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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  So Far So Great - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By LS - May 20 - 6:23 pm

  I have owned the car for about 3 weeks and so far I like the car. You can pretty much figure the cars reliability will be great (its a Nissan!), interior styling is very nice and exterior styling is great. For the price is really is the best deal on the road. I have gotten 27 MPG mixed.

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  Nothing but Nissan for Me - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By Roxanne - May 20 - 7:43 am

  My 1993 Nissan Sentra E was traded in on a new Sentra 1.8 Special Edition. I couldnt own anything else at this point. My first one was so reliable it felt like a family member! The new one has the wickedest audio package (Rockford Fosgate) and with power everything, I feel totally spoiled. Its a pleasure to drive, is comfortable on my back and the automatic transmission is very smooth. The only thing I would want on top of all it has, is a digital compass readout on the rearview mirror. These cars wear like iron and never let you down. I love it and expect to have it for the next 13 years like the other one. Best buy for the money, buy Sentra.

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  07 Nissan Versa SL - A MUST SEE!! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By medemas - May 20 - 5:03 am

  You will not be disappointed with this vehicle. For its size, it has great acceleration and handling, steering is nice and tight, brakes are excellent, the stereo system is outstanding on a car this size and price range, and the overall feel is that you are in a vehicle that is much bigger and pricier than the Versa is @ about 16,500 for a well-equipped model. As for the exterior, it looks somewhat like a mini-murano, which is not a bad thing whatsoever. No, the seats do not pull down completely flush with the floor as in the Honda Fit, but you will be amazed at how little you will miss that extra space as the seats still fold down allowing for a handsome amount of storage space. 10+

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  Great power - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By mike - May 19 - 11:43 pm

  Overall have been very happy with the truck. Great pickup power, strong handling. A couple of minor complaints with fit and finish but any issues Nissan has fixed under warranty. Only downside is the gas mileage. averaging 13.5 to 14 mpg.

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  Still loving my car! - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By lilmiss34 - May 19 - 6:25 pm

  I have now had my 2011 Altima SL w/ convenience plus package and Bose system for just over 5 months and 5200 miles and am still very happy with it! I am averaging about 29-30MPG total (I still ride highway about 65% of the time) between highway and city. People still compliment me all the time on the quality of the sound system. Handles well (even in sudden flooding rain), ride is smooth and comfortable.

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  mixed feelings - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By ondro1977 - May 19 - 2:46 pm

  This Car looks, handles and feels great and in 2001 it was more powerful than 2001 Toyota 4Runner and more stylish. Engine got boosted to 240HP over very weak 168HP 3.3 liter. With that came a lots of MAF, O2,Crank position sensor failures. Use of premium fuel is more than recommended. Weak transmission and aggressive rust on under-body (save yourself and spray it prematurely if you can). Strut tower failures. Realistic fuel economy is 14city and 20 Hwy.

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  Love the Murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By rdon0548 - May 19 - 11:40 am

  My 2005 Nissan Murano has a great engine, especially with the 245 hp and the transmission using belts rather than gears. It is as smooth as silk. The rear visibility took a little getting used to, but it is ok. The dash controls took some work to understand. I love the copper color. We just like the truck, no ifs, ands, or buts.

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  poor gas mileage in Fl - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By bad fuel system - May 19 - 10:26 am

  I have had nothing but fuel system issues with my two maximas. I purchased the first one in 1995 and after 70,000 miles the engine would shut down in the middle of the road. I purchased a 1999 and after 90,000 miles I am having major fuel problems. I have to put a bottle of fuel system cleaner in every fill up just to stop the rough idling...

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  Very surprised - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Happy - May 19 - 3:43 am

  I have driven many high end SUVs, from Porsche to Land rovers and this SUV is right up there with them. Sure the Murano may not be as fast or handle as well, but it is not slacking either. It drives like a car! Very comfortable! The Tech is very intuitive, much better than what the germans have to offer. The Ipod integration is simple, and the Bose sound system is amazing! This has true "keyless entry," never have to remove it from my pocket! Bottom line is the price, you get so much for so little, good job, very satisfied!

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  Reliable Car - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Gilrich - May 18 - 4:13 pm

  I like my 2001 Nissan Sentra 2.0, because its easy to maintain and repair. So far it has odometer reading of 160,000 and its still running and sound the same as I bought it 7 years ago. For seven years, I already changed 2 rear hub assembly, fan resistor and 4 tires. I recommend this car, its very reliable if you maintain it regularly. I run average of 120kms everyday and it never gave me headache even a single day.