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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  Noisy - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Alex Povolotski - January 31 - 11:26 am

  Ive test driven almost any mid-size family sedan on the market and thats what I can say about Nissan Altima. Compared with others in its class, Nissan is noisy. Its engines (both 2.5 and 3.5L) produce, on average, 10-15HP more than the competition but at what cost!!! Engine noise beyond 2000RPM is excessive! At par with Suzuki Ive driven the other day (yes, its that bad)!!! On the positive side, the exterior and interior design is fantastic. No nonsense or extra not needed buttons. Everything is ergonomically laid out and easy to use. CVT is the biggest and unique feature about this car though (surprisingly) its not as smooth as it seems. You just touch the gas slightly and it jolts.

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  Really Like My Car So Far - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By joebobjones - January 30 - 8:57 am

  Bought my car July 2013. So far I really like it, but a few issues to note: 1) Gas milage isnt what was advertised, especially since the weather turned cold in Nov. 2) When coasting in traffic at 20 mph, I sometimes get a significant shaking when I step on the accelerator. Sometimes the shaking is strong enough that its embarrassing. It doesnt happen very often though 3) The "premium" sound system sucks. It sounds like something I would expect from a Toyota Corolla. Its very disappointing, espeically since its supposed to be an upgraded system.

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  The most practical & powerfull hybrid - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Victor - January 30 - 8:26 am

  I agree, it becomes a game to try and keep the vehicle in electric mode to maximize gas mileage. The worst mileage so far is 32 when my son drove it, nuff said, and the best is my driving at 39.6 MPG. Being a survivor of the gas crisis and the long lines for gas in the seventies, the great range is something I was really looking for. Additionally this car will move out quite smartly when you step on it. They have improved on the Toyota system and the CVT is very smooth.

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  Hands down best value in its class - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Michael - January 30 - 1:46 am

  I have been a loyal Nissan owner for 16 years. I have owned 3 Maximas including my current 2000 Maxima SE. Without a doubt the Nissan Murano is the best bang for your buck if your looking for performance, comfort and a distinct driving machine. We chose the base S model which comes with a load of standard equipment. We had the Factory leather seating surface installed at the dealership for $700 dollars more. We ended up saving $1800 doing it that way since the leather packge is not available on the S model. I highly reccomend this Crossover SUV to anyone looking at a Lexus RX330. You will save thousands and get even better performance. The 345 Horse Power CVT V6 is a dream. A great Car!!

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  Thump - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By ku - January 29 - 7:56 pm

  When taking off from a full stop, there is a noticeable "thump" in this truck. Its almost like the rear end is going to fall out. Internet searches show other Frontier owners have reported the same problem. Internet forums say its axle warp and that a helper spring can fix the condition. Dealer service dept says nothing is wrong. Tired of bringing it back and having nothing done. Arm rest is too short too. Not a good experience with this truck. Had it two months and will be getting rid of it very soon via trade for a more dependable vehicle.

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  Best car for the money! - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By carguy2006 - January 29 - 5:53 pm

  I baught my Nissan Sentra being the first Import vehicle I have ever purchased. I have driven 45,000 miles and I have never had a single problem. The CVT paired with the 2.0 Engine is the best. I am averadging 390-420 Miles to the tank. I have takin this car on many of road trips and allways and thrilled with the performance good job Nissan. I work in the auto industry and have driven so many cars and normally keep these vehicles for a year or two. I actually want to keep my Sentra for another five years!

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  Only on a Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Carlos Fueyo - January 29 - 2:50 pm

  Great curve handling, amazing pick up and a amazing experience to drive. An instant classic.

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  Best Gas Mileage Ever - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By tmrealestate - January 29 - 10:22 am

  Ok, part of why I bought this car was wanting gas mileage as I have a Dodge 3500 Mega Cab with a diesel (not good mileage). Ive driven this car almost all freeway so far and I drive 78mph set the cruise control and Im getting 42 MPG. Its shocking, this is the first car Ive ever owned that gets better mileage than the sticker. Love the mileage, also love the bluetooth radio, you can play pandora radio off my iphone for free (better than satelite). And I got mine new for under $20k.

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  Excellent Car for all around town driving at 40mpg avg - 2014 Nissan Versa Note
  By kirk_jackson - January 29 - 8:45 am

  We just bought our 2014 Nissan Versa Note and I have to say it is great. You cant hear the engine below about 2000 rpm which is the usable economical range. I am getting about 39 to 40 mpg average by watching the mpg constantly. Key is 25 inner city and 55 freeway on cruise. Lots of interior room except the driver door touches my left leg. We got the SV model at 500 of base which included everything. Very easy to park in tight spaces which is something we required. Has euro styling better than competitors. I am learning more about this car every day. Uphill is not good so go 20 to maximize economy. No sun roof.

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  Good car for the price - 1996 Nissan Sentra
  By Sriralph - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Great fuel economy, reliable,decent features. But no alloy wheels,less horse power and the rear doesnt look very good. A good first car