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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  I love my versa - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Lisa - June 6 - 3:33 am

  I just love my versa. What a fun car to drive. Averaging 26mpg - less than advertised 40mpg - but still am satisfied. Very comfortable, even on long trips. Ample room in the trunk area - and Im always loading it up with Costco bulk purchases! Two repair problems so far and Im still under 2000 miles. Driver door lock would not unlock manually, and I needed a new fuel pump after experiencing difficulty starting the vehicle. Ive read on a number of forums that this is a problem for many, however Nissan has not issued a recall, just a service bulletin. Despite this, I just love the car and would recommend it to anyone.

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  Wonderful for winter driving! - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By aprilhughes - June 6 - 12:46 am

  I just drove it off the lot 24 hours ago, into the snow! I traded in my Mazda 5 because I was having serious traction issues with the Mazda in icy or snowy conditions. We have had a Nissan Murano for 5 years, and went with the Rogue since we are so happy with the Murano. The Rogue definitely drives as comfortably as the Murano, it feels very similar. I dont feel bumps in the road at all, and the traction with the AWD engaged is exceptional. I am not looking for power or speed, I drive short distances to pick up kids and get to work. The seats are very comfortable, I have to say it feels very luxurious for the price.

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  Great car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By chris ruiz - June 5 - 8:50 pm

  This is a great car. During the evacuation during the Rita storm, I was stuck in traffic for over 15 hours (the car was running nonstop), and I did not have any problems. While other vehicles were pulling over becasue they were running out of gas, I got to my destination 16 hours later with half a tank of gasoline left over. Fun car to drive and reliable.

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  Great car! Great gas mileage! - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Oscar - June 5 - 3:13 pm

  I never though the day would come that I would contemplate buying a compact car; but with 4-5 dollar gas its a no brainer. With a negative mindset for compact cars I set out shopping. I wanted fuel economy, but I also wanted comfort and style. As a third car at home I didnt want to pay more than 13-14K for the car. Basic transportation! After looking at Kias. Toyotas, Hyundais and some comparable GM models, I went to see the Nissan Versa. I found all that I was looking for in this little car. At 62" tall I found the car easy to get in and out of. You do not feel like you are driving a "compact" with the Versa. Plenty of power and good looks. Great fit and finish.

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  Best car I have owned - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Vito P - June 5 - 2:06 pm

  After being told by GM that my Firebird with 75000 miles had lived "its useful life" I finally gave up and bought a Nissan...best decision ever... I now have 140000 original owner miles with NEVER a major problem...just brakes, coils...little things...the car is EXCEPTIONALLY RELIABLE and starts every time with NO hesitation...they built this one to last...hoping to make it to 200K. Buy with confidence.

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  Great car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By blue0730 - June 5 - 9:26 am

  I am the original owner and have had no problems with my car going on almost 11 years. She still drives great and is in great condition. I saw others say the v4 has issues but mine is going on 125k miles with none.

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  Wonderful Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By AJP - June 3 - 8:36 pm

  I saw this car while driving past the dealer and stopped in to take a look. I loved the car from the 1st day and ended up buying the SE model. The car had many great features but it rode much too hard for my wife and me. After about 3 months and much discusion I was able to get a fair price from the dealer for a trade to the SL. WOW what a great car. It is very comfortable and handles like a dream. I have a problem keeping down to the speed limit on the highways, it just wants to sail along. There are many great features on this vehicle but the automatic entry and exit is one I truly appreciate. I have had all the routine service performed by Nissan, they have been excellent.

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  02 Quest - 2002 Nissan Quest
  By apollo_ten - June 3 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive...as fun as a minivan can be.

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  A Pleasure to Drive - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By samudra - June 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought it at 73000 miles, and am pleased with its performance and ride quality.

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  Great Vehicle Fun to Drive - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By pintac - June 3 - 2:00 am

  The Murano is a great car. Nissan has outdone itself in quality and looks. This SUV is comfortable, rides quitely and it looks very nice. I would reccommend this vehicle to anyone looking for safety, performance and looks