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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  Rogue - nice tool around town CUV - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By jekcartalk2 - August 31 - 2:03 am

  After 1200 miles the car is avg 26.1 MPG which is one of the reasons we bought this CUV. The ride is good for such a small CUV. Downsized from a 03 MDX. Overall the car is fun to drive, smooth CVT (do not use paddle shifters), the displays and controls are located in logical areas. The leather seats are comfortable, the sound system is more than adequate.

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  Reliable and fun to drive - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Alex - August 30 - 11:10 pm

  I just bought one with 46k miles on it. I was happy to find that it still has plenty of power. I took it on a 7 hour road trip and enjoyed how easily I could pass other cars on the highway. It also gets pretty decent gas mileage for the size of the engine. The handling could be better, it feels heavy in turns. A little disappointed with the sound system. Overall a comfortable and capable vehicle.

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  awesome truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By tommy - August 30 - 7:33 pm

  Have owned 5 trucks and by far this is the best nissan has built. I have the le crew cab and there is ample room for myself,wife and grandkids . This is a bigger truck all around with more room lots more horse power and fun to drive. Had a 2004 xe crew cab I thought was good but this 2005 le crew cab is awesome. I have leather package and ets. Test drove a toyota tocoma before buying the frontier/although toyota is a fine truck in my opinion the nissan crew cab is much better.

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  A super SUV to own & drive - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By D MARTIN - August 30 - 7:30 pm

  This truck is very fun to drive.The main reason why I purchased it was for the 5 star safety rating. Then the ride is very smooth and the power on the highway is great. It came with everything I wanted. I think the only thing that could be change is wood grain should be in all on the models.

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  own 2 NAH - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By steve - August 30 - 2:10 pm

  This is my second report.... One NAH 7 weeks old, 1300 miles got 35.8 actual mpg on second fill up (trip computer had 38.3, but they are always higher than actual) More stop and go & suburban miles. Other NAH 6 weeks old, over 5000 miles, mostly highway driving getting between 33 and 35 mpg.

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  Gas Guzzler - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By hazer - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned my xterra for a year and a half and am currently trading it in for a Honda CRV. The gas mileage is awful, the front seats are very uncomfortable, and the power and ride are fair. It is an excellent off road vehicle, and has a great rugged look. But if youre not planning on doing a lot of off-roading and want decent gas mileage I would not recommend this car.

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  Maxima will never break on you - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Kolyan - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I have 95 Maxima with over 160,000 miles on it and I never had to change anything, except for the oxigen sensor which is only about $100.

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  2 Dr SE Desert Runner XCab - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By mattsmith20 - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Good overall truck for the money. Mechanically superb. Styling is unique.

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  good price needs comfort - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Keith O - August 30 - 10:00 am

  Rides like a truck, seats are uncomfortable. Poor fuel milage for such a weak engine. "ABS" & "BRAKE" light come on occasionally. Dealer insists that there is nothing they can do unless light is "on" when they check it. Try getting that light to come on during scheduled maintenence. Rugged good looks on the outside but lacks ride comfort inside and out.

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  Japanese Sports Sedan - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By 03Max - August 30 - 10:00 am

  I have had the car for a little over a week now and all I can say is WOW!! The acceleration is unreal and the fit and finish is top notch. Bose stereo is second only to Lexus Mark Levinson. Got a great deal(bought at invoice) and the whole dealer experience was excellent, will definitely buy the 04 when it debuts.