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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  Love it. - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By rsrtampa - January 20 - 12:36 am

  I bought the Nissan basically because of the design. It is by far the best looking 4 door truck out there. I have grown to love it for other reasons. It has amazing power, its fun todrive and it is very convenient.

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  "A drivers car" - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By bed21 - January 19 - 6:00 pm

  I bought the Altima because it is very exciting to drive. There is never a dull moment, even with the four-cylinder. It accelerates very quickly, some would say fast, and I can really FEEL the torque that Nissan has squeezed into the engine. The engine BEGS me to drive it hard and fast and it has a race-car like sound to it when I open it up. The handling is tight, not spectacular in corners, but fun enough and the steering is light and fairly responsive. Overall, the designers of the Altima had performance and excitement in mind, not Camry-like ride quality and comfort. It drives as sporty as it looks and I am so glad I own this car. If you enjoy to drive, give the Altima a look!

• 

  Fun to drive - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Gail Riecken - January 19 - 6:30 am

  We have owned a vet, austin healy 3000, mgb and have driven many other sports cars. Nothing can hold a candle to the 350Z for less than $150,000 she is great.

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  This truck ROCKS! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Joe M - January 19 - 2:46 am

  I have had my 2004 Nissan Titan since July. Now it is Jan 23, 2005, a huge snow storm hit four days ago, and another pounds down now! Am I worried? NO WAY! I drove this truck through snowbanks headlight high, drifts 3+ feet deep, no problem! I slid once on an angle, stopped, hit the diff lock, then I was off no problem! This is a great ruck, rugged, roomy, a must in Northern Maine! I just had a buddy buy a new F-150, paid $8,000 more then me, and after four days it didnt start because of the cold! Overall, this truck is great, I get excited each time I drive it, not excited about the gas mileage, but that was expected! I feel very safe on or off road with my daughter in tow as well, I have a 4X4, Off Road, Big Tow, SE!!!

• 

  Just bought our Second Juke - 2016 Nissan Juke
  By Marty - January 18 - 7:06 pm

  Jukes are an absolute blast to drive, so we just purchased our second, a 2016 new with 1000 dealer miles on it. We didnt even take it for a test drive, since it is essentially the same car as our 2012 Juke. BIG MISTAKE!!! For some reason, this one is a DOG when you step on the gas. We alerted the dealer and they are going to take a look. We suspect possibly bad gas from sitting on the lot for so long, but unsure until they check it out. Crossing our fingers that this car will be as fun and worry free as our first Juke, once we get this initial hiccup straightened out.

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  Great for towing trailers - 2009 Nissan Titan
  By postal32927 - January 18 - 3:43 pm

  My son has a 08 with 45,000 miles no problems he pulls a 8 ft trailer. I bought the 09 with the $10,000 off program and love the truck. I got the tow package with it I use the truck to pull a 14 foot trailer with two ATVs over dirt roads with no problems. Gas mileage is not the best when towing getting about 12mpg but be really Im towing about 3,000 pounds at 70 mph. I looked at other trucks and nothing was even close for the money. I was not going to spend another $7,000 to $8,000 for the same truck from Ford or Chevy. I rented a 09 Ford F150 XLT for a day to check it out. What a joke, The XLT package was not even close to the Titan SE and the ride was hard and uneven.

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  Drive it and you will buy it - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Cynthia - January 18 - 5:06 am

  Ive always wanted this vehicle the first I saw it. Now that I own it, I will never drive anything else. I get a lot of compliments about this car. This car is quiet, exceptionally smooth and technological. The CVT is amazing, no shift shock. It handles well, is very roomy inside and comfortable on long trips. The DVD is a nice touch in the center console.

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  Great Commuter - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Rick Geiger - January 18 - 2:36 am

  I was looking for a commuter car that would be comfortable for my 100 mi R/T commute. I was driving a Nissan Titan. I kept the truck, but I bought the Versa. Really roomy and loaded with convenience items (intellegent key, bluetooth, and even the same Rockford Fosgate audio system that came on my Titan LE. I love the sunroof. This car rides like a much bigger car. I have owned it for exactly one week and so far I love it.

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  New Pathfinder Review - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By rixy716 - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Great vehicle! Its powerful, comfortable, and fun to drive. Its excellent in the snow. Its also great looking. This is the third Nissan I have owned in a row. Ive never had to do anything but change the oil every 3000 miles.

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  Pleasure to own - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By gill - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Meets all my expectations..no disappointments.