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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  love it - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By des - March 10 - 4:36 am

  I just bought one for my wife and she loves it as do I. Its a great vehicle and you cant beat the price.

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  The 4 cyl gets the job done....... - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By BrianB - March 9 - 5:30 pm

  While the 6 cyl model packs a bigger punch, the 4 cyl is more than adequate for normal driving. In fact, you really have to keep an eye on the speedometer because you can easily pass 70-80 mph without even noticing.

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  Niisan Versa - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By versaS09 - March 9 - 11:23 am

  Ive owned this versa sedan Sport for about 7 months now, and its one of the best cars in every comparison from its class. I have test drove the other ones in its class and this is really the best. When I drive this car, I am 6.2ft and 260 pounds. This car dosent feel "cramped" when driving. The performace for this size car is excellent!! interior room is excellent!!! Overall this car is probally not gonna be traded in anytime soon! For any one who loves modifying, your gonna love it even more!! its even prewired for fog lights (SL and some S), and a rear spoiler!! come on, thats nice!! I was hesitent to buy a nissan, not knowing anything about them, but Im glad I did, and you would be too!!!

• 

  Best Car I Ever Owned - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Paddy - March 9 - 10:43 am

  Let me begin by saying you want fuel economy then buy a Honda Civic. Other than that this is the best car I ever owned! The styling, the comfort, quiet, ride, handling, performance, everything is tops. What car could top this?? Yes a BMW ... but for twice the price! I would recommend this car to anyone any day as the perfect car.

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  GXE 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl 4A) - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Gonzo24 - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I have no complaints with this vehicle. I traveled across country in it going an average of 65mph (following a moving truck) with the AC on and got over 40mpg. Doesnt handle well in the snow or on ice, but has been a terrific little car. Not much leg room in the rear, but fairly comfortable in front.

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  Best Ever - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By USMCRET - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I owned a Honda Odysse for 3 years. This is the best mini Van, in fact auto that I have ever owned.

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  Murano Review - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By amzetterower - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I just bought my Murano and I am enjoying every minute of it. I love the body style and the interior and the navigation system is great.

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  Worthy of the name - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Zyprexa - March 9 - 10:00 am

  This has been a very good truck so far. Ive only put 1000mi on it, the gas prices are too high. Overall Im not very pleased with the gas mileage so far. The power of this truck is unbelievable, it is fun to put your foot into it, (this could explain the gas mileage). Ergonomics and attention to detail is excellent in this truck. Overall a wise purchase on my part.

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  After 5000 miles already trading it in - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Apollo_X - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving SUVs before they were called SUVs and this is the absolute worst one Ive owned. Bought it brand new and even after 2 test drives, it seemed well enough, but once we got it into traffic, the total lack of driver side leg room proved to be a huge challenge just to find a remotely comfortable pedal to steering wheel position. This, along with the poor pick up is just too much for me and my wife to keep the vehicle. Also, the day after we bought the truck, the speedometer/odometer stopped working. Took two months and three trips to the dealership to get fixed. Total disappointment since we really want to like the truck.

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  rating of 2004 xterra - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By hbaker - March 9 - 10:00 am

  this suv combines a rugged truck style with a suv size. the ride isnt build for comfort. rough bumpy ride as a truck would have.