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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  So far I am loving it! - 2012 Nissan Maxima
  By maxmus12 - January 19 - 11:54 pm

  Purchased premium model 6 weeks ago and loving it. Choice was between Maxima, Avalon, ES350, and BMW 3 series. After driving all 4 I had to go with Maxima. For the $ you get allot of options plus I decided to go for something sporty. BMW was close but Max is a little bigger and offers more. The Maxima drives smooth, feels comfortable, the car wants to go fast even when you dont want it to. When driving, the car has a nice pur that gives you that sporty feeling. Throttle response is great. Handles great for sedan. Paddle shifters are fun. Gas however..horrible. I average around 23mpg, 320mi to a tank. If you have fun with the car..youre looking at mid 200mi a tank. Worth it though.

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  Beach blast - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By clamscasino - January 19 - 11:43 pm

  Had a ford f-150 for 11 years ,time for a big change,bought an 08 armada. This thing is a beast so much fun to drive around in. I drive it on the beach all summer and never been stuck or had a problem. As far as roomy, I put down the back 2 rows throw my dog in the back and its like a one bedroom apt back their. As far as mpg sure beats the pick up truck.

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  Awesome Car - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Chester - January 19 - 9:33 pm

  Awesome car! Had it for just over a month now and have only had to fill up one time. Got about 500+ miles on first tank (I drive about 50/50 highway/city). Traded in 2006 Acura TL - when premium gas hit $3.49/gallon was glad I didnt own it anymore! Horsepower is more than sufficient - not nearly the oomph of the TL, but no problems at all passing or merging into traffic. Quiet, safe, smooth and comfortable ride. This vehicle has not disappointed. I always miss my trade in to some extent a number of weeks after getting a new car - love this car so much that I dont miss my TL at all!

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  just love it - 2011 Nissan Murano
  By victorwu2004 - January 19 - 3:31 pm

  just bought 2011 murano S, for 20k, cant be happier, it won over edge, ecape, and chav hands down. feel like I am driving a Lexus, only paid 20K, what a deal. quiet ride, very fine and up scale internal, sexy shape, just cant beat it in anyway only thing I can think of to improve is gas mileage, I got around 17-18 combine so far,

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  Lovin it! - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By Red Z Owner - January 19 - 9:30 am

  So it came down this car and the 10 Camaro. Got to test drive the Z. Got to sit in the Camaro. Advantage Z. My initial concerns about this car were the "snugness" of the interior, and the extensive road noise. The test drive alleviated both concerns. The ride was comfortable, even for a former 510" 237lb football player. The road noise was acceptable. I for one like to hear the engine while I drive. It makes me feel more in-tune with the car. This car is absolutely gorgeous and its performance is off the charts. It has a very linear torque curve which produces "right now" acceleration no matter the speed or gear you are in. The sync-rev really makes working the gears a joy!

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  My toy - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Bill McCarthy - January 19 - 7:10 am

  Saw this black on black Z on the floor and fell in love with it. Took a 2000 mile trip thru eastern Canada in August and car was great. Handling is supberb, ride is what a sportscar is, mileage on trip was as much as 24.5 MPG. Not very good in the snow or wet pavement.

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  Where has this car been??? - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By rosborn - January 19 - 12:00 am

  I recently purchased the Altima Coupe after going to my dealership to look at the Altima 4door. I saw the brochure and was smitten. I decided to wait until the sedan was released and Im so glad I did. I added the Nav and Premium pkg. It rides like a dream. Its excellent on gas and has turned heads everywhere I go. I usually hear it looks like the GS but looks even better. This was the best car purchase Ive ever made and Ive made plenty.

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  5th Nissan - this could be the best one! - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By rick752 - January 18 - 11:00 am

  Own this for 2 months. This car has a great "French" ride similar to an old Renault R-10 I used to own... nice! The 6 speed shifts terrific but the gearing and clutch take a little getting used to. Seats are very comfortable. Controls for major functions are nicely laid out and instrument panel is well lit. This car rides very smooth and quiet for its class, and the price cant be beat for the features. Seating room front & back is MUCH larger than most compact cars. The hatchs trunk is deceivingly large. I love the looks of the car except for the nose... looks like a tiny, Quest van. Gas mileage in mostly stop & go, suburban rush hour traffic is about 28 so far. I really like it :-)

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  Does it all for me - 2012 Nissan Xterra
  By sanlee - January 18 - 6:40 am

  Ive had alot of vehicles in my driving life. Mustang GT, Maxima, alot of Nissan trucks, and this is my second Xterra. One vehicle cant do everything, but this does everything I need right now. I need 4WD for winter commutes, getting to the back of the woods, and job sites. The back cargo area is for the dog, the rear seats for gear or occasional passengers. The 6-speed manual and 260hp is for me. I have the PRO 4X and and Bilstein shocks make a BIG difference in handling and ride. Love em. With my 07 auto Xterra I never could get better than 19 mpg, and it was rare. With the manual Im getting 20.5 mpg.

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  Nissa Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Justin Time - January 17 - 7:33 pm

  Love It. This has been my favorite car. I love the power, the style the look. It is a great and wise purchase.