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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  Amazing Car - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By Adam - March 24 - 11:53 pm

  this car is totally amazing... we just bought it and it is amazing, it responds so quickly when you accelerate (compared to the 06 Isuzu Ascender i traded in, which is a GMC ENVOY LOOK-A-LIKE) the armadas style is amazing... the visibility and for me a 64ft guy... it makes me feel small which never happens. also the chrome detail are amazing even though i got the base model, the chrome makes it look so expensive, which it was but it is worth every penny. nissan did an amazing job on it.. everyone always stares at it.. it makes me feel good. and the Bose sound system is amazing

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  A++++++++ - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Torres - March 24 - 11:06 am

  Great car....... I had a 09 maxima and had to get the 10.. Bluetooth AUDIO is amazing. Love the way it handles. I got the one with the sports suspense, leather premuim, cold pack... ECT.... I got a great deal and 2.9%.. The car handles very well under both cond. wet or dry.. Audio system is okay, they use to many speakers for base.. Only the front speaks play sound.. Front door and rear are for the subs... :( We recommend it.

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  Well worth the little extra in price - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Zach - March 23 - 10:03 pm

  Just purchased this car for my wife, we researched and test drove the Camry, Fusion, and Mazda6 as well but selected the Altima. It has what we felt was the best finishing details/trim and was sportier than the Camry and Fussion. The Mazda6 was a close 2nd place but our local dealer didnt have much of a selection. We have owned Mazda 626 and a Camry in the past and really like both of them, but the Altima just fit our needs better this time. Probably a little more in price when equipped comparably, but worth the extra $$. We love it so far.

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  My First Full-Size - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Steve - March 23 - 9:56 pm

  This is my first full-size pickup and I must say that I am pleasantly pleased with my purchase. The thing that made me go Nissan (besides its attractive looks, great engine and value) was the fact that it was one of the largest interior and short-box bed pickups that actually fit in my garage. The interior is very well put together and the features are luxo-car plush. The navigation is high resolution and the gauges glow attractiveley at night. I do wish for a touchscreen nav and incoming call info for the Bluetooth coming from an Acura TL and being spoiled. I have already hauled two huge loads (one 2,400 lb sand and one 2,040 lb brick) and the truck handled it with ease.

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  Noise complaint - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Bonnie - March 23 - 5:40 am

  I hear air leaking from somewhere, either from windshield or windows and I cannot find the leak. I have not complained to the dealer yet, due to a stroke I suffered in Feb.

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  Love It - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By Richard - March 23 - 2:00 am

  I have had my juke for 4 weeks now it is a blast to drive. The Turbo has very little lag and the car handles well. I am 66" tall and have no problem taking it on road trips. the gas mileage is closer to 20 MPG than 30 MPG. It is difficult to drive slow

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  Six months in, all good - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By Mark - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Im not usually one to write reviews, but Edmunds was very helpful as I purchased the Murano so I felt obliged to return the favor. IÂ’ve purchased maybe half a dozen cars in my life and my Murano is by far my favorite. ItÂ’s very fun to drive, especially coming from a trucky SUV. The interior is very well thought out, with everything seemingly where youÂ’d expect it to be. And IÂ’ve yet to walk up to it and not like how the exterior looks. ItÂ’s really nice to have no regrets about such a significant purchase. IÂ’d definitely recommend Nissan and the Murano.

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  For the True Outdoors - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Brett - March 23 - 1:43 am

  Very happy with the Xterra. This vehicle design really does have function. Very rugged and can go anywhere! I decided on the 6spd manual because its more fun to drive and has a very tall 6th for hwy cruising. I do a lot of whitewater kayaking and this vehicle gets me to all the knarly put-ins. The Xterra has excellent build quality. It is also very surefooted in offroad situations. This is modern mans "old school bronco." I considered the Toyota FJ Cruiser, but decided the massive blind spots over the shoulder were a nuisance and a safety concern. Get out and live a little!

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  Transmission Problems @ 15,000 miles - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Kim Isbell - March 22 - 10:53 pm

  I loved the exterior styling which is why I bought it. However, while going 40 mph one day, my bug deflector broke off and scratched and dented my hood. I only had it 6 weeks so I assumed it was a manufacturers defect. But the manufacturer said since mine was an isolated case I would have to pay for the repairs myself! (Shoddy installation I assume!) Then, at 15,000 miles my transmission started locking up. It was in the shop 3 weeks because they had to send away for diagnostic equiptment from the manufacturer just to figure out the problem. It turned out to be a computerized glitch. Ive never experienced so many problems with a new vehicle with such few miles before.

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  I love my Murano! - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Susan - March 22 - 7:10 pm

  I researched for over 6 months and kept coming back to the Murano. Its classy, yet very fun to drive. I cant believe how quiet and comfortable she is. I have lower-back pain - the power lumbar support is incredible. Ive had her for a week and Ive already received many compliments. The dual- panel moonroof is my favorite feature. It just feels so open and bright. I also love the back-up camera - its a must in this vehicle as the rear view isnt all that great. Ive been averaging 24 miles/gallon on the highway, and have been pretty impressed with MPG so far. I got it in Merlot with Beige interior and I love it!