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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  disappointed - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By mudd - August 23 - 2:00 am

  The car has been in the shop 15xs so far..nissan service blames the problem on the driver and takes 2 or 3 tries to fix it..I am already looking to buy the new Mazda6.

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  Very Mediocre - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By FA91 - August 22 - 3:23 pm

  We just traded our 2006 Nissan Xterra S. We did not entertain buying another Nissan based on our experience with this Nissan. It was not a bad vehicle, decent power - horrible mileage. We previously had a Ford Explorer that consistently got 18 MPG. Once in a while we would hit 17 with the X, but usually it was 14-16. My wife commuted in the car and it was not used off road. We had no major problems with the Xterra, but did have to take it back to the dealer for a loose exhaust shield - which is now loose again (or was when we traded it). Rust was starting on the rear passenger door. Brakes made a horrible sound when TC kicked in and brakes were applied. Paint scratched easily.

• 

  Disappointed - 2009 Nissan GT-R
  By RevMatt - August 21 - 9:46 pm

  Too heavy, too hyped and too limited. Nicely conceived, poorly executed. Drop 600-700 lbs, lower two inches, get rid of the fancy tranny and eliminate the "warranty voided if you use the launch control" and this car could be a world class sports car! The AWD needs some work to improve driver feedback. I sold my GT-R in favor of a Corvette Z06. Nissan developed some great ideas but missed the mark.

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  Best Truck Ever! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Cyclemut - August 21 - 11:03 am

  Originally thought of purchasing a Colorado, until I drove both. Wish the Frontier had the Orange color of the Colorado, but am very happy with what I got (Black). Green lights are fun again, mountain trips are a pleasure again, the ride is awesome, the power is great, and after the engine started to break in, the mileage got better! Dont know what youre looking for. But if its for a truck you could pass down to your kid, the 05 Frontier is it. Have the dealer add the remotes for keyless entry (doesnt come with remotes from the factory), as theyre pricey ($158 each). Test drove the Tacoma and the Colorado. Love the power of the Frontier and ruggedness of the body. Wont look back!

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  Not the best handling SUV on the market. - 2009 Nissan Armada
  By BigDaddy - August 21 - 1:46 am

  Bought the Armada because my unusually tall husband fit into it but we are so disappointed with the way it drives. If you hit a bump in the road the steering wheel practically flies out of your hand and the Armada bounces wherever it wants to go. Scary. Also, for a large vehicle there isnt very much storage so we always seem to be moving things (like the emergency car care kit) all around the vehicle. If you need to use all 3 rows of seats as we frequently do - only a small cargo space remains. Ill drive this one until it dies to get my moneys worth (maybe) but I wont buy another and I would advise you to keep on shopping too.

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  Simple SUV - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Daniel Ocean - August 20 - 4:33 pm

  Traded in 04 Murano. Went from luxury to basic. The X is very simple and rugged. if u get it dirty then leave it there, it looks nice w/ dirt on it. Interior layout is fine. everything is where u would expect it to be. more storage spots than murano. spacious enough to haul things around.

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  BLACK BEAUTY - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By RO - August 20 - 5:10 am

  MY NISSAN MAXIMA 3.5SL NAVIGATES VERY SMOOTHLY. IT IS COMFORTABLE FOR MY 103 LBS GRANDDAUGHTER AS WELL AS MY 6 5" NEPHEW. I ALWAYS HEARD THAT MAXIMAS ARE EXCELLENT CARS BUT I AM GLAD THAT I FINALLY BOUGHT ONE.

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  Recall -check out brake fluid - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Thomas - August 20 - 2:46 am

  I have only 1600 miles on my car and already the brake light warning showing on the dashboard. I check the brake fluid level and it was very low. I topped the liquid level myself and after a week the level has dropped again. Be careful and take this urgent. I am taking the vehicle to the service tomorrow for checkup. I am sure the brake fluid is leaking and the master cylinder will need to be replaced.

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  Outstanding Truck. - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Dave - August 20 - 1:33 am

  After a lot of research I picked the Titan and after 30 days cound not be happier. However I do realize that time will tell. But if first impressions are lasting then this is a great truck. I have had trucks for 30 years and this may be the first that is actually fun to drive. I was concerned with the size going from a Dakota to the full size Titan but its no big deal. The gas mileage is about what I expected 14-15. Considered a F150 and Tundra but fell in love with the Titan after I drove it. Value was part of the reason. Got a great deal at $3K below invioce. F150 and Tundra were more $ for less features.

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  pricey, but worth it - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By brian - August 19 - 9:06 pm

  car handles really good and feels stiff enough to not annoy you. gas mileage could be better, as i avg 15 in city. the car has power to pick up and go. turn radius could be better. the navigation is good, but i preferr hondas navigation as its easier to use and overall better. no complaints about my navi though. my car came with xenons, and the only thing i dislike about them is the lack of projectors in them. lighting just doesnt match my 04 mazda3 or my brother bmw as far as lighting goes.