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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  Expected more from a Nissan - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By jp - October 23 - 9:40 pm

  Disappointed in Nissan quality. I have own Nissans and Hondas in the past and all were better than this model. I bought the vehicle used with 44k mi. I have had nothing but trouble since. Luckily, I purchased the extended warranty to 100k offsetting some cost. Had problems with A/C elec. module, tie-rods, ball- joints...had to replace a freaking motor mount! Had to replace oxygen sensors, water-pump, recently, the valve cover gasket and intake manifold. Interior seats rattle, door trim & sunroof trim comes off. I kept this car well maintained and it just continued to show its poor craftsmanship. I have 120k mi. now and plan in dumping it. Do yourself a favor and buy a Honda.

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  Wasnt looking to buy a Murano... - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Andrew - October 23 - 4:16 pm

  On my way to sign the paperwork on another SUV, I decided to stop in and checkout the Rogue, - too small - salesman suggested the Murano and I test drove it - just because. I never made it to the other dealership and bought it right then. I have always driven Toyota and Honda but the Murano was much nicer and had many standard options. I have had the Murano for a month and I look for reasons to drive. Comfort, handling and the interior will keep me in this SUV for a while. The other SUVs I was considering, Toyota Highlander (wife has one), Subaru Tribeca, and the Hyundai Santa Fe. For better gas mileage use premium fuel and switch to full synthetic oil (Mobile 1).

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  Maxima review - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Mike Papp - October 23 - 11:54 am

  Love every aspect of this car...great buy

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  most versatile vehicle Ive ever owned - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By john - October 23 - 11:00 am

  I bought my offroad exterra new. After comparing and testing to the fj cruiser. I found that the exterra was much more versatile and tougher built. I drive my vehicle every day on and offroad. With the back seat folded down there is almost the same amount of room as a small truck, with the convenience of being able to put the seats back up for passengers. Ive owned this vehicle for over a year and nothing slows it down. You can Cruise comfortably on the freeway, and then switch to 4 wheel drive and travel over the roughest terrain. Also it has good towing capabilities. Considering that the v-6 is more powerful than most v-8s and that it is an offroad 4x4 it gets great mpg w/out being boring.

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  Fantastic Car - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Nadeem - October 23 - 10:03 am

  I have altima 2.5 SL for two weeks now and I am enjoying/loving it so far. I was shopping for 2011 Hyundai Sonata because of high reviews and ratings but I think the Altima quality of ride and the interior is far superior then Sonata. The only thing I am missing it is the rear heated seats which Sonata offers in their Limited edition. But I have no regrets going for this Altima which has all the bells and whistles along with the awesome performance.

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  My new MO - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By ssqotu - October 23 - 1:56 am

  Love this car! I love the styling, the ride, and the luxury of my new MO. It is so easy to get into and out of and I sit high enough to see. Guests tell me the back seat is very comfortable too. This car replaced my 11 year old beloved Blazer and was a great choice!

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  Great Truck! - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By Great Truck! - October 22 - 11:46 am

  I did a good bit of research before deciding on this Frontier, and Im totally happy with my decision. I looked at Tacoma, Ridgeline, Dakota, and Colorado before I decided on the Frontier. I have 500 miles and have gotten about 17mpg in mostly city driving in Atlanta with the A/C running (better than I expected). Overall, the truck rides well, looks good, is comfortable, and can haul a decent amount for its size. It definitely fits my needs for a commuter truck that becomes a work truck on the weekends.

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  Carol - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Carol Law - October 22 - 4:56 am

  Easy and Fun to drive. Get alot of questions/comments from others wanting know, if it is as fun to drive as it looks. Like the futurist look. Like the exterior color (Pearl), interior color (Tan) and the way it still looks like new. Easily fits 4 large men. Comfortably seats 2 large/tall men/women in front and 3 average size adults in back. Back storage is large. Will hold several suitcases and all the shopping items you could purchase in a day, including groceries. Drives like a car. Interior performs like a much larger SUV. Would purchase another for sure!

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  My Armada - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By kdocdent - October 22 - 3:56 am

  I really like the 2005 Nissan Armada, but it feels like a TRUCK sometimes, rather than a luxury vehicle. I have had a Lincoln Navigator (should have never gotten rid of it!), a Toyota Sequoia, and now the Nissan Armada. Both the other vehicles handled better. The color and the build are great, and the interior room especially the second and third rows cannot be beat by any thing! Overall I love it.

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  Nissan Wont Honor Warranty - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By 1adam12ks - October 22 - 3:03 am

  I like the car, comfortable and smooth. The transmission is great, mileage never hits sticker but expected that. Main problem is leather seat - I paid high $ for luxury package with leather seats. First car I have ever had with leather. In under 9 months the drivers seat has big area of wear on leather. No luck through customer service, Nissan claims normal wear. I dont believe every car on the road with leather seats has the seats crumbling in under a year, Nissan should replace considering how much the option for the seats is.