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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  Very nice care - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Ruben C. - October 3 - 5:00 am

  The 2.5 SL is a very fun car to drive. The interior and exterior design are beautiful. Too bad that Nissan does not offer ABS standard. Color choices are few. Plenty of space for back passangers. Overall, this is a very nice car and a good value.

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  Great car with minor issues - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By RickS - October 3 - 1:56 am

  Like other reviewers, I have suffered the same "tire roar" and front end noise that has plagued 350Z owners since the cars inception. After taking the car to Firestone to get my tires replaced recently, the helpful technician, a Vette owner, suggested that I take the car in every 3 months to have this toe-in problem fixed. You can purchase a lifetime alignment from Firestone for a very reasonable price and taking the car in every 3 months or so insures that the wear on the tires will be a bit more normal. Tire wear aside, the car has been a dream and I have enjoyed it thoroughly. As I am getting a bit older now so the utility of a 2-seater is beginning to reach its end for me.

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  Its All Good ! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By btabor - October 1 - 9:30 pm

  I had purchased my 2013 Nissan Altima 2.5 S sedan in December of 2013, no problems noted, what a great car its been so far ! Sleek/ sporty in appearance, the 2.5 4 cylinder engine has plenty of get-up and go, and the gas mileage is excellent too. Im not experiencing unwanted engine/ transmission noise as some report, and the CVT transmission shifts flawlessly. Road manners is outstanding also, the vehicle remains near perfectly even/ well balanced in hard turns at above average speed, and can navigate a road w/ many twists/ bends in it in a sports car like manner while not having to let up from the gas. All in all, its far more than just your average family sedan, great job Nissan !

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  2.5 S Special Edition - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By The Ice Man - October 1 - 8:16 pm

  The Altima in my mind offers up everything at a great price. Styling, quality and performance all in one very attractive package. Since I picked up the car everyone just raves how nice this car is and how roomy it is. I order the wood grain dash kit from Ebay and installed it and what a diffrence. Turns a nice car into a classy sharp car. Also Honda & Toyota could not come close to the price I gave for this car, almost $4,000 less. Real quality and value for the money and FUN to drive. Zoom Zoom , , ,

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  85000 and never changed anything but oil - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Anna - October 1 - 2:16 pm

  Great car! ZERO PROBLEMS! Purchased most basic version and never had ANY problems with it. The only complain is picking up the speed -it is poor from the beginning but this car has small engine so no surprise here. I think I would drive it until the end of its life.

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  Great Car! - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By cobb_cruiser - October 1 - 10:00 am

  I have owned several Nissan vehicles (Maxima, 2 Sentras) and love them. They are definitely built to last long miles. The only problem with my current Sentra is with a clutch plate. I have had it replaced once (under warranty), and it has gone bad again. I need to take it in to the dealer again for repair.

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  I never thought Id be a minivan owner - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By KKC - October 1 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I became tired of filling the SUV tank so often and decided to look at minivans. We immediately liked the sky lights and the "first-class airline seat" feel of the interior. Our kids, ages 6 & 8 LOVE it! In fact, we decided to drive from Maryland to Florida for vacation. The trip was smooth and fun! We didnt hear ,"Are we there yet?" on the trip down or back. We are now planning to take more road trips because of the comfort of our 2004 Quest.

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  Better than my old SUV - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Karate Mom - October 1 - 10:00 am

  I traded a Nissan Xterra for this van after having my second child. Three days before traveling 300 miles for vacation. Stuck in Rainy Congested Traffic for 6 1/2 hours I was feeling like the smartest Mom in the world. With more comfort than my SUV and more space the kids hardly seemed to mind that it was taking so long to GET THERE. I always said that I would never get a minivan now I dont know what I ever did without one. This is by far the best car I have driven.

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  Great Vehicle! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By BKMurray - October 1 - 10:00 am

  This is our 3rd Quest and 6th Nissan product since 1984 and this is one is the best of the best! Nissan has a true winner with this vehicle.

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  No Regrets Here! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By MuranoInMA - October 1 - 10:00 am

  Living in the NE wanted something that would be good in bad weather - so AWD a must. Also looking for Nav system - Im a techie and like my toys. Murano combined both and a cool design at an attractive price. Looked at a Touareg also (traded in a VW on this purchase) - way overpriced for same feature set, and dealer told me flat-out I would get 9 mpg city on premium gas! No Thanks! Bought the Murano and have been very please. Gas mileage comparable to my VW Jetta, fun to drive, and a real looker. Some minor rattles and a seat adjustment problems early on that were quickly and courteously dealt with by the dealer to my satisfaction. I would highly recommend this car!