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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  Best of The Compacts... By Far - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By sgtrock - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck after looking and test driving all the others except the Chevy. The others just did not measure up to the Frontier in most areas, especially in the 4WD ride quality. The XE Crew Cab, by far, was smoothest riding and the quietest running down the highway. The Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma sounded "Tinny" when shutting the doors , where as the Frontiers doors shut with a solid "thud". The 3.3 V6 engine is a very close second to the Toyota 3.4 V6. (Only because I like DOHC engines) The transmission is one of the best shifting out there.

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  SE Murano AWD - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Pete K. - October 30 - 2:00 am

  Overall very pleased. AWD eliminates tourque steer and seems more stable, but is a tad slower than FWD . This is the SE and the ride is firm but not uncomfortable. Lots of fun on twisty roads with good steering feedback and excellent tracking. Pushed hard, you will get some understeer before the limit. Great Brakes. The CVT tranny takes getting used to, but I am learning to like it, especially going up hills at 70 to 80 MPH. Gas milage has averaged about 20MPG so far with 50/50 city/hiway. This should improve with break-in. Seats are comfortable, lots of room for my German Shephard in the back, good visability, excellent build quality and paint.

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  Awesome ride ! - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By ncdude - October 29 - 10:56 pm

  My Ford Taurus died on me and I was shopping around for a midsized sedan with good gas mileage. I researched and test drove a Versa, Corolla, Elantra, and Spectra. Although I could get in an Elantra and Spectra for a bit cheaper, I went with the Versa because we liked it so much after test drive. Much better leg room in the rear (compared to the other cars) and a very comfy ride. The Versa handles very well, is fun to drive, and looks quite sporty (mine is red). We really like the extra features of the SL model (since we have 2 small boys). So far, Ive gotten excellent MPG. I also qualified for a "green" loan from my Credit Union, due to the combined MPG of the Versa being over 29 MPG.

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  Quest is a Hot Mess - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By sesaalegria - October 29 - 1:47 pm

  I bought my Quest SL new in 2005 with the extended warranty; I planned on driving it for many years. Well, Im looking to trade it in way ahead of schedule. By the time it had 73K miles, the 4th alternator had to be put in! The first 3 were under regular warranty, the 4th under the extended. Currently it is in the shop having the computer replaced, to the tune of $2K out of my pocket. Oh, and the brakes? I cant count how many times theyve been replaced. Sure, it is roomy, comfy on long road trips, the DVD player is a lifesaver with the kids, the drive is smooth, it was stylish in 2005, and the purchase price was good-all reasons I got it. In the long run-well-RUN! Not worth the test drive.

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  Excellent choice - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Exxxxcellent ! - October 29 - 8:53 am

  I traded in a 01 Maxima for my new 05 Altima. Besides losing horsepower, I think this is the best decision Ive made in a long time. This car gives great gas mileage and is very comfortable to drive. I would definitely advise anyone to make the same choice.

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  Love my Quest - 2008 Nissan Quest
  By 1sttimequestbuyer - October 29 - 3:10 am

  We looked at all minivans before looking at the quest, it was our final stop. I test drove it and loved it! It does drive like a car and is very comfortable. I love the room inside. The seats are very comfortable. I am getting the average minivan gas mileage so i cant complain about that. I would recommend this van to anyone, and for what you get for the price compared to odyssey and sienna its a great deal. I also love that all the seats can fold flat without having to be taken out of the vehicle.

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  Great Car, some options not standard - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Antonio - October 28 - 9:10 pm

  Ive owned this car for a month now and love it. I have gotten nothing but great performance out of my Spec V. Have had no transmission problems or alignment problems. Handles really good, but ABS is not standard nor is side air bags. Which really isnt a big deal unless you are really concerned about safety and if thats the case i dont suggest a tuner car like the SE/R models. As far as the body kit, Ive found 6 or 7 of them on eBay and some of the performance sites. Honestly, if you want to REALLY know what people think about this car, do not go off of these people. Go to nissanforums.com and see how the owners who know a lot about cars like it.

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  Just test drive it! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By David - October 28 - 10:56 am

  I wanted to go American, but reliability purposes I went for Japanese Muscle. So far Ive not been disappointed. I get compliments all the time. I drove this car 3000 miles across the country and loved every minute of it.

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  New Krom is Rad - 2011 Nissan Cube
  By doctormac83 - October 28 - 6:28 am

  Traded my Ridgeline for a 2011 Krom to conserve fuel and because I no longer need a "big" car. I wanted something a bit different. And while I only have a thousand miles on the Nissan, I could not be happier. I also wanted to give Japan some business in light of the recent calamity. I got good value and feel that I did a good deed.

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  Great Reliable Car - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By sjoffroad - October 28 - 2:40 am

  Ive had my Xterra since it was brand new and its had a hard life thats for sure. Right off the bat the day I picked it up with 36miles on the OD I drove it for 15 hours straight some 900mi or so. A few months later I hauled an 18ft trailer loaded with an entire apartment for 2100 miles. I also move around that trailer with a 6000lbs truck on top of it. Granted It wouldnt be able to do any of it without a brake controller and I wouldnt feel that good towing with an automatic but it pulls it off. Its gone through all this and I havent even changed the air filter. Just a new battery a few weeks ago but trouble free aside from that. Like stated prior: Suspension could use some help