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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  . - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Donna Scott - February 23 - 12:11 am

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  2012 Nissan NV, 2500 SV, V6 Review - 2012 Nissan NV
  By mikeprs - February 22 - 7:18 pm

  Purchased 9/26/11 . No technology option. Got rear window package, floor mats package and side air bag package. Gas mileage is based on your driving habits. I drive speed limit and do not accelerate quickly. Get about 16.5 to 17 mpg in city and on flat highway, no wind, going 65 mph I get 21 mpg. This is with no shelving or cargo in back. The inovations are great. See the ads . Van is more quite on hwy and city roads compared to Ford E250. Stereo is so so. Cab area is good. Lots of room to stow your stuff out of sight. Drives like a truck not like a van. After installing shelves and cargo van drives smoother and you dont feel the bumps as much. Dont know how reliable it is yet.

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  Still convinced after 6k miles - No better Choice Out There! - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By ufgator_meche - February 22 - 5:30 pm

  Bought my premium SV with every option possible in January. Amazing! I was totally impressed with these cars when my brother bought a 95 fully loaded. I loved driving that car. I love this one even more! Room? Tons. I drive co-workers to lunch too, and they are impressed with the room in the back seat. One owns a 2002. Noticeably more room here, which was intended! The AC blower is pretty loud, but that is because it is blasting you with lots of cfm. This is great when you come out to a hot car after work. What did the other person mean about the accessory? If you want the car accessory on, dont press the brake & push the button. Push it again for ON. Push it again for all off.

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  Drivers Car - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Mike Stavola - February 22 - 8:43 am

  Unbelieveable car on twisty roads. Absolutely no oversteer or understeer. Easy to drive like professional racer.

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  Best Nissan Ever!!!!!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Mariano - February 22 - 2:23 am

  WOW!!! I have always loved the Nissan Maxima. Ever since I saw the new 1995 styles. When the 2004 Maxima came out..I was in love. I had to have that car. And I did!!! It is the style and grace with power and sport car handling thrown to boot. Bar far, the best car in the market today. Nissan Maxima enthusiast!!!

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  I love my Altima - a great car to drive - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Alex - February 21 - 1:26 pm

  I have had my Altima for over a year and love the way it drive and feels. It the best car in its class with a sporty feel. 0 to 60 mph in under 6 second. No other car in its class can boast as much speed. I would buy a Nissan or Infiniti again because of how fun they are to drive. I love just hitting the gas and flying buy everyone on the freeway and not even realizing I going so fast cause the Altima drive so smooth.

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  armada 2006 - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By JLNRMRA - February 21 - 7:53 am

  Great vehicle. Is the perfect mix between elegance and sport. Its like the BMW; we all know its built for performance but shines for its elegance. Down side... gas/miles but if you use synthetic oil and go easy at take off youll get close to 300 miles/ tank which is not bad for the size of this engine (5.6L). The brake assist sistem is really awesome. I have two Seadoo GTX on a double trailer (1500 lb.) and you cant tell the difference.

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  Big Max, hold the cheese! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By TRo - February 21 - 7:06 am

  This car feels more expensive than it is. Still cant believe its only a V6! It simply handles and peforms like no other car in its class... or is there any other car in its class??? I even get those snooty folks in their 4- wheeled German status symbols to take a second look... as I zip past them on the freeway! Overall this is one terrific vehicle, however NOT without it flaws. Nonetheless at around $30K, as MC Hammer use to say, "...cant touch this!"

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  Reliable, fun car - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Valerie - February 21 - 3:00 am

  For a 4 cyl, this has a lot of pick up, which is why I only avg 21 mpg. I like a powerful car and it is fun to drive. Very comfortable car. Smooth ride. All the controls are where you would expect them to be. On a winter day of 13 F, the drivers window was stuck down after going to an ATM. The dealership replaced all 4 window motors for me under a recall. Had to replace the intake manifold gasket at 32K. I would buy another Altima - especially if I got the stick shift. That would be even more fund to drive.

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  The Most Honest Car Review of 2015 - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Michael Williams - February 20 - 11:43 pm

  This car is a chariot of your dreams. The best ride in your life since well, KINGDA KA at Six Flags. The kind of car that when you get out people wonder if your a celebrity or really just good at your job. Thats it.