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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  Very reliable - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By RAC93 - October 17 - 12:34 am

  I purchased a 2007 Nissan Sentra brand new and owned it proudly for 10 years. It was a very reliable car, which I had driven just over 144,000 miles. The only time my car left me stranded was when the battery died (which happened twice in 10 years.) I would still be driving this car today, however it was totaled last week, when I was hit from behind on the freeway. Thankfully, my injuries were minor. The car did a great job protecting me.

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  Great Car - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By BTS - October 16 - 1:30 am

  I bought this car in April 05 and have put around 2000 miles of mixed highway and residential driving. I am getting around 25 MPG combined which I am satisfied with. The V6 engine is responsive, acceleration is always there when you need it. 80 MPH at the end of a highway entrance ramp is way too easy to accomplish. The car is very roomy. I am 6-1", 220 lb and I fit comfortably in the drivers seat and also in the backseat with plenty of leg room. The handling is great. The Maxima is rock solid and smooth on the highway, but its great on curvy back roads too. We have gotten numerous compliments on the car from family, friends, and strangers. Great car!

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  XE Model, AT, 4WD - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Dan Wilner - October 16 - 1:13 am

  I purchased this SUV in June 2004. I have been very satisfied with it. While it is built for rugged use, it is excellent around town and on the highway as long as one realized this automobile is buit on a truck frame and responds accordingly. The interior is comfortable with well thought out space usage. No repairs have been required to date. I highly recommend this SUV.

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  Believe the hype - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By weezy - October 15 - 7:53 pm

  I bought a used 05 Max SE in July, black on black with 20,000 miles. For the money I paid, this car has really impressed me. Mine is black with black leather and the 18" chrome wheel package; with aftermarket window tints it looks awesome. Ive gotten tons of compliments on its exterior looks. My complaints with the car are the same as others..wide turning radius, some cheaper-looking interior plastic, etc. However, the car has much more upside than downside. Awesome acceleration, good handling for a car its size, great sound system, and better than expected fuel economy. Overall, a solid option for those looking for a blend of performance, practicality, and style.

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  :) - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Stephanie - October 15 - 4:53 pm

  I bought my Xterra in September of this year and Absolutly love it. Its a blast to drive in the summer or winter, its slow off the line but I hear that they are fixing that in 2005! Cant wait to see what new Xterras roll of the line and I cant wait to drive me a little more in the conditions.

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  2002 Nissan Frontier King Cab SE - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By brandy - October 15 - 4:36 pm

  The truck drives great the only issue is the gas mileage but that is only becuase I was used to driving a 4 cylinder and this is a V6. Handles wonderful in snow, and rain. Looks nice and I love that we bought it.

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  Frequent and Lousy Repairs - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By sailor - October 15 - 4:43 am

  Where to begin? AC never worked. Dealer couldnt/wouldnt repair. When finally dumping it, I had three other dealers advise, oh the AC on that doesnt work.... Under the dash maintenance lousy. parts actually fell off. Finally took it to a tire shop who fixed front vibration (in shop 6 times for), Tire shop balanced one tire and fixed the problem. Maybe the problem is Nissan of Clovis (CA). But then Factory Rep failed to respond after three weeks.

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  At last a reliable, big SUV - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Sauerbrey - October 15 - 3:56 am

  Great reliability. Owned Fords for years, but gave up on them due to customer service/reliablity issues. Couldnt be happier with my choice. This rig is bombproof, tows my trailer like its not there, good off-road capability. It just works!!

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  Best car ever purchased - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Henry Oliva - October 15 - 1:50 am

  I have had a very good experience with this vehicle. I would recommend the Armada to anyone. It is fun to drive and everywhere I go I get complimented on my Armada. I am a big guy and the space is incredible, I have never been in an suv with so much leg and arm room. My father is now thinking of purchasing one of his own. He says it looks sleek and very luxurios. If you are in the market for a suv, I give the Armada 2 thumbs up.

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  Unique SUV - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Kingsley A. Antwi - October 14 - 11:56 pm

  I purchased this SUV in August 2006, after shipping my old pathfinder abroad. The body style is unique among all the SUV brands. It has a lot of leg room, good entertainment system and numerous storage places as compared to its competitors. It drives beautiful and stable on highway. It took me half tank from Pembroke Pines to Orlando within 3 hours, pretty good on gas on highway driving. I wont trade in for any other model because of its unique body.