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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  All around vehicle Pathfinder SE 4X4 - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Steve - April 3 - 11:23 pm

  Ive used this vehicle on and off road, summer and winter and been pleased with almost everything about it except the Bridgestone tires that came stock on the vehicle (but this isnt a tire review). Fuel economy is good for a vehicle of this weight at 18 to 20 mpg. I mounted a class 3 hitch and have towed up ~3,000 lbs. over 700 miles with no problem, getting 15 mpg through the mountains of NC, VA, and West VA. I did have a leaking seal on the transfer case fixed under warranty at 10,000 miles, but no other incidents.

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  Not if you live in North Jersey!!!! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By speen - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Yes its beautiful, fast and rides great but do not buy this car if you live in North Jersy!! The Xenon headlights have been stolen from mine 3 times. As soon as I get it back from the body shop Im trading it in for something with Halogens.

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  Nice car - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By iKaige - April 3 - 10:00 am

  This was my first SUV. I love the room that it provides and the sporty look is very attractive. I am pleased with its reliability. I have never had to service the car other than the usual wear and tear. Excellent purchase!!

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  2003 Nissan Xterra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By leester420 - April 3 - 10:00 am

  Really fun suv to drive. Love the fosgate system. Looks really tough. Well built vehicle.

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  Improved look - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By ace eagle - April 3 - 10:00 am

  The new look for 2004 is a big improvement over 2003. Much sportier front design. It is quiet although alot of reviews tell you different.

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  Great ! - 2014 Nissan Versa Note
  By dhorgeron - April 1 - 11:05 pm

  I purchased the 2014 Nissan Versa Note and have since put just 900 miles on it. So far I love the car. I traded in my 06 Mecedes C Class. I decided I wanted to get a simpler car that would save me a lot of money. I do not regret the decision one bit. I am averaging 39 miles per gallon, and have more room in this car than the mercedes. Is it very powerful, NO but if I wanted powerful I would not have looked at this car. Its very simple car that will get you from A to B and allow you to put more money toward more important things. Spending 30+ for a car just does not make much since any more.

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  Good value for the price - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By newnissanbuyer - March 31 - 4:50 pm

  Picked over Tacoma for price and overall exterior design. Looks more like a truck.Power is great, fuel ok, hopefully will get better once broken in.

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  abs and gas mileage nightmare - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By odis pletcher - March 30 - 5:43 pm

  what a shame, a good truck except for horrible gas mileage and very scary abs braking on ice or snow, I will be getting rid of this truck

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  Love this thing! - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By mattwoods - March 29 - 10:00 am

  This car is absolutely amazing! I love the six speed tranny, its not sloppy feeling and it has a nice positive feel. This thing handles like its on rails! This is the most fun front-wheel drive car ive ever driven. Kills civics and integras without a problem because it actually has what Nissan likes to call TORQUE. Great job Nissan!

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  Whats up with the Windows? - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By mrmnico - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Purchased July,01 I have since had Chopped Tires. An authorized center credited me on the tread left on tire and replaced. Power Windows were not opening and closing properly. first the rear on the passanger side. It was fixed under warranty. Couople weeks ago (Aug, 03) my front passanger window and rear drvier side window are now doing the same thing. This issue was fixed once again under warranty, well guess what, First Week of Sept03 DRIVER SIDE WIN. IS DOING THE SAME THING! thats all 4 windows with the same problem. I was interested in purchasing the SE Crewcab Frontier, but with these dilemas it makes me weary on purchasing the Frontier.