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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  Top Of The World - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Nadi - January 8 - 10:06 am

  I traded my 04 FX35 with 59k on a 5 speed,03 Xterra with 103k miles in March 2010. Did a major service with timing belt and the works then put a set of beautifully aggressive and very quiet Goodyear Wrangler Dura Trac 265/75/16 tires on it, drove it from Los Angeles to Moab,Utah for the Easter Jeep Safari. I completed the "Top Of The World" and "Fins and things" trails which are rated difficult with this awesome show room stock vehicle. This vehicle is absolutely impressive and I do not impress easily having owned a few "built" off road rides. Now back in L.A. and drive it daily about 50 miles in total comfort. I love my Xterra more than anything I have owned. Nissan has created a gem.

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  Awesome - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Russel Huber - January 7 - 9:40 am

  I test drove a ford f-150 xlt triton, a chevy silverado 1500 and a 2500HD and a tundra. i test drove the nissan titan last, and that was my final test drive. Ive had my titan for less than a month and i wouldnt buy any other truck. this truck has so much power and interior room. overall, i give this truck a 10 out of 10.

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  What a difference a Maxima makes! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By BrownJ - January 7 - 8:43 am

  Super car for the money. Lots of power, quiet and you can even travel in it with out having to pull over and stretch after an hour. I traveled 4-1/2 hours without stopping once from San Diego to San Luis Obispo, CA.

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  This is what Maxima should be!! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Farhad - January 6 - 11:36 pm

  This is my 3rd maxima and the best. My first one was a 95 and loved it, second one was a 2000, disappointing. I walked away from maxima since lost its personality. After driving other nissans like, 350Z, murano and altima coupe now Im back to maxima again and could not be happier. I love everything about this car...well just about everything, accept I wish it was rear wheel drive just like the infiniti G37. Maybe well get there in a few years.

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  Mini Mommy Car - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Lou79 - January 6 - 9:36 pm

  I turned in my 07 Altima 2.5 SL Lease for a brand new 10 Rogue SL and am extremely happy. Has the same transmission as my Altima and I love the CVT. I dont think its loud at all and is more fuel efficient. Im a mom of two small children and commute 80 miles round trip everyday to/from work. The Rogue fits the bill as far as more comfort for the family and easier access for storage in the hatchback area. Plus, now I have a place to do a quick diaper change. Much easier to lug the double stroller around, but still fuel efficient for my long commute. I dont find the window in the back to be too small to view my blind spot like others have mentioned.

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  I Love My Quest - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By WIFENO1 - January 6 - 1:36 pm

  It did take me a short while to get used to driving this very large van after seven years in a Caravan Sport. But after a few weeks I was really loving it - especially playing with all the amenities. And the steering is excellent! There was one problem - the side passenger doors made noises. I cant say enough for Foothill Nisson (where I go for service) who found a recall (first year of the model) and carefully fixed it. To make up for the inconvenience, Nissan added two years to the warantee which I thought was really great!!

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  I love this car! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By SNS - January 6 - 10:10 am

  I really needed a car because my car was headed for the junk yard. i went into the dealership not knowing what i wanted and came out the same day VERY satisfied!! I am a small person so the car fits me well! This car is stylish, comfortable, and runs great!

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  2000 Maxima - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By steve alter - January 5 - 3:33 pm

  I have had my Maxima for over 5 years and havent had any problems. Its fun to drive and looks great. It has been very reliable and I highly recommend it.

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  Awesome - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Baldbudman8 - January 5 - 11:40 am

  I just bought my 2006 Titan and all I can say is...WOW!!!! This truck has all the bells and whistles that Ford and Chevy has but with a lower ticket price. It handles like a dream and is the most comfortable truck i have owned. This truck and me will be around for many years to come.

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  Nice little car... - 1999 Nissan Sentra
  By t12345 - January 3 - 10:00 am

  In 75000 miles I have not put one dollar in non-maintenance repairs. Solid, fairly large subcompact car that handles well with nice performance and good fuel economy.