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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  Always buy the extended warrantee!! - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By m0mzilla - December 6 - 2:30 am

  Im heartbroken at the collapse of this car after owning it for just over a year! I LOVED it, but out of the blue, with no warnings or dash lights, Im told that my transmission has failed with only 68k miles on the car! The important info is: Nissan does not repair transmissions - they only replace them at a more than $5k cost! Also, no transmission shops can work on them so there are no options. I cant believe this car broke down so quickly and buyer beware - Nissan repairs are insanely expensive!! I wish someone had told me this. I would have bought the extended warrantee.

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  Magic Carpet ride - 2011 Nissan Leaf
  By 1nissanzealot - December 5 - 10:11 pm

  Its everything i knew it would be and more! Not over-done and nothing neglected. Its equipped with the latest usable technologies and easy to use it just keeps the "WoW-factor" needle pinned at 10! No more gas fill-ups or oil-changes. feels awesome to start that inevitable break from the "old" to the "whats new and whats-coming". The future is now, be a part of it.n me?

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  Classic SUV - 2010 Nissan Pathfinder
  By JOSE - December 5 - 9:30 pm

  It is the 3rd SUV that I have purchased, and it gives a great feeling of good protection. Great feeling while driving and very comfortable. Very stable on the highway and shows good response and power. Gas consumption, what can I say, is an SUV.

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  Awsome ride - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Traci - December 5 - 8:53 pm

  I previously owned a Nissan Pathfinder, and I thought that was a nice car... but the Murano blows it away. This is probably the most comfortable riding car Ive been in. I love the styling, very unique, I get a lot of stares. Nissan thought of everything. It has extras I was amazed by. It is a very quiet car, absolutly no road noise. The Bose system is great, I didnt know music could sound that good. I have nothing bad to say about this car.

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  NIssan V6 Frontier - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By MIke B - December 5 - 11:40 am

  With a lower weight/horsepower ratio, 4-wheel disk brakes, roomer interior, better ride, less engine noise, outstanding road feel, and a much, much better financial deal than than Toyota offered on a similarly-equipped Tacoma, I chose the 2010 Frontier. If this truck is as durable as my 97 Nissan truck Ill be very happy.

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  Most practical car Ive ever owned - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By mmckibbin - December 5 - 8:35 am

  Maybe it isnt the prettiest, or the most feature rich, but nissan has made a car that has everything I need, and nothing I dont. Its fun to drive, gets good gas milage, has an auxilery port that is conveniently located so I can have my electronics in the stash box, has tons of room (a bigger back seat than my dads jaguar), and has been essentially maintaince free the last six months. All in all, for the price I paid, I cant complain (even with only 37 k miles)

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  Awesome Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Williajm - December 5 - 7:50 am

  Great Truck, have already put over a thousand miles on it in two weeks, and drives great in the snow, great pick up, and very fast. Test drove all other midsize trucks, and this one is the best. I am very very happy with my purchase. This would be great choice for anyone to make.

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  Unbelievable - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Mike - December 5 - 7:46 am

  The newest of the Maximas, the 09 is breathtaking. The aggressive look and lines of a Maserati, an the interior of a $60k Benz of BMW. HP has been upped almost 40 more and the newest version of the cvt is smoother then our old Murano. Looks like nothing else on the market and draws attention everywhere! Great value for the money, even the standard model comes with push start ignition and sunroof. I love mine.

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  Awesome Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Williajm - December 5 - 6:10 am

  Great Truck, have already put over a thousand miles on it in two weeks, and drives great in the snow, great pick up, and very fast. Test drove all other midsize trucks, and this one is the best. I am very very happy with my purchase. This would be great choice for anyone to make.

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  One of a kind - something different - 2010 Nissan Cube
  By yetearlytoreview - December 5 - 3:40 am

  Just got it a week ago and getting more amazed at overall difference - which Id never known if I didnt drive it over a 100 miles. Especially different inside - feeling comfortable and even cozy. It literally keep dragging me to get inside. A feeling Ive never felt before even in more expensive luxury vehicles. Also, even it is under-power (just over 120 hp) and kinda noisy upon excel, the other standard features are just rocks(more than Hyundai or Kia except warranty)! Also considering 2010 record of top safety pick and reasonable price(same as Kia forte), how come there could be another choice? 100% Made in Japan is also a great add-on for a peace of mind watching TOYOTA crisis.