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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  Mighty Maxima - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By J.C. - July 20 - 11:56 am

  Im new to the Maxima scene, but I now understand all the "hoopla" behind it. When I bought this car I had no idea about the power behind it (even though I test drove). This machine is sweet, decent on the petro too! A lot of features on the SL, including BT, sunroof and wood trimming.

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  Best Car Ive ever owned - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By James B Beavan III - July 20 - 11:30 am

  I put over 118,000 miles on this car over the years and did many modifications to make it even sportier. The car has a great engine, interior and exterior. With a few brake, spring and exhaust mods this car can be somewhat fast and handle really well. The Bose CD/tape deck sounds great and the power features are really good. I only had one major repair ($600 for ignition coils) prior to the transmission dying at 118K.

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  Best buy ever - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By LuvMyMurano - July 20 - 2:10 am

  I was initially lured by the Muranos design, then fell in love with how it drove. I bought it new in January 2004 and have never regretted it. 170,000 miles later I am still impressed with its reliability and build. I have only paid for routine maintenance, and continue to enjoy consistent performance. No issues with things falling apart or breaking. Friends comment that it is still "like new". Either I got lucky with a perfect car, or the Murano is just close to perfect.

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  Has been a good van for us - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Todd F` - July 19 - 8:10 pm

  We have owned our Quest for four years and it has not required a return trip to the dealer for anything other than a recall on an airbag. Drive 75 mph on long trips we average 25 mpg. The engine is fantastic and the thing is huge inside. If you need a larger vehicle that still gets decent mileage, this is one to consider.

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  So far, so good.... - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Johnny - July 19 - 6:40 pm

  Ive had the car for less than two months. So far its been the best car I have ever owned. Smooth ride, great power, awesome interior looks. I live in Boston where we get a good deal of snow and this car is amazing. I have a very steep driveway and I have never had a problem getting up it at all. There has not been one problem so far, and I hope that continues to be the case. I highly recommend this car to anyone who is looking for an SUV. I test drove this, the Pathfinder, the Xterra, the Toyota Highlander, Toyota 4 Runner, Jeep Grand Cherokee... it wasnt even close. Once you drive this car you will see what I mean. It is the smoothest ride I have ever felt, including from a sedan!

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  I got suckered!! - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By bodyglitter - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car used (with 30,000 miles on it) and have had a ton of problems with it!! I have had to have practically everything replaced from rotors, clutch, brakes, to two alternators. I also had a significant oil leak (it was pouring out like water). Every time I take it in the service man says that they never have seen so much wear on a car with that many miles. Currently, it is losing speed uphill and the clutch sounds like it is going to go out again. I will never buy a Nissan again.

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  Cheap to Keep - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By Steve McGill - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Nissan Frontier new in 1998. It now has 136,000 miles and has been very reliable. The fuel gauge became erratic and was replaced under warranty. The plastic tailgate handle broke and was replaced for $35.00. Water pump replaced at 68,000. Gas mileage averages 25 mpg. (mainly highway miles) The engine is adequate for light hauling. Dealer service has been excellent. Great truck!

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  Love it, but hate it! - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Motor - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I love my truck and wanted to buy a Nissan for the dependability. Ive owned a Nissan Hardbody in the past and there was no stopping this truck. So ofcourse I wanted the Frontier. So far the sunroof leaked really bad. One of my speakers had to be replaced. A radiator hose leaked. As if all this wasnt bad enough, the paint is peeling off and Nissan says its because of rocks. They are absoutly wrong. My service consultant laughs everytime I go in for service. He says I need to trade it.

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  Best car I have owned - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By zaragozi - July 19 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a few cars in my lifetime but this one is the best.

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  Amazing Value - Great Car - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Nisaan Lover - July 19 - 2:56 am

  After looking at all cross overs, finally settled on the rogue. It was the best value for money for me. Great features, styling. Also drives very well. I have owned this for 6 months and have no complaints what so ever.