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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  Oh what a ride! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By dtesch_2001 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  If youre looking for a car that is refined and distinguish looking. Then the 2002 Altima SE is your pick. If youre looking for a car that is so fast you can blame your receding hairline on. The 2002 Altima SE is your pick.

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  Concerned consumer - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Concerned customer - January 10 - 10:00 am

  This car is a real improvement over the pevious year models. I have owned a 98" and 99 and never had any problems with either of them. The 2002 model looks and drives great and is a real improvement overall compared to previous years. One thing that does concern me is a thumping noise that occurs during acceleration and while turning. It has been getting worse over the months and we have 4,300 miles. According to a Service rep at Bankston Nissan of Dallas it isnt normal. I will have it checked out soon.

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  The Bar Has Been Raised - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Vince - January 10 - 4:23 am

  You dont need to buy a 6 cylinder to have good acceleration and passing power. My 2.5L has quite the zip! And the gas mileage is amazing. Its sporty, spacious and affordable. I got the 2.5 S with the Convenience Plus package and added a spoiler. Its basically the SL package minus the leather trim and dual climate control. Other than that, it has everything you could possibly want!

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  Great/Wonderful Vehicle!!! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Love this vehicle!!! - January 9 - 11:30 pm

  We had an 04 Quest. Loved it. Thought since we loved it so much we would just upgrade what kind of change could they make that would make me not like it since I love this one. Hate the 07 by the way. The 04 was much more spacious, more storage, better quality of things, way better gas mileage. This was the best vehicle I have ever bought. I wish I had never traded it in. If looking to get one, do they are great. We never had any issues with ours. It was perfect we were just looking to upgrade and shouldnt have!! THE 2004 Nissan Quest is a wonderful vehicle!!!

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  Fun to drive, solid like a rock - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Roman - January 9 - 8:13 pm

  Thank you Nissan for making the Altima available with a stick in all trim models. Especially now, that the Maxima does not come this way any longer. My SE M6 is a true pleasure to drive. Good power, awesome looks, decent interior. I was ready to buy the new Camry back in October, but someone convinced me to wait a week or two for the new Altima. And, boy, was it ever worth it! It is a beautiful car. Unlike the Camry or the aged Accord, the new Altima has FUN written all over. Thank you Nissan! I couldnt possibly find a better car for my middle-age crisis.

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  cant get enough! - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By bayartist - January 9 - 3:56 pm

  Spectacular! I was a bit reluctant to buy a 350z at first, of course the performance was great, the look spectacular, but what about the no back seats or the harsh ride. well after about a month or so of driving, i had forgetton about what i might be missing and was concentrating on shifting b4 reaching redline, watch ppl disappear in my rear view and listening to the wonderfully tuned v-6 engine along with with awesome cool sounding bose stereo that comes in the touring model. Also this car gets tons of attention, even though theyve been out for a while, i still get looks cruising along the coast. people treat it, as if its an exotic.

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  OMG What a great little car - 1998 Nissan Sentra
  By jobfisher - January 9 - 1:49 pm

  I brought my first 1996 nissan sentra GXE about 5 years ago.....for about $3500. It has been the best car that I have owned. Went everywhere and without complaint. took the best care of my baby. could fit both of my tall sons in the back with room. When i finally blew a head gasket last week I considered getting something else but my car guy said that he had the same make and model just 2 years newer and for under $2000.00 he would take my old and give me new.....I took it. My son wanted me to get a volvo that he had on the lot but I saw the 98 and it was not even an option. I had to have the nissan. Now I have my baby 2.0. My car guy will fix the 96 and sell it for a profit. WIN WIN!!!

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  Happy Nissan Owner - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Kurt - January 9 - 6:46 am

  This is my first Nissan and I must say that Im in love. My previous two cars were a 2001 Mustang Bullitt and a 2003 VW Jetta GLI. Ive been in many other cars and thus far the 2009 Maxima is my favorite. I actually look forward to running errands and driving to work! I bought the sports package and while some reviews say its a harsh ride, I disagree. The ride is excellent, handling is as good if not better than my VW, and road noise is very minimal. The bluetooth works great with my iPhone 3GS, and while I havent needed to use the GPS much what little I have used has been spot on. The acceleration is great for 290hp and a heavy car. I was told once to drive it like you stole it! :)

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  Armada!! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Ranya - January 8 - 5:16 pm

  I love my Armada so much! Its huge, I call it my beast! But the only problem is, the inside is falling apart! the visors keep falling off, I took it to the dealer and they said they couldnt fix them, that they were manufactured wrong.. Hopefully the 2005 is better.. But the drive is GREAT and so much fun! Overall, awesome car!

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  Faulty fuel sending unit - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By sem - January 7 - 9:00 pm

  Im very pleased with my 2006 Xterra. However Im not pleased with the cost of having to replace a faulty fuel sending unit which Nissan has not recalled on this year of Xterra but has recalled the older versions. I would think that if Nissan is receiving the same types of complaints regarding sending units that the least they could do would be to replace them.