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 the Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By willajay - March 1 - 2:00 am

  The AWD Murano performs well in ice and snow conditions. The unique transmission takes some getting used to but is a joy to drive once you have mastered it. The exterior styling makes people notice you.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By liquidexistence - March 1 - 2:00 am

  The Titan is a great truck. It performs very well and the handling is unbelieveable for a full-sized truck. The Titan is a bargain when compared to the competitors with similar features, and the Titan will outshine them all while acheiving similar fuel economy. The interior is very well thought out and the utility package makes the bed even more functional.

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  2004 basic titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By igmeister - March 1 - 2:00 am

  we went to the dealer on a thursday night after spending about two years waiting to buy a new truck. at this point it feels like divine intervention because our prayers were answered in the new nissan titan.the titan delivers an excellent base model truck, that is a real truck. the sheer power of the titan is only matched by the design ergomatics and comfort of the interior. this is pure heaven to drive and to ride in.

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  Best Car I ever Bought - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By tiswicked - March 1 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I ever bought. Fast, Sexy and reliable!!! what more can you ask for.

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  Maxima,to the max and beyond - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By warrior - March 1 - 2:00 am

  A tremendously fun vehicle to drive.Great handling,sports car feel,ride a little stiff, until youve driven a little,really holds the road well.steering and car go where you aim it.A really well built car for the money."Really happy with my purchase.Love that sports car feel,great mileage as well as comfort.thanks Nissan

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  maxima - 1 year later - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By lmahler127 - March 1 - 2:00 am

  One year after purchase, my vehicle is as it was when I drove it out if the dealership. It has excellent performance, good fuel economy, is very reliable and fun to own and drive. The body style gets frequent comments about its attractive appearance.

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  2009 Nissan Murano - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Tranpq - February 29 - 1:43 pm

  Only one month ago, my wife and I just bought the 2009 Murano with full loaded options. We are so impressed with this vehicle. The interior looks no less then any other crossover luxury AWD like Lexus or Infiniti, the exterior looks so rock and handsome, its performances are superior with a smooth traction control. My wife and I, we both are Infiniti lovers, but this time we would rather choose this Murano instead of the Infiniti FX or the new EX just came out this year.

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  Big truck - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Smith - February 28 - 10:53 pm

  I found this rather large truck enjoyable to drive and handle.The power of its v8 is somthing to use with caution. This truck will rocket off the line with very little effort.

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  Great car - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Andrea - February 28 - 5:20 pm

  I had a 2004 Maxima and traded for the very stylish 2010. It has a little more up and go, plus I love the CVT. The only negative thing I have found is the computer screen. Even set at the lowest brightness for nighttime driving, it is too bright and therefore somewhat distracting. Everything else is great. I hope it will prove to be as reliable as my last Maxima.

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  2006 Nissan Pathfinder - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Ray - February 28 - 2:46 pm

  This SUV is a joy to drive. Its strongly built, runs fast and steady, great pick up and feels very secure at high speed. It is built with high quality materials and perfect fit and finish. Gas mileage is around 20-22 miles PG ( 70 miles an hour speed) on the highway and 15 in the city. This is a big SUV but does not feel big. Great vehicle for long drives and bumpy roads.