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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  murano pleases - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By zwanter - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Acceleration is smooth & effortless. It accelerates & revs with the amount of pressure you put on the pedal with no annoying shifts. Interior is very spacious and comfortable. The leather seats are buttery smooth, soft and cushy, yet enough firmness to prevent fatigue. The rear bottom seat cushions travel forward & back with the reclining of the seats for increased back passenger comfort. The look...impressive! When it drives down the road, it looks like art in motion. Ride & handling are smooth & quiet while also being precise & accurate. Fuel economy, first tank, 20.1mpg (Canadian) 16.7mpg(US Gallon)city.

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  drive it to believe it! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By camile - October 7 - 2:00 am

  My new nissan murano is more than expected! I chose this new vehilce over the lexus rx300 and the mercedes ml320. It is truly in the luxury class. The salesperson was so adamant about test driving it and once I drove it, everything he said about it was absolutely correct. Nissan has out done themselves with the Murano!

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  Nissan - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Steph - October 6 - 5:06 am

  Love the car, never had any trouble from it. Had a variety of vechicles, must say without a doubt this is the best in preformance, make, you name it.

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  Great Value For The Money - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By AAJ - October 6 - 5:00 am

  Three days ago I bought a 1.8S special edition for only 11988 at a local dealer and so far its been a wonderful car. The drive is average to slightly above average for economy standards. With all the features I got such as a six cd changer and 9 speaker sound system with subwoofer it just seems like a too good to be true deal. Even though the sticker price was 16870 local dealers had it for 11988.Features on the car included the floor mats, splash gaurds, microfilter, 16" alloy wheels, spoiler, 300 watt sound system, keyless entry and even a leather wrapped steering wheel. To compare, it would take 6k more to have a civic with the same features(ex model) and 3k more for the Corolla LE.

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  Love it! - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By Tiffany - October 6 - 3:30 am

  I have had my car a year now and I have not had any problems with it. I love the way it handles corners and gets up and goes. It turns heads from the young to the old. At first I did not like the color (Solar Orange) but it quickly grew on me and I have had a ton of compliments. The only reason I got that color is because it was the only 2007 on the lot at the time and I did not want to wait to get it. I have wanted this car for the past 4 years and I am so happy I did. It is worth every penny.

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  Very impressed! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Bogeyboy - October 5 - 4:26 pm

  Having been a Honda owner for many years, I was not impressed with the new Accord and started looking at the Altima. I was a little hesitant at first, due to the fact that reliability is my #1 concern, but after almost 3 years with the Altima, I am sold! I have not had any problems with this car and over 52,000 miles so far. Amazing acceleration from a 4 cylinder and the CVT is top notch! There is a little hesitation around 25 mph, but nothing that I would consider a deal breaker. Car is VERY quiet and drives like a dream. The factory tires that come with the car were very cheap so I replaced them ASAP and now the car handles like a dream in all weather condition. Great MPG also!

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  Nice job - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By ATAKIDS - October 5 - 4:06 pm

  Coolest car of the nation.I truly believe this car is reliable,fun to drive and nice to look at.When I first saw this car I thought I was dreaming this car is amazing.I dont know anything about the style but the car is a Nissan 350 z

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  Lovin It - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Rob G - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Bought the Armada in Sept 2004, then sent wife and kids to Phoenix the first week. Almost 20 mpg on the highway! No problems so far, love the exhaust not and the power. Great space for our growing family. My only complaint is that my wife gets to drive it all the time and I dont! I love the fact that it comes standard with so many airbags.

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  Powerful - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By RCall - October 5 - 10:00 am

  This is an SUV that drives like a muscle car. It has a lot of zip! I love the styling. It shows a lot of attitude! I have had some issues with minor things, such as the electric seats and electrical gauges not working. The mileage was not as good as I expected. I am only getting about 12 MPG around town. I have not had a chance to try it out on a good road trip for highway MPG yet. We love the roominess in the seating, the second row has especially good head & legroom. The third seat we dont use much, I would not recommend it for long trips for large people due to the lack of headroom that comes from the theater- style seating. Lots of space comes with folding down the rear seat.

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  Titan Truck/SE - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Cyllis - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Very happy with my Titan.The smooth quiet ride makes it a pleasure to drive. Plenty of power to get out and pass with ease and haul what you need.Being the first year its out I was a little leery to buy one but glad I did.