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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  Love this car! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Rod Newhall - April 6 - 2:03 pm

  Both my sons have had Nissans in the past as well as currently. I have driven their cars, and liked the performance, the ride and comfort. When it came time for us to get a new car, we choose the Maxima and havent regretted it at all. It handles wonderfully in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, along the freeways of Ca. and in particular, along the Coast Highway where we spend a great deal of our time.

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  Highly recommended - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Aki - April 5 - 8:26 pm

  After shopping around for a few days, we almost bought a Mazda3 but changed our mind right after we test-drove a 2007 Sentra (our previous car was Toyota Corolla). We purchased 2.0S four months ago and have never regretted a bit. Thanks to its blocky body and the height-adjustable driver’s seat, getting in and out is very easy. Inside is spacious and quality of materials used is better than competitors. The brakes with ABS work very well, although we first needed to get used to. CVT is a definite plus and the smooth flow of power is fantastic, particularly when driving on steep hills with cruise control engaged: I will never want to go back to an old-fashioned automatic transmission.

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  Great SUV - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Jordan - April 5 - 4:53 pm

  This is an overall fantastic truck, the only problems i have ever had have only because of wear and tear that comes from regular driving. Ive taken it on the nations biggest highways and camping in the wilderness and its always gotten me home. The 4WD is easy to opperate, all the controls are easy to find and use, and the roof racks are very functional.

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  I Like It - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By David - April 5 - 11:50 am

  It is a 08.5, just turned 12000 miles and not a problem. I looked at all the options out there, Toyota, Ford, and Chevy. Toyota was my #1 choice but to get a crew cab you only got a 5.5 ft bed what would you do with that. I looked and compared trucks for six months. I never considered the Nissan until my wife took me over to the dealer and I have yet to look back. I Like It. It has all the options and some. I drive 60% Highway and 40% everything else. I am averaging 15 to 16.5 mpg. The 7 ft bed is great, room for all the gear, ATV, and the deer. The only thing I did not like, it is hard to find an off road friendly tire in the 20in rim with out putting on a lift.

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  Still going.... - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By sidny27 - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Had a long review written, but the system said it was too long (despite what the character box said), then it all deleted. Basically, original owner, just turned 100,000. Still love to drive this car. Did have a problem with the exhaust manifold, also a recent computer glitch that the dealer cant find a reason for and has to reset. Turns like an 18-wheeler. I live in a hilly area with snowy winters and have NEVER been stranded. Great peace of mind with a family. Also, my wife is small and this was the only SUV we looked at that she could drive comfortably. Wish Nissan would go back to this style, dont like the new PFs as much.

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  Great Car - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By ChadNGT - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Much better than I expected.

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  Disappointed - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By ramccombs - April 5 - 10:00 am

  The styling on the Sentra is best when a spoiler is added to the package. The 1.8 liter engine is peppy, but requires high rpm (~4200 rpm) on large hills when the cruise control is on. I drive approx 700 miles each weekend and the comfort level is acceptable. The interior is roomy and the trunk space is more than adequate. I February (mostly highway) and usually get about 30 mpg vs the 35 that is advertised on the window sticker.

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  Poor Milage - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Running60 - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Happy with every thing about the vehicle except the milage that I am getting. Doest come close to the ratings.

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  fun to drive, navigation system no go - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By pstry8 - April 5 - 10:00 am

  fun to drive, navigates really well, great pick up.

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  Love this car - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By katemitch - April 5 - 10:00 am

  We just bought our Murano 3 weeks ago and I love it. As a mom I got tired of the mini van. We also had Rendevous which was a piece of junk in comparision to the Murano. I actually like to drive now. Nissan needs to promote this vechicle. It is AWESOME.