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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  Good Car for the Money - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By marc - February 26 - 12:50 pm

  Really Good Car, for the money! Interior in the 05 is a big improvement. Nissan with a few more tweaks this car would lead the pack. Hopefully the redesign will improve, and I will try it again.

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  Wait for the accessories - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Just Say No - February 26 - 12:33 pm

  The truck is great in the snow and on clean roads. I havent gone offroad yet. Im getting 12.4 mpg city and about 22 highway. Before you buy this truck, ask them what accessories are available. As of today, March 8, the answer is NONE! Ask them when they will be available..the answer is UNKNOWN. Nissan should not have put this truck on the market without being able to offer ONE of the many accessories like the trailer hitch, tool box, bed divider and most importantly, the soft tonneau cover.

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  Sentra Rocks - 1996 Nissan Sentra
  By jcarlson - February 26 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Nissan Sentra for 5 years now and I love it. I have had no problems at all with the car.

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  Nissans Rock - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By T5time - February 26 - 10:00 am

  I only buy Nissans I have owned 8 of them, this is my second pathfinder. I love the absolute instant power that you get by stepping on the accelerator. The interior fit and finish is great. The only downfall was that My dealer stunk...Still waiting on him to call me for my free pin stripes it has been 8 months. Stay away from Suntrup Nissan in St Louis

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  Great , wish the interior was better... - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By wayyonder - February 26 - 10:00 am

  This is the first SUV for my famnily of 5...I just couldnt see myself in a minivan.... I did a lot of reasearch of this vehicle, it has somewhat paid off... I enjoy the standard safety features, not otherwise offered with its competors...

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  Nice car/truck - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Neneheinz - February 26 - 10:00 am

  I just got it but I love it. Great auto

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  Over the top - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By SavannahBlue - February 26 - 10:00 am

  Now that the Murano is over 1 year old, Im not as thrilled with it as I was initially. The roar of the sunroof makes it unuseable. The air vibrations are extemely uncomfortable. Ive replaced the condensor in the AC already. Overall...like it, dont love it anymore.

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  Ugly Rearend - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By williamsjerome3 - February 26 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the vehicle before I purchased it, so I am not totally surprised at some of the less than stellar highlights. However, I am shocked that the gas milage is not measuring up the estimated EPA rating- the interior part are very cheap look, such as the dash storage compartment and the overhead eyeglass storage-I have the upgraded sound system, it great. Its also two inches less interior compartment space than the Honda Civic-that makes it tought for almost anyone to ride in the backseat- the tilt steering column barely tilt at all-and worst of the complaints, the headlights are easily stolen

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  brand new - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By RickL156 - February 24 - 2:40 pm

  just bought this truck a few days ago..and i am so glad i did..it rides smooth,,the bigger engine is great,,and the interior is a great combination between luxury and sporty,, with a mix of the titanium finish and wood grain it will impress any person..not to many miles yet,,but so far no complaints..and dont let them fool u about the price..they will give u a deal even if it is a new body style..i got $3000 off the MSRP..

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  The best car we ever bought!! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By brendan - February 24 - 7:56 am

  I started looking for a new car and when i came across the 2006 Altima 3.5 Se. I really liked the way it looked and then i drove it that was all it took wow what a fun ride that was i could not belive the power it had and how the 4 door altima was so sporty looking my wife just love the car the only problem i have with the car is trying to get it away from my wife so i could get behide the wheel .. Wow what a car it looks great and drives just as well as it looks . I am thinking of trading my truck in for another one . If you want one hell of a fun ride then two words for you"nissan altima" p.S get the 3.5 Se if you want power. Thanks brendan