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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  Murano - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By dog - January 12 - 11:40 am

  I just purchased an 06 Murano, I traded in an 03 Suburban, on my way to get the new vehicle, the Suburban averaged 9 MPG, the Murano averaged 24.4 MPG for the trip home driving 70 MPH, the gas savings alone will make half the payment. Thank you, Nissan..

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  Great SUV Hands Down - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By ESUVEE LUVR - January 11 - 8:13 am

  Replaced our Lexus RX330 with the fully-loaded Nissan Pathfinder LE with Nav-DVD. Great car/truck/SUV. Best we ever had. There are some trade offs with the RX330, but all-in-all, it beats it and all of the others I have test drove. If you are concerned about fuel mileage, stay away from this, or better yet, dont get an SUV.

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  Antonios Review - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Antonio1958 - January 10 - 11:03 pm

  I traded two vehicles: an 03 Murano SL AWD and 05 350Z Roadster after realizing that it is no longer practical for me to have 2 vehicles requiring premium fuel. I purchased a black on black w/leather LE loaded with the dual panel roof instead of a DVD player. This car is an absolute delight to drive and Im amazed at the amount of room as well as the creature comforts. When you press the accelerator, it responds effortlessly. 20hp more than my 03 and seems like about the same mileage with mid-grade fuel. If you select a black one, only use microfiber cloths on the exterior and say good-bye to automatic car washers.

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  2 Maximas in a row! - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By GranadaMan - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Bought car with 70,000 miles and in 6 months I have put 18,000 on it and still going. I had to replace the A/C Condenser because berrings were worn on the pulley ($800) - made a horrible noise. This is my second Maxima and I could not be happier. I have gotten 32 MPG on good highway stretches. I may jump to a G35 in a few years just because they look better than the 04 Maxima.

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  Armada - Basic SE Model Review - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By 81 trekker - January 10 - 10:00 am

  We purchased the basic SE in early May. Only extras were the Bose System and tow package. We had the dealer add fog lights and the two other skid plates (transfer case and gas tank). The "beast" is a pleasure to drive on road trips. The most comfortable vehicle we have had for travel. I tested its off-road ability in the GW National Forest on a road used primarily by ATVs. It passed with flying colors, even with the Continental All Weather Tires. We have had no issues with it to date. No resonance can be detected. We get 14 mpg on mostly highway and 15- 16 on the road.

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  Not Your Average Minivan - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By mtfbwy - January 10 - 10:00 am

  We looked at the Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna but picked the Nissan Quest because it seemed like a better value overall. Car magazines rate it below the former two vans but we actually LIKE the interior and exteriror styling. The Hondas interior seems like it was plucked from an Oldsmobile and the Toyotas is a nice compromise. The engine has a throaty exhaust growl and gets great highway mileage while still having a ton of low end torque. The second row fold down seats are also a plus. We got alot more equipment for the money with the Quest as well. Dont overlook this van because of the reviews.

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  Real Fun - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By dock - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Good design, well powered. Easy to drive aggressively with acceptable handling. Interior could be upgraded a little, but for the money this is just right!

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  350Z For Me - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By DavidJF - January 10 - 10:00 am

  It is evrything I expected and a better choice than the Porsche Boxster that I was considering until I purchased the 350Z

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  Great Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By A.B. - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I went from a 99 altima to this car and I love it. Its really fun to drive and looks great!

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  great car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By seeaqueen - January 10 - 10:00 am

  this is just an over all great car this is my first nissan and i love it