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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  Test Drive this truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Tom Linehan - June 5 - 2:00 am

  This truck can comfortably seat 6 NFL linemen. With the tail gate down the bed is long enough to take a 4X8 with only a few inches sticking out. The factory sprayed in bed liner gives good foot traction even when wet. The Titan has incredible power. The transmission is smooth. It is difficult under normal circumstance to get the RPMs over 3000. My wife likes the heated bucket seats. I like the dual 4X4 modes. The low mode of 4WD gives incredible traction. Both axels have limited slip differentials. The ride is great. In short this is a first rate vehicle. If you are in the market for a pickup truck you owe it to yourself to test drive a Titan.

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  z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By aldawg - June 5 - 2:00 am

  very happy with this vehicle. performance, handling, interior and exterior is great

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  Best Car Ive every owned - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Mike the Car Guy - June 4 - 6:56 pm

  I cant say enough about this car! I was apprehensive at first because it was so reasonable, pricewise, compared to other true sports cars, but it has proved to be the best auto decision Ive every made. Heads turn everywhere I go. The styling is just timeless. The engine is absolutely silky smooth upon acceleration, and the car sticks to the road like velcro! Nissan could easily charge more for this car!!

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  way too cool - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Toni - June 4 - 11:40 am

  I purchased my truck in Feb 2006 an have loads of fun driving it in the winter weather. I can not believe all the attention that the truck attracts. I LOVE it!! There hasnt been one person that has looked at it and said anything negative about it. Cannot wait to get it out on the beach.

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  #1 - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By aka - June 4 - 10:00 am

  excellent car / good buy / more than your moneys worth

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  WHAT A BEAUTIFUL CAR AT A GREAT PRICE!!! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Bpool421 - June 4 - 10:00 am

  This is the best sedan on the market right now, and has been the best sedan on the market for the last three or four years. The engine, drivetrain, and suspension make this the easiest and most painless buy in the automotive world. I would pay even more than I actually did for a Maxima.

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  Rock solid - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By its_all_good - June 4 - 10:00 am

  This truck is rock solid. Ive owned it a year and a half with no problems. Its fun to drive and I get compliments on it almost every day. Nissan has everything Toyota offers for alot less money!

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  great truck, much better than its review - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By jaron - June 4 - 10:00 am

  despite lackluster magazine reviews, I have a fleet of these trucks (they seemed the best value for the money, and unlike the Toyotas, can be had for around $4000LESS than MSRP) and am thoroughly impressed. Ill purchase another fleet of the same truck in three years.

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  Best in Show! - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Jimmy D - June 4 - 2:20 am

  There is no perfect small suv/crossover. The Rogue holds less cargo than a Forester,has one row of seats less than a Rav4,lacks the visibility of a CRV. However, it is perfect for me. The fit & finish is great, as is the engine. It has 5star crash rating and beats Ford with a stronger roof. In many ways this car is very basic- no leather,compass, or elec.locks. But it has such personality! It has a nice rear,each color pops and looks silky (even those orange ones). The CVT works well and the mini computer helps as well. I had owned a Chrysler product & went back to shop- Patriot, Compass, Liberty are all inferior products as is the Escape,Impreza,& 09Equinox.

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  Great Car! - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By TurboPenguin - June 3 - 9:43 pm

  replaced my 2000 Oldsmobile Intrigue! Thank goodness! I am extremely impressed! The inside is wonderful but could definitely have more leg room. The Tilt on the steering wheel makes it hard to see everything. Mechanics are great! Shifts perfect revs high and im getting 27MPG with a mix of Freeway and City! Best car for its size!!