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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  Awesome Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By bbrubaker - August 7 - 10:00 am

  After being t-boned in an accident with my Saturn, I decided that I wanted to get a larger car. It was between the Saturn VUE, and the Nissan Maxima. Im glad I chose the Maxima. It is really a fun car to drive, and it definately gets the "oooh ahhh" factor from my co- workers and friends. They have nicknamed my car "Spaceship", because of all of the bells and whistles on it. (I opted also for the Navigation System) I reallly enjoy the car very much, and would recommend anyone in the mid to full size car market to consider this car!

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  Just Plain Awesome - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Leah - August 7 - 7:13 am

  I had been considering the Xterra for about 2 years. I previously had a GMC Jimmy. I would rather have one Xterra than 10 GM models. The design of the Xterra is overall more appealing and more user friendly. Nissan was definetely thinking when they designed this SUV.

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  A fast, reliable, loud beast! - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Ski - August 7 - 2:46 am

  I bought this car at 28,000 miles. Its sitting currently at 91,000, with no problems or major issues yet and upon my full inspection, nothing building. This car is extremely fast, with the new exhaust I put on it, amongst other engine modifications Ive done, is louder than any other Z Ive been around. It definitely turns heads! Even though Im getting ready to sell my Z for a older muscle car, Ill get another one here soon. These cars are reliable as anything and are what theyre supposed to be, a raw, fast, no bars held performance vehicle.

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  Ds Z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By DL Thomas - August 5 - 11:10 am

  ive always had my eye on a 911, but the minute i sat down, buckled up, and took off (and i mean TOOK OFF)i knew this was Z Car for me. the handling- SUPERB-took it out on Hwy 49 back roads to Tahoe opened her up and away we went, smooth transition from inside corner to outside open lane. be prepared for stares. I travel extensively for my job - and this is the car i WANT to be in every single mile. Handling SUPER. Safety GREAT. Cost OUTSTANDING for 287hp. Comfort EXCELLENT (especially the seating - you fit like a glove). Get use to the stares, nose prints on your windows from admirers and having many try to challenge you as you motor along...

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  Outstanding LE 4WD Pathfinder - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Andrew G - August 5 - 10:00 am

  This is an unvbelievable car. I recommend it to all.

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  Great Truck - 2009 Nissan Titan
  By Jzlildevil - August 5 - 6:13 am

  Best truck on the market in its class for sure. I had one issue with a tranny line, dealer fixed I am happy. Tons of power. Does great in the snow and mud. I will be a nissan owner for life. It really does drive like a dream.

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  armada - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By lisa - August 5 - 3:26 am

  no mechanical difficulties have been experienced. the middle row can be tricky to fold down if you dont do it often. other than that, no complaints at all! really nice ride and comfy seats. my kids are able to see out the windows, but the little ones cannot open the doors from the outside, so you have to help them get in.

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  05 Pathfinder SE - So far so good - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By OP - August 4 - 8:23 am

  So far so good, except for the rattling noise underneath vehicle. Will have it checked out this week. Had to replace tires immediately (were horrible in snow/slush) after purchase- went from BF Goodrich Longtrails to Goodyear Forteras.Manufacturer forgot to put on passenger side molding as well - will get this fixed too. Other than the above, great vehicle!Very smooth,great performance, great stereo. Have the premium and comfort package.Great cargo space when third row folds down. Hope it holds up.Dual- climate control works great.

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  Awesome car - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By billy - August 3 - 10:30 am

  Great car, love the heated seats and the sunroof and the bose stereo. The power in this car is great. I have gone 115mph and was not shaking at all. Good performance car.

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  Great Truck--Great Vallue - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Fred Firestone - August 2 - 10:00 am

  Highly recommend this vehicle. Good construction and strong value. Plan to keep this truck for until its wheels fall off, which will probably be 7 yrs + from now.