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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  All around good car! - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Nicole1129 - February 17 - 4:23 am

  I bought my sentra with 22,000 miles on it when it was two years old.It was just in an accident and she was totaled (and I walked away unscathed) but I miss having it, I should buy another one! This is an extremely reliable car, and would suggest it to anyone!

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  Love the gas mileage - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Steve Brooks - February 17 - 4:20 am

  Gave in to the wifes wishes to go for the quirky styling and better gas mileage. It sure gets its share of thumbs-ups and curious looks, which is good because we have sign graphics for our business on the back window. Unexpected 30.5mpg mileage for her daily 140-mile roundtrip to a new office, 50% better mileage than our Pathfinder. This alone will save us $200 a month. I like a lot of features, esp. with the SL package, and some I dont like, see below.

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  A Bargain - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Rich T. - February 16 - 7:43 pm

  I got the "S" Model with the 360 degree package. It gives you $2,000 worth of extras for $1,000 (privacy glass, alloy rims, backup camera, spoiler, etc). Im glad I opted for the 360 package. The bare "S" model is spartan. I still miss things like an outside temperature indicator and a drivers seat that adjusts upwards. Both are available with the "SL" Model. The base "SL" model is just a few bucks more than a "S" Model with the 360 package. However, most "SL" Models have other options and thats when the price starts to rise. Ive put 4,000 miles on mine and love it. The CVT is excellent. Smooth as glass. Fairly good mileage. Lots of pep, feels like a 6 cylinder. And a Bargain!

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  Not a bad car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Dave - February 16 - 1:50 pm

  I owned a 2003 altima but recently sold it. My experience with this car has been great! I priced and researched every car in its class and I have to say its a great choice. The 3.5L kicks butt! I only had minor issues like a knocking noice coming from the column between the driverÂ’s side window and the windshield. I also experienced a lot of wear-and-tear on the tires and filters with minimal mileage on the car. Overall this is a great car for the money. I recommend it to anyone looking for a sedan with style and plenty of guts for the open road.

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  Frustrated and Disappointed - 2013 Nissan Rogue
  By ann8023 - February 16 - 12:55 am

  I purchased a new 2013 Rogue in May 2013. Last week, the malfunction light came on in the car. After experiencing difficulty accelerating while driving in town, I took the car to the nearest Nissan dealer. Eventually, it was determined that I needed a new transmission. The car had less than 5,000 miles! It has been 8 days and the car is still being repaired. I will never purchase another Nissan again. Clearly, there was a defect in the manufacturing process.

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  Cant let it go... - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By joshua38104 - February 15 - 9:54 pm

  I bought my 2002 Maxima with, If I remember correctly about 85k miles. I now have 130K 2 yrs later. Ive had to replace a set of tires, the radiator, the battery and now a minor oil leak. Sounds bad, but its a used car and was more than likely its timing. With that being said I love this car. Ive thought about a new car but when I look around I compare other cars to my Maxima. Mine is a beautiful color (bluish) with leather seats that are in terrific condition, 6-disc CD player (that needs replacing bc the factory one is crappy) and a sunroof. No leaks. Keyless entry. MPG could be better but not too bad. This car runs and runs fast! Powerful engine. Love LOVE this car!

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  Not quite perfect - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By newrogueowner08 - February 15 - 6:20 pm

  As a former Corolla owner now working in northern NJ, I was looking for something with a little more power & able to handle the mountains, snow & rain. After driving 1500 miles, I have to give it high marks for steering and braking. That said the ride could be a little smoother. There is also noticeable road noise (wind) that seems to be coming from the hatch area as if it werent sealed properly. Seating is very comfortable. I wasnt happy w/the factory black leather w/red dots so I opted for dealer installed black leather. IMO, its much nicer. The Bose stereo is excellent. Nissan forces XM on you, so you will need to install an aftermkt Sirius radio thru the aux port.

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  05 Frontier Crew Cab SE 2WD V6 Auto - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Rob - February 15 - 11:06 am

  After 18 months and 21000 miles, I can honestly say I love this vehicle! Powerful engine, smooth ride, just dosent feel like a truck. I have driven my truck on several long trips and it cruises effortlessly at 80-85 mph, very quiet and comfortable. Ive owned Toyotas, Hondas, Mazdas and a VW, and can say that so far, this is my favorite. Im very impressed with the build quality of this truck too, especially the engine/transmission and fit and finish. I would definitely recommend that anyone looking at a mid-size truck to do yourself a favor and check out the Frontier!

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  Great car! - 2013 Nissan Sentra
  By Lawanda Renee - February 15 - 3:20 am

  I love my Nissan Sentra its a great car. No problems wrong with it

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  Just Bought the Ride of My Life - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By D-MINES - February 14 - 4:26 pm

  Just traded my 04 FX45 for my first Z, and love my outcome! Couldnt have made a better decision. The exterior rocks and the comments and wow factor from others is much more than the FX. The exhaust amazing. The stock stereo/speakers are a lot to get used to after having a Bose system. Probably have to replace as it looks and sounds low quality. The red exterior rocks. Im loving my Zed!!!