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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  What To Say,?, It Is A BEAST!!! - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Gambit_DC - January 10 - 10:00 am

  FUN! On a bad day, take a drive and things feel so much better! I feel what everyone previous to my statement has said, except for one guy... (who probably got the car when the assembly line was taking a break) This car is beautiful. Everything is unique. People get in my car and say, "What is that, oh ish, this joint is sweet, damnnn!". And after you purchase one you will do the double take back at your car in the parking spot and smile. Feeling like I got the best car in the lot. (figuratively-$$$) I need not say more. I almost turned into a salesman trying to get all of my boys to buy one. It is that impressive. Sunr/f, Audio Fanatic, 17in, Spec V, got in 11/2001 19000 after tax title

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  fun truck - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By zip - January 10 - 10:00 am

  Fun truck to own, never been in the shop, great performance.

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  x-terra - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By scott rohan - January 10 - 10:00 am

  i love the car

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  Wings and afterburners! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By generalelectric1 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought this 2001 Altima with the 4 cylinder,moonroof,leather..fully loaded... and have not looked back! Tried the Lexus and others and I found that the Altima had the power, the looks and room that I required. If you want a fun ride..its either this car or the Chrysler/PT Cruiser. These two are the best rides for the money. Now I have to buy my wife one..or else! Do yourself a favor..live a little..get one!

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  Oh what a ride! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By dtesch_2001 - January 10 - 10:00 am

  If youre looking for a car that is refined and distinguish looking. Then the 2002 Altima SE is your pick. If youre looking for a car that is so fast you can blame your receding hairline on. The 2002 Altima SE is your pick.

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  Concerned consumer - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Concerned customer - January 10 - 10:00 am

  This car is a real improvement over the pevious year models. I have owned a 98" and 99 and never had any problems with either of them. The 2002 model looks and drives great and is a real improvement overall compared to previous years. One thing that does concern me is a thumping noise that occurs during acceleration and while turning. It has been getting worse over the months and we have 4,300 miles. According to a Service rep at Bankston Nissan of Dallas it isnt normal. I will have it checked out soon.

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  The Bar Has Been Raised - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Vince - January 10 - 4:23 am

  You dont need to buy a 6 cylinder to have good acceleration and passing power. My 2.5L has quite the zip! And the gas mileage is amazing. Its sporty, spacious and affordable. I got the 2.5 S with the Convenience Plus package and added a spoiler. Its basically the SL package minus the leather trim and dual climate control. Other than that, it has everything you could possibly want!

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  Great/Wonderful Vehicle!!! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Love this vehicle!!! - January 9 - 11:30 pm

  We had an 04 Quest. Loved it. Thought since we loved it so much we would just upgrade what kind of change could they make that would make me not like it since I love this one. Hate the 07 by the way. The 04 was much more spacious, more storage, better quality of things, way better gas mileage. This was the best vehicle I have ever bought. I wish I had never traded it in. If looking to get one, do they are great. We never had any issues with ours. It was perfect we were just looking to upgrade and shouldnt have!! THE 2004 Nissan Quest is a wonderful vehicle!!!

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  Fun to drive, solid like a rock - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Roman - January 9 - 8:13 pm

  Thank you Nissan for making the Altima available with a stick in all trim models. Especially now, that the Maxima does not come this way any longer. My SE M6 is a true pleasure to drive. Good power, awesome looks, decent interior. I was ready to buy the new Camry back in October, but someone convinced me to wait a week or two for the new Altima. And, boy, was it ever worth it! It is a beautiful car. Unlike the Camry or the aged Accord, the new Altima has FUN written all over. Thank you Nissan! I couldnt possibly find a better car for my middle-age crisis.

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  cant get enough! - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By bayartist - January 9 - 3:56 pm

  Spectacular! I was a bit reluctant to buy a 350z at first, of course the performance was great, the look spectacular, but what about the no back seats or the harsh ride. well after about a month or so of driving, i had forgetton about what i might be missing and was concentrating on shifting b4 reaching redline, watch ppl disappear in my rear view and listening to the wonderfully tuned v-6 engine along with with awesome cool sounding bose stereo that comes in the touring model. Also this car gets tons of attention, even though theyve been out for a while, i still get looks cruising along the coast. people treat it, as if its an exotic.