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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  Exceptional Truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Tracker 3 - July 22 - 8:46 am

  I bought a 2006 Nissan CC LE model and I love it. The stiffness of the frame and steering is a joy you can feel the quality. The interior is spacious and quality is apparent. Out of all the other brands out there that I test drove this truck was the tops. However I did not drive the Tacoma because I did not like the looks or the added price compared to the Nissan. I did not find the audio or leather packages as necessary so I went without it. The truck is excellent and drives like a dream. The 265 HP V6 really puts you back into your seat when you unleash all the ponies on the highway. It is a very comfortable truck to drive.

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  Youll love this car!!!!!!! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Bethany - July 22 - 7:36 am

  Everything about this car is awesome, wheather you are a 18 or 60 youll love the way that this car drives. It has every option that you could want... and its decently priced.

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  The Z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By JANE - July 22 - 5:26 am

  I love this car. I get a new car every 3-4 years and this is by far the most fun I have had. The stereo is great, the convertible is a blast. I have had some trouble with the paint, but the dealer has taken care of it. So far no problems other than a few tweeks.

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  206 Maxima love to hate it... - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Atlfalcons09 - July 22 - 2:06 am

  Bought my car in Jan.2007, very excited about finally owning a Maxima, just recently my transmission went out, struts are horrible and the car is very noisy, has knocking sounds under the car that the dealer cant figure out the problem, which is strange how they can figure out the major expensive stuff! The good things are the comfort and space...very good car to travel in and alot of trunk space. The car has very good pick up. The tires are very expensive and wear easily for some reason the dealer cant explain this either. Nice stereo system and speakers. Another complaint is this car has no change holder, 2 cup holders but no where to store change. Overall its a nice car.

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  Simply awesome - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By Troy - July 21 - 6:23 pm

  I am extremely happy I chose the Z. Mine is black with a soft top. The lines are sleek and powerful. The factory rims are phenomenal. My colleague owns a 911 and I wouldnt trade rims with him for anything. The ride is smooth and the engine is extremely responsive. Honestly, the car is almost too quick for me, but I am steadily getting acclimated. I love the car and I would recommend it over any of the other roadsters I see floating around the roadways.

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  Nice SUV - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By malcsmith - July 21 - 3:46 pm

  This performs more like a 350z than an SUV. The engine is VERY powerful, almost too fast for an SUV. The gas mileage is HORRIBLE, however. Ive averaged 13 MPG since Ive had it. Maybe b/c I drive too fast, but either way, its bad. Interior is great, no problems at all.

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  Review after owning car for one year - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By kitchen1 - July 20 - 7:56 pm

  I withheld judgment even after the numerous issues Ive had but now it needs a new transmission at 12,000 mi. Ive owned a 04 Altima and a 11 Murano. In a word, this 13 Altima is junk. Within the 1st mo of ownership I had a blinking navigation screen (replaced), leather trim on the center console backseat unfinished (replaced), heated seats wired wrong (new wiring harnesses both sides). Within 2 mos I developed the infamous "lugging" transmission (new torque converter and belts= no difference) Within 5 mos the driver/passenger windows = excessive wind noise (both outside mirrors replaced). Now clicking noise in transmission requiring new transmission. Im just a my 1 yr ownership.

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  SUPER CROSSOVER - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By harryo - July 20 - 12:23 am

  Well you are looking for comfort and styling this is it. Passing gear is perfect and quick when getting on the interstate. Very very quite inside. When you roll the windows up you feel you are in your own little world. The interior looks space age. The out side looks futuristic and some people says it looks too busy, But why did the new lexus suv almost copy it in 2017. Not to bad. The brakes are good and the nissan murano is very good at cornering. You will not be disappointed.

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  Buy This Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Great Car - July 19 - 9:30 pm

  I bought my 2005 Altima and I have no problems with it I find it spacious and very reliable. I had a 1999 altima and got 140,000 miles so i bought another one. I recommend it its also great on gas.

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  In one word: Practical - 2013 Nissan Rogue
  By it4life - July 19 - 3:02 pm

  This is my first SUV, and is also my first CVT transmission vehicle. Coming from a V8 engine with automatic trans, it took a little time getting used to the gearless shifting and lack of instant pick-up. However, Im a huge fan now. The fuel savings really adds up! It drives just as well now that Ive gotten the feel of how to accelerate smoothly with the CVT. Havent had any of the CVT issues that seemed to plague older Nissan models. Plenty of interior space to haul foldable furniture, etc. Maintenance is a breeze. For a 4-cyl, it has decent power! Handling is good; the AWD and ABS kick in when necessary. Owned for 1 yr. now with no problems whatsoever. Avg. 1000 miles/mo. city.