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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  Awesome Car All Around - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By love my maxima! - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this baby 5 years and never a problem. The fit and feel are wonderful. Ever try to find a car that DOESNT have annoying features? This is it. Everything is well designed and thoughtfully placed. It gives a smooth and QUIET ride.

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  back to a nissan - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By whiteSER - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I bought my SER about two months ago and love it. I owned a Nissan 240 before and wanted to go back to another Nissan. I paid $14,100 after freight and got 1.9%. I drove the SER and the Spec V, but they wanted $2,500 more for the Spec V. For the money I think the SER is the better deal. I like the interior in the SER better too. Also get the 5-speed its much more fun to drive.

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  WOW - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Beranek - March 22 - 10:00 am

  When I began looking for a new car, I knew I wanted to find an economical SUV. The Murano cant be beat in this category. I drive 25-30 miles to work each day and I routinely get 25 - 26 miles per gallon!! I live in the country and the 2WD model handles great on hilly, curvy roads - no need to pay extra for AWD unless you plan to spend some serious time off-roading. I traded in my Infiniti for this car (do not be fooled...the Murano is an Infiniti-quality car in disguise!). I test-drove the FX45 and the Murano proved to be, not only $8000 less, but better handling in wet conditions (it was raining during the test-drive) and easier to get in and out.

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  Murano best of Class - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By MuranoDoug - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I have been having fun from the day I drove off the lot. It has also proven itself practically, as I travel each weekend to a cabin, and it has as much functional packing space as my last 2 explorers. I have had it now for a few months and am still looking for something that is not good - but I have yet to find it! It takes me back to when I owned a Prelude - it is that fun to drive.

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  At 7,500 Miles - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By He Dog - March 22 - 10:00 am

  Fit and finsh are superb. Wind and road noise are surprisingly low, unless any window(s) is down, even slightly, for buffeting is horrible. An open sunroof, even slightly, is extremely noisy, but open the sunroof as a "rear" vent, then the interior remains fairly quiet. Bose stereo is outstanding. Brakes, steering, and suspension are superb, as is the CVT. Engine is responsive and quiet. Setting the cruise control at 75 MPH, with the AC on while going up a steep hill, is no problem for this car. Increasing 4 PSI to tires adds almost 1.5 MPG. Glacier while is gorgeous.

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  Nissan is the best - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Bomber - March 22 - 10:00 am

  I think that the nissan maxisma is the best car in the world.

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  Great Reliable Car - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By JimDee - March 22 - 6:33 am

  I bought this car used with 43000 miles. Almost 8 years later and at 143000, the car still runs great. Has always started up. It has only required basic maintenance (oil changes, tires, brakes, lights). It is a stick and gets 30mpg in town, 35 mpg highway. Im so satisfied with this vehicle, Im looking to get another Altima.

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  Best car Ive had! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Lori schneider schneidee - March 22 - 3:19 am

  Im getting another one. Its been perfect for me! Only your normal wear and tear repairs with over 140,000 miles. Great power and comfort ability. Best option by far is the heated steering wheel up here in the cold northern mornings.

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  Ahhh... love! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Kia - March 21 - 1:53 am

  I absolutely love my truck! It drives smoothly, quietly has lots of power, and looks awesome, too!

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  Move over BMW! - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Greatone - March 20 - 9:13 pm

  I just leased a 2010 Maxima SV with the monitor and cold package. This car flies! I mean you put the petal to the metal and you get on the highway real quick. This is a car that will make others turn their heads. I also got the new color, crimson black, which looks very luxurious. I have had two previous versions of the Maxima, and this by far is the best.