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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  Excellent Automobile - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Mathilde - August 13 - 3:16 am

  This car has been totally reliable for my husband and me in the 2 1/2 years we have owned it, routine maintanence only, no problems whatsoever. This is the second Maxima I have owned and would definitely recommend this car as a solid, reliable and fun vehicle to own. We have two children and they fit in the back just fine, a little tight with two carseats.

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  Awesome Z - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Rajan - August 12 - 3:36 am

  Dollar for dollar, its on heck of a package. The 6-speed is awesome and precise.

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  No more Fords.... - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Parisiv - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I love this truck....ended up tradeing an 02 Escape that had nothing but problems for this machine and Ive never felt more liberated!!!! Getting an awesome deal for fully loaded SE @ $22,500 also made it even more sweeter. Outstanding feel, fit, finish, and looks. Gas is another issue, but well worth it for the reliability. Would recommend to everyone to check it out.

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  Xterra Review - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By b. shrock - August 11 - 2:00 am

  Great performance off road for 4WD V-6 models. Good ride and comfort. Fuel economy could be better.

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  Driven into the Ground - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By 4 Sale Cheap - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought my Canteen 4x2 Xterra with all options (fosgate stereo rocks!) without thinking that i would want 4wd or Supercharged. Buyers remorse settled in. i an thinking about selling mine and trading up. I am 16, so trust me, the X has great handling. i would have rolled half the other SUVs already, and the turning radius is amazing.

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  My dream vehicle... - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By flyingguy - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I just bought my 2003 Murano SL, spent the entire day driving. WOW! The steering is *very* solid, it has plenty of power, it handles great, and has FANTASTIC comfort. This vehicle completely satisfies my needs for having something stylish, peppy, and practical. The CVT makes acceleration so smooth. It is an absolute dream to drive!

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  Excellent - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By altima - August 11 - 1:23 am

  my experience with my vehicle is excellent i love the way is drives very smooth and i love the color

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  Love It! - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Rusty - August 9 - 4:53 am

  I love this car! Overall I think it is excellent. I have the new color, interlagos fire, and it is a real headturner. I have owned 5 Nissan in my life, and this one is by far the best.

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  Review - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By RS - August 8 - 4:26 am

  I really enjoy driving this car. Acceleration is surprisingly good with the smaller 4 cyl engine with excellent gas mileage. My only complaint is the limited choice of interior colors to match up with the available exterior colors. I chose the Winter Frost exterior color but was stuck with a black charcoal interior as the standard offering. I live in Texas and believe me the black charcoal interior can feel like an oven if left out in the sun too long.

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  Quiet Lexus-like ride is the 2013 Altima - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By hondaccord09 - August 7 - 4:24 pm

  This car is like the Maxima, Lexus or Infinity, with the quiet, soft, comfortable ride with high mpg rating. Gas prices are not going lower. Its around $4/gallon as of today. I dont know whats is going on with the deal. This car has the qualities of a Lexus or Infinity but is priced a tens and twenty thousands dollars less! The suspension is not stiff at all. The 17" wheel base gives the car a good, quick, controlled ride on the highway. The interior comes with very comfortable seating and everything is laid out nicely and vertically.