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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  Bang For Your Buck... - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By MPMSpecV - July 8 - 10:00 am

  purchased 12/31/02 for about $17,600. loaded less ABS and side airbags..base model is only $16.2K !! ive owned a 450+ hp NOS mustang and my specV isnt dissapointing when you campare apples to apples -- a compact sedan with 7 sec 0-60mph, 15.5 1/4 mile and razor sharp handling and 6 speed for $16-18K. remember, at these prices each $2K equates to 10% more. Dont even think about the neon srt4 - at least $20K IF you can find one!) The specV is pure value..nothing fancy inside or out to jack up the price, just above average performance with great price and quality -- certainly worthy of a test drive if youre shopping around.

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  Engine problems - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By XOwner - July 7 - 5:46 pm

  We were looking to replace a Jeep CJ when we purchased this SUV. Weve really enjoyed it until recently. Weve put in $2000 worth of repairs and have now been told that the head gasket has to be replaced - another $2000!!! Ouch! We just paid it off and only has 83,000 miles on it!

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  Amazing work truck - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Titanworks - July 7 - 5:20 pm

  This is my 3rd Titan. When Ive finished with this one, Ill be on to my 4th Titan. This is an amazing pickup. Just go test drive one. It may not be for you, but I use my rig hard, and this truck keeps on truckin. Great ride/suspension, SUPER throttle response, and it tows my 30 8000lb trailer like its towing a riding lawnmower. :) It is also a great family truck. Enjoy!

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  Awesome just about covers it - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By bkitti - July 7 - 3:23 pm

  I purchased this vehicle at the end of 2010 and was torn between the 10 or 11. Because of the incentives that were being offered on the 10 I was able to get a loaded 10 vs 11 for even less money. I was deciding between the new Ford Edge and this one and glad I picked the Murano. It is a GREAT vehicle and the more I drive it the more I love it. I have never had a Nissan and I am really impressed with it and the way it was put together. It def. has the power and performance for a SUV, and doesnt feel like I am driving a boat. I have only put about 100 miles on it so far, so time will tell.

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  Dont warranty to be approved. - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By tbeard0902 - July 7 - 10:31 am

  I own a 2010 Nissan Maxima. I took it to Gray Daniels Nissan in Brandon MS for a warranty claim on the driver seat back. The pins on the seat back had broken and thus the back was laying on the rear seat. The claim was denied by the service manager in Aug. 2012 and again in January 2013 and again by Nissan Customer Care. The reason for not approving the warranty was that their was physical damage. However, they agreed there were no tears, scuffs, marks, or scratches of any kind on the seat or seat back. Thus the very reason we came to Nissan was for warranty of the broken pins and the reason we were denied warranty was that the pin were broken. WOW!

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  Great car! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Ryan - July 7 - 4:16 am

  This has been one of my favorite cars I have owned so far. The V6 is very powerful, and gets great fuel economy with the 5-speed. If I baby the car I can get 27 mpg average every time. Plenty of room, front and back. Huge trunk as well. Overall great car!

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  Who Knew?? - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By CJS - July 7 - 2:36 am

  I looked at the CRV, Mazda Cx6, Rav4, Saturn Vue and by chance stopped at a Nissan dealer and discovered the Rogue. The car won hands down, much nicer interior, the ride is great and it has plenty of power. Highway mileage 31.5 at 60-65, combined about 21-22mpg. The bluetooth is best Ive seen and to my surprise, the keyless entry is great. The steering is great without being bothered by the road imperfections. There is adequate room in the hatch, seats are comfortable and the fit and finish is excellent. Wish it had a telescoping steering wheel, nav system and a little better rear visibility (back up sensors and cam would be nice). No need for the adjustable headlights.

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  Great SUV - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Mike - July 6 - 11:43 pm

  SUV has alot of pep! Handles well. Great interior package (mine has leather and navigation system). Good sound system. Fuel economy could be better, averaging 17 miles per gallon for city travel.

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  Dont Get a Nissan - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Chyna - July 6 - 5:23 pm

  I would not recommend anyone to buy a Nissan vehicle this is including the pathfinder that I have purchased. The brakes make squealing noise, the vehicle make rattling noise, the back row is so uncomfortable and the worst problem is the air conditioner. I have taken this vehicle on many road trips and has to stop every 2 to 3 hours because the air conditioner would blow out hot air. I took it to the dealer and they told me that they cant fix it. I have two young kids and each time this happened, I would have to stop on the side of the road and let it rest for an 1 or 2 before we can drive it again. This is not safe at all. I will fight with their headquarter to get this fixed!

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  Loved, then not so loved. - 2011 Nissan Quest
  By p_c - July 6 - 9:01 am

  We really, really wanted to continue liking our 2011 Quest, but it has gotten to the point that we are selling it before paying it off and getting out of the vehicle before something major (a.k.a. expensive) occurs. Within 1 year, both front doors required the bolts to be re-tightened as they got loose. That is ridiculous as a quality assurance problem from the factory. Within 2.5 years, it required new tires all the way around. 30k miles. Engine starting occasionally sputters, fails to start. It has run rough until warming up as well. Accessory belt is squeaking when humid outside and engine is cold. Engine oil change had metal bits recently, 32k miles. Brake job required, 33k.