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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  3 words- Affordability, Luxurious, Economical! - 2014 Nissan Pathfinder
  By biodiesel2 - June 27 - 10:10 pm

  1. Affordability - Priced $10k to $20k under all other premium based Hybrid SUVs. 2. Luxurious - a very quiet and smooth ride. Leg and head room galore. Has everything even the heated and cooled leather seats front and heated seats back. 3. Economical- Rated with an all around MPG of 26. First tank full of gas resulted in a city/highway drive mix 29 MPG. 4. Stylish- The Pathfinder just looks good! 5. I am still amazed and surprised with all the appointments. I love this car! I am Happy! Happy!

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  176,000 miles and still going... - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By ccmercer - June 27 - 6:52 pm

  I bought my Pathfinder new in 2006. With two kids and my job, Im constantly on the road. This SUV has lead up to its name. Its been everywhere. I keep the oil changed regularly, on my 3rd set of tires & brakes. It does a great job. Other than the typical wear issues, the only thing I can complain about is the 93 octane fuel requirement. With gas prices as high as they are, its not unusual to pay $60+ for a tank of gas. I tried the 87 octane the first year, and I did not like the performance. I went back to 93 octane and havent changed. Ive had nine vehicles in my life, and this is the only car Ive driven that has never given me problems. Its a great vehicle.

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  Titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By johnnybawka - June 27 - 6:40 pm

  The truck is very capable, and I put a lift of 6 inches and 35 inch tires which dramatically decreased the fuel economy, but I expected it. The truck also runs off of ethanol which is very cool.

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  03 Nissan Xterra SE S/C 4wd - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By nikkinbrian - June 27 - 1:40 pm

  I bought my Xterra 2 months ago and I absolutely love it. I just happened to find an atomic orange one, at first I wasnt so sure about the color but after a little while it grew on me and now I even love the color.

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  Look No Further - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By maxima09 - June 27 - 2:43 am

  Coming off a S60, checked the choices but could not pass up the 09 Maxima. Lots more for the $$ compared to what the luxury brands offered. U can feel the 290 horses. Interior space much better then the luxury competition.

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  whyd they stop making these cars? - 1995 Nissan 200SX
  By angelbb - June 27 - 2:00 am

  i bought my 200sx-se in june of this year and, so far, it is a very reliable car. i got a good deal, 2,550 for 57,000 miles at the time. since then, i have driven to 64000 and i havent really had a problem. they only mechanical defect is something with the air system. it blows a/c and heat but only on speed 4 and i cant run the a/c because the car will shut off. (by the way, if any one know why, let me know!)

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  Almost Perfect - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By arvali - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I traded up from a 93 300ZX, and as perfect as I thought that car was, this one is even better. The power and handling are amazing, and the ride is not as rough as you might think. The brakes are awesome. The seats are excellent. Be warned, that for the 03 model year, most have front suspension problem. The front tires wear more on the inside, and get extremely loud after about 4,000 miles. Nissan will swap them from side to side at no charge, but the problem comes back.

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  best car in the world (cause I have one) - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By assyrianlove17 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I have a 97 Altima GXE and I would never sell it. I absolutly love it. I am about to put a Nissan SR20DET in it to make it even faster.

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  Did anyone have this problem? - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By himileagemaxowner - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I have 135,550 miles on this 5 speed 97 SE, right now its in the shop with wheel bearing/axle problems. Mechanic said somehow the boot near CV joints broke and grease leaked out. Its going to be a $1200 plus repair. Does anyone know if maintenance is required on those parts? Owners manual sure dont state that it is. Kinda envy people on this post with 150k miles without these major headaches. Its been a great car until now...!! Wonder if this was owners neglect or manufacturer flaw. Anyone care to shed some light?

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  Der Maximator 6spd - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By prodigalsun - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Got this car 3 weeks ago, and have put about a 1000 miles on it. Other than the Saab 9-5, I cant think of a car that depreciates as quickly, yet is as flat out reliable as the Maxima. The Maxs acceleration is awesome, the suspension while sporting for a family car, leaves a bit to be desired. I may invest in an anti-roll bar and a front strut brace to start of with to see if thatll cut down on the body roll. Overall, very pleased!