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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  1997 Nissan Satisfaction - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By Mel J. - April 21 - 10:00 am

  trouble free durable body and paint durable mechanically durable interior make up

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  2000 Altima - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By fire88283 - April 21 - 10:00 am

  All in all Nissan manufactures vehicles that are made to drive everyday in every situation. The 2000 Altima is a well made car with some designs that could have been made better. The only major complaint that I have with the vehicle is the Air Conditioning. The AC works well but seriously takes power from the engine. Also when I need the power, the engine struggles and cuts out while accelerating because of the AC. Other then that the features on our car is well. On my Altima I added a remote starter system, which required another key (Keys are chipped), and once I had the new key made the system works great.

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  not comfortable for long distance trips - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Gwen - April 21 - 1:20 am

  I bought an Altima with cloth seats and I just want to note that driving in this vehicle for more than 45 minutes can really make your back and tailbone start hurting. I drive an hour each way to work sometimes more and I just cant wait to get out of the car. For short trips, the cars great! It is a beautiful car, if comfort is what youre looking for, Id look elsewhere.

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  great bang for the buck - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By brendt - April 20 - 4:16 pm

  This car brings back the idea of driving back. "fun". I waited for awhile to get this car and I love it

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  2003 Nissan Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By RG - April 19 - 2:40 pm

  It has all the bells and whistles- ABS,6 in dash CD changer, moon roof, etc. This is the 3rd Nissan we own. After only owning the car for about 6 months, the car would not start because of vapor lock because it was cold outside. The climate/heat system keeps the front window foggy if the A/C is not on. The front defroster takes a too long to work. If you are stopped at a light and you have the heat on, the air starts blowing cold until you start moving again. The moon roof only has one button to open/close it and it is very cumbersome to close it. When Ive had problems with the car and brought it in for service the dealership can never replicate the problem and is generally unhelpful.

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  Does it all - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By dragon3 - April 19 - 2:33 pm

  I just put my 2000 desert runner to pulling a 3000 lb. trailer, I modified the rear suspension and put in a weight distribution hitch on the ol frontier (w/v6 engine) and it works just fine. Great little truck. Wouldnt hesitate to recommend this truck (w/V6 engine).

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  Seems like a great value so far - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By AnnDrexHill - April 19 - 2:46 am

  This car has worked out great so far, the price was low enough that I was able to afford nice extras inside. Lots of little things are included in the Versa: long sun shade works well for shorter drivers, good interior storage (huge glove box), you sit up high w/good visibility, impressive rear leg room, cool sunglass holder and iPod attachment. Handy radio controls on steering wheel. I held out for the Metallic Blue color because its my favorite. Took another reviewers advice and paid extra for the rear cargo organizer; it makes that deep hatch back well level with the fold-down seats and hides some of your stuff. Gas mileage only so-so.

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  3 months 6000 Miles - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Bekah - April 18 - 7:53 pm

  The Versa is a comfortable ride, it averages at about 30.5 MPG mixed city and highway. I have had it for three months, and just about two weeks ago the engine doesnt start every time I turn the key. This is a bit frustrating since I just bought the car in January. It doesnt handle extremely well and it blows around in the wind a bit. It is extremely roomy, and has a good sound system, and is a nice cruising vehicle. Overall (if this engine starting problem gets straightened out) I love the Versa, it is the first new car I have bought, and the second car I have owned. It is cute, easy to drive, and pretty fuel efficient.

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  Beautiful but with one major flaw - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By acoustic58 - April 18 - 1:44 pm

  Bought the new 2013 Altima SL. Beautiful inside and out but with one major flaw. The noise level inside the cabin on the 4 cylinder during acceleration is beyond what a new car should be. Nissan promotes this car as quiet which is a long way from reality. I had this car back to the dealer a few times and Nissan also sent out a National Rep. and after replacing a couple parts, on a brand new car, I was told that the noise I am hearing is normal. Its amazing that when the engine drone on acceleration is so loud that I have to turn up the radio to not hear it is considered normal. Its really a shame that Nissan overlooked this problem because its a beautiful car.

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  Love my Alti - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Jared Rella - April 18 - 5:15 am

  My older sister got a newer car and gave me her 2001 Altima GXE for my first car. Ive had it for about 3 months and I love it. It currently has a bit over 165k miles on it. Exterior wise its bland and blends in very easily with traffic but it doesnt look bad. The 155 horses seem to work hard and get the job done. If I push the pedal down on the highway it picks up and has quite a bit of pep in its step. My gas mileage isnt great I get about 14-18 mpg city, but I think I have a leak. It has a brake light out, a broken seal on the front axle, and a valve cover leak but I think the valve cover problem was from my sister abusing the car. So far Im perfectly happy and impressed with it!