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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  Luxury, speed, and beauty.....#1 - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Craig T - April 19 - 2:03 pm

  I get so many compliments on my Nissan Maxima, its so stylish, fast, and flat out perfect. I added the seven spoke chrome high performance wheels, spoiler, and went with Ocean Grey. I test drove the Audi 4 and BMW -- not even a close second to the Maxima. I simply love this vehicle -- it makes driving fun.

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  Nice crossover - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Mr. Kevin Dude - April 18 - 9:36 pm

  Smooth riding and great pick-up. Love the style and how it doesnt blend in. The standard and optional features are great. There really isnt much one could ask for that isnt already available.

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  love the car - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By robert bates - April 18 - 10:00 am

  the car is every thing i was looking for

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  My First Truck - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Dave04 - April 18 - 10:00 am

  I have always been a sports coupe guy, but since my Dodge Avengers trans. blew I knew I needed something bigger and foriegn; end result-the Pathfinder. This SUV has been an absolute delight to own. It has had little to no problems other than a sticky accelerator and a broken skid plate. At 73000 miles, it is still driving like new.

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  Reliable! - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By kilaga - April 18 - 10:00 am

  This SUV has been a very reliable vehicle. I dont own the 4-wheel version but I live on a rough road and I drive the heck out of it and it has held up well. I have been happy with it, it gets decent mileage and it has zip when I need it. I would recommend this vehicle to others.

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  I love this car! - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By kymountains - April 18 - 10:00 am

  Excellent car for the dollar. I feel like I am driving an expensive piece of equipment. The engine has a lot of power and it handles like a dream. I have the sports package with the 16" tires and the rear spoiler which makes this car look "SHARP"! Great car and one of the best purchases I have ever made. Nissan has made a name for themselves.

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  Take it to the Max - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By John Buller - April 18 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! Its great fun to drive, very comfortable. Looks fantastic in Sheer Silver!! More than one person thought it was a Mercedes, including a friend who has one. Its a blast smoking away those hoity toity Benz and Beemer suckers. Had a 99 Maxima, 03 is totally different car.

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  Nice Car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Ccc - April 18 - 10:00 am

  it really nice and smooth

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  Life with my Silver Ice - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Ivanoski - April 18 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2003 Xterra color Silver Ice on Feb. 2003. Up to now my SUV lives up to a comment issued by Motor Trend: "Spare me the leather, wood and chrome: This is no BS SUV" And it certanily is. In over 5 months I have racked over 10,000 miles traveling since I am a consultant providing service to several pharmaceuticals in Puerto Rico and this baby has been bullet-proof and is a excellent vehicle to travel in bad weather. Its comfortable and its in-your-face-anti- bland style really stands out when compared to other SUVs such as Hondas CRV and others.

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  Nissan Marrano SL FWD - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By cherigit - April 18 - 10:00 am

  Have the Marrano for 12 weeks. I have had no problems of any kind. Love the exterior styling. Love the interior styling and room. Like the rear flat folding seats.I feel the handling and performance is very good for an SUV. I really like the b&g pedals that adjust, along with the dual air, stereo, auto on/off lights and sun roof. The gas milage is getting better, I have gotten it as high as 25 mpg for highway,around 20 city.