that the redesign is great as well as the interior. The performance of the V6 is great! There is a lot of get up and go!

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  2004 Nissan Frontier - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Max Bolin - December 10 - 3:58 am

  Overall, this truck is amazing. Ive had mine for 3 years now and love it. The only real downfall is the gas mileage. It isnt very good because of the V6, but besides that I love it.

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  Best value for the price - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By Xterra fan - December 10 - 2:00 am

  Best car Ive ever owned. Very happy with our Xterra. Does great driving around town, in the snow, or on the beach. 4WD works great, have never been stuck, even been thru very deep water with no problems. Lots of cargo space. Comfy seats. Didnt particularily like the industrial looking fabric at first, but we are VERY pleased with its durability and ease of cleaning. Have not had to take it back to the dealership for anything other than routine maintenance. The first aid kit is indeed gimicky but it has definately come in handy. Highly recommended!!

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  great value - 2001 Nissan Quest
  By quest value - December 10 - 2:00 am

  we researched / drove several minivans prior to purchasing our quest gxe and found that we recieved much more for the money. ours is also equipped with the flip down tv which is wonderful. we have had several problems with the tires (continental tires) though they have been replaced under warranty. my husband and i feel it is a safe reliable vehicle but are concerned with ford quality feeling now vs. nissan/japanese.

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  Great car for the Money - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By harry69 - December 10 - 2:00 am

  What a ride, all the horsepower you need with 4 door insurance rate! This vehicle does it all, ride A+, power A+++, looks A++, quality A++++ nothing better made in this country!

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  It has it all over the 07 Matrix - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By Dennis - December 9 - 8:23 pm

  Ive only had this car a few days so the above numbers can and will change. I traded in my 07 Matrix which was under powered and had an extremely loud engine. It was literately trying me crazy. Especially on the highway The car had only 25000 miles on it. I have to say when test driving the the SR it made me realized I could no longer tolerate my noisy but dependable Matrix.