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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  If youre thinking of buying one, do it - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Danny - June 23 - 7:06 pm

  I went to the dealership not expecting to like the Sentra. Coming from a Buick Century, I thought, "oh, a small, Japanese 4-cyl, well, at least it has a warranty." Then I took it for a test drive. The engine / transmission combination on even the 2.0 S model blows my old car away, and blows away my friends Civics, Yarises, and even older V6-equipped cars. The interior leaves very little to be desired. Fuel economy is ridiculous compared to what Im used to (avg. 30, city and highway), and I bought it without even trying the amazing stock stereo system. This drives like a much more expensive car, and swaddles you with geek-chic tech to make sure you dont forget it.

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  Thumbs Up for the Altima - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By toniatonga - June 23 - 10:00 am

  My Altima has been an excellent car. My next car will be a Maxima. I have only had a couple of minor problems with the car and the warranty offered excellent no-hassle coverage. I am in sales and drive a lot. It has been a great car for the road.

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  Super Murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By cohesco - June 23 - 10:00 am

  Having loved my X-terra, I need something more businesslike. Not wanting to purchase a car, I jumped on edmunds and found the Murano. One test drive is all it took and I knew I had found the perfect vehicle. Part car, part SUV. Its a perfect mix!

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  The Perfec "Dog Owner" car! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Dog Owner - June 23 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my eye on the Murano since before it was evben released. I was looking for a car that had the room of an SUV, the performance of a sports sedan, and the comfort of a luxury sedan....and it had to be dog friendly (for my 80lb. lab mix). I found all of that, and more, in the Murano. Go test drive every SUV out there....then drive the Murano. My bet is that youll buy the Murano. Ive owned a 00 Maxima SE and a 98 I30....the Muron drives better than both of them.

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  Altima SL - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By montecristokid - June 23 - 10:00 am

  Like many others, I have noticed the same shortcomings: excessive wind noise, poor interior quality, and some build/design issues. my rear drivers side door doesnt close easily, may be slightly off alignment, but havent taken it back to the dealer yet.

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  Great Car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By hello241 - June 23 - 10:00 am

  the car looks great, rides superb, and has excellent interior room. The interior is very ergonmic, very clean and efficient. I love the radio volume controls on the stearing wheel. The CD is awesome.

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  Awesome car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Corvette098 - June 23 - 10:00 am

  I have driven the car less than a week, but so far it is really awesome. The power is amazing, the transmission is smooth, especially in manual mode. The Bose system kicks ass. I have the DPP and the power steering wheel is a good thing to have. My only complaint is that no one knows anything about the satellite radio. The dealer says that all you need to do is activate it, but I think the receiver and antenna has to be installed first. I think the people selling you the car should know about this, otherwise getting the car was a painless experience.

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  Excellent Sentra - 2009 Nissan Sentra
  By Joe R - June 21 - 8:13 pm

  Had a lot of cars over the years but this has to be one of the best. For a small car, it rides great!

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  Big inside - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Patrick - June 21 - 3:50 pm

  Nice smooth big car feel, Im a 62 guy and there is more than enough room inside for 4 big people without moving your seat up for the person in the back. More room and power than Yaris and Honda Fit. Excelent.

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  Ultimate Altima - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By beisenmann - June 21 - 11:40 am

  This was my first car and it looks like itll hold up long enough for me to cart my children around in! It has held up well, even though I havent always treated it as well as I should have.