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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  I love this car - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By glen - August 12 - 5:16 pm

  I LOVE this car. Ive driven pickups and cars but this is the first car I have ever really LOVED. Very powerful for an "SUV". I get 21 MPG ave. in town etc. Hwy is about 24 MPG. Doesnt have the range that some cars do but not a problem. Seats very comfortable to me. Seat heaters a bit uneven but I dont use that anyway.

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  great car - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By mike - August 12 - 3:26 pm

  From the day I drove off the car lot I have never had such a great driving experience as I have had with my 350Z. I have driven many performance cars and the 350Z is the best.

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  perfection! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Vice - August 12 - 10:16 am

  where do i begin on how great this car is to drive? the comfort? finish? handling? the ample power even on the inline-four? i love this car so much. so far in the 11 months ive owned this car, ive only had 4 oil changes. nothing more and nothing less. nissan are great cars, as long as you do your part in getting service done on time, this car will last you.

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  Nismo the goat - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Gonzo - August 12 - 6:00 am

  I love this truck, my daughter calls it the goat. The gas mileage at 60 is 24 mpg and it rides very nice.I cant complain if anything its way over built. Power to spare and very roomy, great ergonomics.

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  2009 370Z Touring - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By G.D. Monhollen - August 12 - 3:46 am

  The car looks great and is fun to drive. The ride is a little tight, which is to be expected with the sport suspension. With the seven speed automatic transmission, the shifts are at the correct rpm and the engine idles at highway speed. The high school teens drool at the sight of the new "Z" car. I hope to keep this car for a long time...

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  Dont Judge a Book by its Cover - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By JTB - August 11 - 11:03 pm

  Love to drive this SUV. Responsive and good looking however it has become the most unreliable vehicle that I have ever owned. Bearing froze on idler pully causing it to fail, fly apart and damange engine components. Then transfer case for 4WD failed. Two tows in two consecutive months all with 22,000 miles. Add to this the air duct design flaw of being too close to the engine therefore always blowing warm air through the vehicle even when outside temperatures are 70 degrees. Also, when car has more than two people in it the ride feels as if there are no shock absorbors. Even with these deficiencies, I have recommended the car to others.

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  Annoying whining sound - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By myaltima15 - August 11 - 9:39 pm

  I recently purchased a 2015 Nissan Altima after my 2012 Altima was declared a total loss. A few days after my purchase I started to hear a loud whining sound when walking to my car after using the remote engine start. This noise is so loud that I am even embarassed to use the remote engine start or drive it in my parking garage at work. I took it in to a Nissan dealer and they stated that its normal. This is what gives you that extra gas mileage. But honestly, I would much rather loose the gas mileage and drive a quiet car. This is pretty ridiculous. Not a happy camper!!

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  Sporty Luxury Car Without Luxury Price - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Myiesha - August 11 - 8:56 pm

  I have been looking to purchase the Nissan Maxima since 2004 when the new exterior was introduced. Finally in 2005, I decided to buy the 2006. This car looks and drives great. I get so many complements. Its luxury without the luxury price.

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  Great truck - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Brandyn - August 11 - 5:53 pm

  In 07 my grandma bought our XT used. Unfortunately, my grandma passed away in December of 07 and she left me the vehicle. I got my license 2 months ago and I absolutely love my XT, except that the check engine light comes on at random times and the front piece is faded pretty bad. I feel very lucky to get to start out my driving experience with this vehicle and I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Nothing compares to this - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jjy520 - August 11 - 1:26 am

  Purchased few days ago and words just cant express what this SUV actually is... Youve got to have one to believe! I wish I had the DVD entertainment but couldnt find one with it in the color I chose: Avalanche.