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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  Buy used not new - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Quippa Man - November 4 - 2:00 am

  First Nissan Ive owned out of twenty- three cars.I do not think I will trade this one in, but will keep it. Have not been disapointed, it came equipped as I wanted it for the most part. As a SE Limited it should have had leather and remote trunk unlock should have been put on the remote. Other that this NO complaints.Looked at 3.5 2004, who knows, I might have two.

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  Honest assessment - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By scottc - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This is my favorite car ever. I have had cars of varying makes and for some unknown reason, I love this car more than any of them. I have a nearly bare- bones 02 XE (CD, spoiler and A/C are the only options) and Im just as comfy as can be with it. This isnt to say all is perfect. The seat fabric in the XE is just embarassing - some weird triangulation thing going on there, but the cloth is extremely durable. Overall, an excellent car. I wish it were still built in the US of A (built in Mexico), but at least the engine and trans are still built in Japan.

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  Great car & great reliability - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By stickywickett - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Purchased in 2001 and have had absolutely zero problems!! Its been one of the most reliable cars Ive had (so far 32,000 miles). Handles great, even in the snow/rain. Great value for the money, too.

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  nissans are the best - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By amandab - November 4 - 2:00 am

  i feel comfortable in it, i can wake up and know it will ride like a dream every morning. very comfortable, and great with gas, that helps with me going to school full time

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  Ultimate Ultima - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By greg burnham - November 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car for my mother and sister and they love it. I drive it sometimes and want one ion my driveway. Highly recommened. Love the styling and quality!

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  03 Murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By mullooly - November 4 - 2:00 am

  After pricing and driving the BMW,Benz, Volvo,Lexus,Acura and Infiniti, I found the Murano almost as comfortable as any of the aforementioned and faster than all but the Infiniti FX35 (just as fast though) and smoother than all. For about 10K less ...what a deal. Own a Suburban also and the Murano is sooooooo much more fun to drive!

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  2003 Murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By P Varner - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car! Fun to drive and great power. I have a family of four and it is perfect. I have all the options of a higher priced car for less!

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  This is one fun SUV - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Sescokid - November 4 - 2:00 am

  For the first few months I kept wondering if I had something on my face the way other people would stare at my Murano. Once you get past the great exterior the heated seats will melt you into a large puddle of contentment.

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  Nissan Xterra buyer for life - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By basta - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Nissan Xterra is the best vehicle I have ever owned, I have driven over 30,000 mile in 6mo without any types of problems. I am a nissan buyer for life.

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  RUGGED ROCK RIDER - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By c2cfree - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This outstanding non generic SUV was completely customized for me, in Japan, Rate at 9.9.