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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  Overall, Im Impressed - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By jkwstone - July 15 - 6:03 pm

  Like a lot of people I looked at the Frontier and Tacoma. When it came down to it, the price steered me towards the Frontier. The size is right, good power, comfort, capability, looks. Ive been getting 18-19 mpg mixed driving, not bad for a capable 4x4 pickup.

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  2006 Murano - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Tom - July 15 - 5:30 pm

  Excellent vehicle. Styling is fresh and up to date. Plenty of power. Handles like a car. Good visibility. Controls all within easy reach. Plenty of power.

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  Worth Your Money - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Angela - July 15 - 12:53 pm

  I like the handling of the car. I was able to get a really good deal on the SL b/c of the end of the year. The stereo sound system isnt as impressive as I thought. I like the daytime running light feature (but I recommend NOT using the Automatic Daytime Lights b/c of over usage). Those bulbs become very costly & are not covered in basic or extended warranty.

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  6th Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By cptnbill - July 15 - 12:23 pm

  I have owned six Nissan Zs from the 240s up to the 300s and my 2004 350Z is the best. The 240 was the car that could get a young man into a cool sports car at a low price. The 350Z is a car that can do the same but can blast most other cars off the road. Yes the new Ford Mustang can do the 1/4 mile in less time but by the 1/2 mile point the pony is sucking fumes from the Z.

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  Works well for me! - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Kim Back - July 15 - 12:23 pm

  I needed to replace my Infiniti QX4 and tried an 08 Altima SL, which was a nice car, but I desperately missed having AWD. After a bad winter, I traded it for a Rogue SL and am very happy. I didnt lose much in terms of MPG and gained a lot in terms of riding higher and having AWD again. It is comfortable, has all the bells and whistles i got used to driving the Infinite with a little more affordable payment.

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  Great SUV - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Jason - July 15 - 9:26 am

  I am in love with my new Pathfinder. I was torn between the Murano and the Pathfinder. The Pathfinder has so much interior room and still has tons of power when you need it.

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  The best car Ive owned!!!! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Steve - July 15 - 8:45 am

  Ive done my research. This is by far one of the best cars to own the best that I have owned. Only major thing I hate and think it should be recalled is the passenger air bag sensor. My wife is average built somethings the air bag will say air bag off I have to pull over an restart my car for it to go back on. Other then that I really love this car! Mpgs I almost forgot. Very good 40mpg on highway 33 all around and about 30 if its city.

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  First Nissan - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Christian - July 15 - 1:13 am

  I just leased a 2010 Nissan Altima 2.5 SL after considering the 2011 Hyundai Sonata, 2010 Ford Fusion and 2011 Subaru Legacy. I test drove the Sonata and nearly leased it, however the Nissan gave me a lot more for my money and it drove just as nicely, if not better. I elected to get the 2.5 SL model, which is a step up from the S. I got leather, moonroof, heated seats, power seat, autodimming mirror, Intelligent key, etc. The Sonata model that had these features were insanely higher priced than this trim from Nissan. I test drove the Altima and loved it. Its comfortable, smooth and somewhat sporty. I came from a 2009 Subaru Legacy, FYI. This car is much more comfortable.

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  New owner - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Murano SL 4 door - July 15 - 12:26 am

  I just purchased this vehicle 2 days ago but I am acquiring a great appreciation for the style, performance and comfort for the vehicle. It is beautiful!!!!

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  Dont buy a Sentra - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Silvia - July 14 - 12:36 am

  Ive had many accessory problems like the visor mirror door hinge broke and map lights got stuck. The window stripping does not seal so air leaks in and is very noisy. The air conditioning system has gone out twice. I purchased the vehicle because I though it would be reliable and comfortable but I had a better experience with a Ford Escort. The dealerships customer service is no help.