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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  Whats Not To Love!? - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Rubydoo - August 15 - 10:00 am

  This is our 2nd Nissan sports car and we LOVE it. Cant ever imagine getting rid of it. We owned a 1993 300z when it was new and this 350z is even better. No matter where we go, people comment on the looks and think its a 75k+ car. It handles great and is a blast to drive! We have had zero problems with it.

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  Perfect Compact Truck - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Swole37 - August 15 - 2:06 am

  I use my frontier for work and play. I drive anywhere from 20 to 100 miles a day for work. I am an avid hunter and outdoorsman. I drive my fronier off road a good bit. I pull a trailer sometimes with either one or two four wheel ATVs. Sometimes I load one ATV in the bed when I dont pull a trailer. The truck pulls great. My frontier has never broken down and left me stranded. The only problem that I have ever had if a freon leak in the air conditioning system. I ride comforably with my wife and two small children. Sometimes I put two adults in the back seat. It is a little cramped for them, but bearable.

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  Work horse - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By NatG83 - August 14 - 3:43 pm

  Engine is powerful, but could be more fuel efficient if given cylinder deactivate. Never strained even with full load. Cargo area is durable, but scratches easily. Ride could be smoother if Live-axle and leaf springs were traded for independent suspension. HVAC works surprisingly well, considering there are only vents in the front of the truck. Vehicle is great in weather even when in RWD mode. Use 4WD, and nothing stops it.

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  2011 Nissan Armada - 2011 Nissan Armada
  By johnchem - August 14 - 12:44 pm

  Excellent large SUV with a price tag $25K less than the Escalade, Armanda has plenty of power, nice spacious interior. Gas consumption is excellent for large vehicle like this. I am very happy with my Armanda Platinum loaded with every possible option I can imagine. It ride and handle solid

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  bad brake and steering system - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By cerritosdealer - August 14 - 10:00 am

  when i drive over 75mph, i brake and the steering shaking a lot. when i drive over 80mph the steering shake, and the rear seat incomfortable.

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  Nissan Spec-V - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Ben Boehm - August 14 - 10:00 am

  I think that the car is one of the best on the market for the price. It gives you so much for the money 17" alloys, 175hp, sport tuned suspension, and a 6 speed transmission. You cant believe what it can do for you. Check it out for yourself.

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  Our first ever Nissan - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By FirstNissan - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Great styling and fun to drive. Great center console. Comfy seats and killer Bose sounds system. Had problems with rear distance sensor and driver side sliding door not closing. Dealer fixed eventually and everthing works well... except the radio. Not sure if they used college students in Nepal to design it but the reception is worse than my clock radio next to my bed. They should be ashamed of how aweful that is. Glad we got the CD player! Got two flat tires in the first month (sorry not under warranty). Really like the power everything for side doors and trunk

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  best car ever - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By jenni0815 - August 14 - 10:00 am

  This car is my favorite car. I have had Volvos, Acuras, Accords, Camrys,and the dreaded Jeep Cherokee (what was i thinking), but this car tops all, even the Volvos. Although my love for Volvo still runs deep, this car is a lot more fun to drive!

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  So much for American know-how - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By bryan c - August 14 - 10:00 am

  Test drove every full-size truck, and the Titan blew them all away. This truck slaps every American made truck up-side the head. More power, an eye- catching exterior, and so much interior storage I need to go buy more stuff. With the utili-trac bed system, no load goes unsecured. The console controls can be easily used even when wearing heavy work gloves. Could use better gas mileage, but hey, its a truck!

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  Awesome truck by Nissan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Keri-Ann - August 14 - 10:00 am

  This truck is awesome! I love everything about it! It is so big with lots of room.