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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  Great SUV - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By redred - November 2 - 7:43 pm

  I kept reading these reviews about the Rogue and I decided to test drive one. I loved it the minute I got behind the wheel. It drives great and its very comfortable. The CRT engine noise takes some getting used too. But, overall Im very happy with my purchase.

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  My Experience - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Hortense Bruno - November 2 - 6:50 pm

  I purchased this car in May and the day I pulled off the lot, I knew I made the right choice. The Altima is a sleek care with a smooth ride. It is dressing, sporty and racy all in one. So far, very dependable and not too bad on gas considering the hike in gas prices back in April/May. I love my Altima. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a new car. It is definitely New and Improved..I like it better than the Maxima. Thank you Nissan........Satisfied Customer!

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  Best Car Ive Owned - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By tipser - October 31 - 8:42 pm

  I have owned 8 performance oriented cars including a 350+ hp WRX. This blows it away and blows most performance sedans away. The naysayers will say that is impossible since it is front wheel drive. Nonsense, drive one and see. The comfort, torque, reliability, and design is fantastic. I added some performance bits on it but left the engine and exhaust as is, why change something that works so well.

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  Z Personal Experience - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Ramon Martinez - October 31 - 6:03 pm

  In my research for sport performance cars back in 2004 the 350Z came out to be my best option over the Mazda RX-8, Mustang GT, Chrysler Crossfire and Honda S2000. The V6 engine with 274 lb- ft of torque and 287 Hp offers around 22 to 23 average mpg which is great for a sport car. Plenty of torque and interior space over Honda S2000. Interior plastic trim tolerances far better over the Mustang GT 2004 model. Interior design is comfortable for adult drivers up to 6 ft tall. The touring model with automatic transmission and traction control is excellent for everyday driving and leverages shifting fun vs. ease of driving.

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  350Z Review after 25,000 miles - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By 350Z Review 12/04 - October 31 - 5:10 pm

  I have owned my 350Z for almost 2 years and drive it on 1-5 hour trips and around town. It is fast and reliable and has never been in the shop except for 1 tire recall (I got 2 new tires after 18,000 miles) and normal maintenance. The Z is fun to drive - the 6 speed makes the experience better. The ride is acceptable for a sports car, the interior is plain, however the outside is still fashionable and the 3.5 L engine is the best. I miss a back seat, but for the price, you get a lot for your money. I call it my poor mans Porsche - I tell my Porsche owner friends that I can buy 2 Zs for the price of 1 Porsche and enjoy it more. You cant go wrong with the price, power, and look.

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  Its Been A Great Car So Far! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By rhcpgirlaji - October 31 - 9:03 am

  The only major thing Id change would be that I would have gotten the 6-speed manual rather than the 5-speed automatic, but that wasnt my choice. Of course, there are some minor annoyances, but overall its a fantastically fun, yet practical, sedan to own.

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  So happy - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By max - October 30 - 3:23 pm

  I have been eyeing the 350Z for years and am so glad I made this purchase. I love the feel of the interior, the looks of the exterior, the wide power band, the on-rails handling, and the sound the engine makes when wide open. I realize that there are various problems that will undoubtedly arise so I got an extended warranty and am not too worried. This car gives you confidence and I get looks everywhere I go. I love the ride and even make my daily commute in it. This car gives me a thrill that I cant accurately describe. Im not sure if I own the car or it owns me.

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  Happy Max - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By frencjas - October 30 - 11:03 am

  I bought my 2000 Maxima GXE with 7,000 miles on it, and now have 98,500 miles, with very few problems. Mine is a manual transmission, and has been absolutely bullet proof, and still has the original clutch. This has been the most reliable car I have ever had, period! The only issues were a bad mass airflow sensor at 37K (graciously replaced by Nissan even though it was just out of warranty), warped brake disks which I had replaced with aftermarket units that have proven more reliable, and thats about it. Exterior styling is not my favorite, but dollar for dollar, it is hard to beat this combo of performance, utility, and reliability.

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  Best in Class...No Complaints! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By New England Driver - October 30 - 10:40 am

  My very first car was a Porsche 944 and since then Ive converted and driven nothing but Saabs...then we had a baby and it was time to be more practical. So we started our research and compared all of the different mid-sized SUVs out there in the <$30K price range. I was truly surprised when we finally test drove the Nissan Rogue. It had many of conveniences youd find in a luxury car, the performance experience youd want in a sports car, the fuel efficiency youd expect from a compact car, the storage space you need in a SUV, and the safety features youd demand in a family car. So we got one for my wife, and every day since Ive beggged her to take the Saab so I can drive the Rogue!

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  Happy Man - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By happyCARMAN - October 30 - 10:00 am

  this is the fastest car i have ever own I had a 450 Mercedes and 2 Trans Ams. the most comfortable and quiet cars. it is majestic Blue and beatiful. the Steering is a llittle light in drive. but drop it don to third and hold on for a sure footed great handle super fast gricery getter head turning time!!! i love it. the toys the bose the compass the outside temp the climae control. oh the leather .......WOW. NISSAN WHY DI YOU MAKE THAT 2004. THE 2003 HAS IT ALL!!1