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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  Best Buy in the Segment - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By oski - January 24 - 11:20 am

  The Nissan Xterra is clearly the best buy in the mid-size SUV segment. You can get out the door with a fully loaded vehicle for under $28k and feel really good about it. Performance from the 265hp V-6 leaves nothing to be desired, and has the sporty handling of an extrememly well built truck. Dont believe the EPA fuel economy figures though, 21 mpg is difficult to acheieve unless driving 55 mph . . . and I dont.

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  Maroon Maxima Review - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Jayna Perry - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for 2 years and it has been nothig but good to me. The mileage is considered low for being a car that is 7 years old and is very good on gas. The ride is very smooth and comfortable.

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  perfect blend. - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By hydro - January 24 - 2:00 am

  this car is like a good long island iced tea. it has lots of rum, gin, vodka, triplesec and most importantly TEQUILA!! and it wont give you a hangover in the morning. i bought it at 111k miles, and all the mechanics/car dealer friends were confident in saying it would last up to 200,000 miles or more.

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  1999 Nisan Sentra - 1999 Nissan Sentra
  By jayson - January 24 - 2:00 am

  good review needs little bit lower in rear. needs bigger engine for kinda heavy car

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  Fun Yet Solid Like a Rock - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By asktoknow - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Never had a day of trouble in five years. Still has the same throaty growl when the 3.0 liter engine accelerates. Wish I had bought three.

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  A great off road truck - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By enb74 - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I have own the Xterra for almost a year and I go everywhere with it. I bought this truck for Off-road and 4X4 driving as well as to serve me and my wife. The truck is GREAT. High capability and great ground clearance. Good transmission and performance. The seat could be better, they donÂ’t give you much to play with even thou my is full loaded. The 6 CD in dash FM-AM radio with RDS system is great and the 6-speaker system has a good sound. The instruments panel is not a good point for the Xterra. It is hard to read and if you tilt the steering wheel down you canÂ’t see the signaling lights.

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  Great Vehicle; Fuel Economy Surprise - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By SmOkEy - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle. It drives and handles very similarly to a sedan and gets me through the 12-18inches of snow that we occasionally get here. Plus it is very fast for its size. The stereo an six disc changer are very nice as well. Finally, the curb appeal is definitely there. My wife (who drives most of the time) was asked about the Murano every day for the first two weeks that we owned it. The only hitch is that I am getting 7-10 mpg less than the average that was advertised and 5- 8mpg less than the minimum stated in the drivers manual.

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  stop reading, go buy it - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By P Tork - January 24 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is amazing. The transmission has no gears (regardless Camiles review saying it changes gears smoothly)so it always picks the best ratio. Climbing a hill, passing, or cruising. These new 3.5 engines are the best ever built. All aluminum, 100,000 mile EVERYTHING except fluids. They use the 3.5 in all their vehicles now, and tune them accordingly. Thats why the 350Z has over 280HP. The Muranos engine can make the same power, they just detune it. Which means its running in a mild state of tune which means its not stressed which means it will run forever.

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  Great Vehicle; Fuel Economy Surprise - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Smokey - January 24 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle. It drives and handles very similarly to a sedan and gets me through the 12-18inches of snow that we occasionally get here. Plus it is very fast for its size. The stereo an six disc changer are very nice as well. Finally, the curb appeal is definitely there. My wife (who drives most of the time) was asked about the Murano every day for the first two weeks that we owned it. The only hitch is that I am getting 7-10 mpg less than the average that was advertised and 5- 8mpg less than the minimum stated in the drivers manual.

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  After a year of ownership... - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By PhurballDJ - January 24 - 2:00 am

  ...I couldnt be happier. The Altima has given me no complaints thus far. The only times Ive been in the dealership have been for regular maintenance/oil changes. I love the engine -- plenty of punch for a 4- cylinder -- and the handling is great. And the amount of room in the interior and the trunk is terrific. Sure, they skimped a little on the interior materials, but they spent the money on the right stuff. This car truly is built for drivers!