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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  I found the perfect vehicle - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Matt Josephs - October 8 - 12:16 pm

  Forget the rest of the pack and go for the best! The Nissan Murano is the perfect vehicle for all around driving. This is my second Murano. The first was a leased 2006, loaded with moon roof and leather. I loved it so much that I purchased the 2009. The problem with the Murano is that you will enjoy driving it so much that you will exceed your lease limits. So go and buy one! This is a road trip waiting to happen. I have driven in blinding snowstorms from Buffalo, NY, through the mountains of West Virginia, and onto the beach at St Simons, Georgia. This vehicle will take you up and down hills, through unploughed roads, and pass 18 wheelers like a bullet. It is fast. It is the perfect SUV!

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  08 Still Great - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Titan Owner - October 7 - 6:20 pm

  I love this truck. This is my first truck test drove others and there was no comparison. The power, smooth ride, distinctive attractive look, if there is a better truck out there it hasnt hit the U. S. yet. I was driving beside an F-150 in the rain he hydroplaned hitting the concrete wall, my Titan maneuvered around him safely unscathed. I have no reason to trade except when a newer model with must have amenities becomes available. Nissan please do not make the mistake and let the competition build this truck, I would be heart broken and it would probably cause me to jump ship.

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  The best pathfinder of this class 04 - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Vincent Quitco - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Nissan has prove it again and broken the monotony of 4Runners. Agility and Performance off and on the road is excellent, nobody beats this class.

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  mini-vans - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Lar S.,Sr.,M.D. - October 7 - 10:00 am

  superlative engineering,design,perfomance,styling and reliability. Ive owned over 100 vehicles; including Benz, Porsche, Jag, Lexus, and all of the domestics.Ive raced cars. The Quest is the best mini- van produced to date. Period.

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  Excellent - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By dennma9 - October 7 - 10:00 am

  The updated styling and features kick the butt of my old Grand Voyager!! We love it! When we looked before Nissan couldnt compete with the Plymouth engine.... So far so good with the performance!!

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  Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Vincent Clarke - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Awesome truck, more power than any other truck ive ever driven.

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  Look out American Truck Manufacturers! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Titan Fan - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned 3 GMC 1500 trucks which Ive used for towing my horse trailer and have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of a true full size truck from a foreign automaker. The Nissan Titan has far surpassed my expectations. If you test drive the Titan, youll want one too. I purchased my Titan from Nissan of Keene in NH which was a great experience. I would definitely recommend this dealership. Im amazed that no other automaker has thought of the conveniences that are part of the Titan. This is an incredible truck with many great features that blows away its competition.

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  Truck? - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By gclarke - October 7 - 10:00 am

  Dumped a Range Rover after its leaving me stranded for the third time. The Nissan has been a real pleasure to drive. It is almost a shame to call it a truck. Smooth ride, excellent powerband, killer sound system. It pulls my boat and a full load in the bed without any problem.

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  2005 Nissan Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By resortmb - October 7 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Altima, the 1994 I traded in gave me 150,000 miles of excellent service....I also have a 1999 with 40K that runs perfect! The new design and the large interior make a huge difference...This is much larger than the 99...

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  Just LOVE this thing! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Cliff Dude - October 7 - 12:00 am

  I own a 2002 Maxima SE, I bought the car "stripped", but this cars version of "stripped" means it has everything but leather and a sunroof. The handling is like that of a smaller sports car, the ride is like that of a much more expensive luxo cruiser, and the engine... Oh the engine! This cars motor is a work of muscular art with a huge chunk of precision engineering thrown in for good measure. Just a wonderful car for the price.