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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  My 2nd Altima - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By SDB - June 16 - 8:50 am

  This is my 2nd Altima. Just traded my 2007 in for the 2010. I guess my only complaint so far is the lack of nav and the position of the chargers. I drive over a 100 miles a day in my commute, the gas mileage is excellent, and the ride is very comfortable. From previous experience, I know if I keep up on my regular maintenance, this car will last well over 100,000 miles. Looking forward to seeing what Nissan does for year 2014, IF I decide to trade!

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  Crash tested 2 of them! - 2010 Nissan Pathfinder
  By badkitty1 - June 14 - 10:38 am

  Got an 08 for hubs cuz the deal we got. Our love affair w/Nissan began! Someone turned in front of him when it was a week old. Minor, fixed easily. When I got mine, I told sales I didnt want a black or Pathfinder (since hubs already had). Well, didnt have $ for Armada so ended up w/ my black Pathfinder LE! Ive had it for 2.5 years and am in love. Few mos ago, a car was came at me head on, hwy speeds. Had to drive into a ditch, he hit my back 1/4 pan at 50mph & spun me 90 deg. in the ditch My 2wd Pathy drove in the ditch like it was a road. Had a bruised knee & neck/back injured. He had no insurance, so mine footed the bill. $8000 in damage, (mostly to rear susp) but shes good as new!

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  I Love My Armada - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Donna - June 14 - 8:06 am

  I have wanted the Armada since it came out. When I drove it off the lot I was very happy. The ride is very smooth and handles beautifuly. I am very impressed with the Armada. I have gotten many compliments since my purchase. There is so much room for my kids. Since we are in the military this will make travel experiences very nice. I like how all the seats fold completely flat to make a straight floor. We used at the drive in and we were able to make a full size bed out of it. Very nice!!! I love this SUV. Who needs over priced SUVs when you can have style, comfort, safty all in one, in Nissan THank you Donna

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  Awesome.......is all I can say - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By kcgunner - June 13 - 8:26 pm

  After having American made cars for my whole life (and having nothing but problems) I decided to go foreign. I did the research and the Altima had the most power, at the cheapest price of any of its competitors. I have had this car a month and absolutely love it! I rides so smooth that 80 feels like 60! I got the Special Edition package and I highly recommend getting it. Its only 450 bucks and you get 16" Alloy wheels, stereo controls on your steering wheel, splash guards, chrome trim, auto headlights, and more. I have gotten better than the listed MPG too. I usually get 29 MPG on the highway and 25 in the city!

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  Love my 350Z !!! - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By Fred B. - June 13 - 6:13 pm

  This is my 2nd Z (owned a 280Z for 11 years) and I am so impressed with the performance, beauty and quality of this vehicle. I get many compliments wherever I go on the styling and black appearance. The Bose sound system rocks. I really believe the value compared to other similar sports cars (i.e 3.5L V6 DOHC variable timing, suspension) is outstanding.

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  Great truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Miguel - June 13 - 11:50 am

  Just took it off roading a few days ago. It was great!!! I took my Basset hounds(80lbs each) and my gear and couple of my friends and still had lots of power to spare. This truck is improved from 2004 models definately but I think 2004s look better. This is a fun vehicle to drive and I think that it should be the best selling truck on the market this year. Thanks Nissan for a great truck!!!

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  Safest Small SUV Money Can Buy - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By ssnman - June 13 - 8:03 am

  I bought my two teenagers each a new Xterra. Each now has lived through a horrific accident. One side impact the other head on. Both vehicles totaled. Both cases i am absolutely amazed at the sturdy frame construction and impact resistance the Xterra has. I was told by all professionals involved that both survivals were miracles. That may be but Nissan makes one heck of an SUV. That from a grateful Dad.

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  The best SUV I have ever had - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By ARBAMINCH - June 13 - 2:46 am

  I traded my 2006 Pathfinder for this 2007 Armada LE. We need a car that can make our trip with two kids fun and ARMADA is more than what we expected. The car came with navigation, sunroof and XM radio but no DVD and that is the only thing we had to add aftermarket which cost us $1,500. Nissan really did a superb job with this car.

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  Fantastic addition to anyones garage - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By chrispa - June 12 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle will surely steal large sales from even the best of the domestic full size suvs. It has a phenominal engine, fantastic ride, and a great interior size. I compared to every other domestic (expedition, tahoe, sequoia ect..) and nothing matched the armada in any catagory. GREAT BUY!!

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  Love it! - 2010 Nissan Cube
  By tIgHtLiLbOx - June 10 - 12:26 pm

  Checked out a couple other makes of cars, saw the cube on the lot and was turned off by its odd style. Came back to the dealer later, test drove it and FELL IN LOVE! Special ordered a 6 speed as my dealer only had CVT auto transmissions which I didnt want. I have since driven over 3000 miles and LOVE IT! Rides beautifully, comfortable (seats could use a little more support but livable). I have sound deadened the whole car and hence removed the whole interior, this car is a well compact car. Interesting design that everyone looks at twice. I would buy a cube again if I had it to do over!