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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  Has fit the bill - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By Mike - March 25 - 4:33 pm

  I was incented to buy the Armada a year and a half ago because of its 1) class-leading legroom, 2) my positive experience with Nissan SUVs in the past decade, and 3) it is built in the US (Mississippi). Have had no problems with it. The mileage is awful but I have a very small commute and dont put alot of miles on it, so its not a crusher. And we take a few driving family vacations a year that this is an absolute treat to travel in. Highly recommended!

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  So far, So good - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By John - March 25 - 4:23 pm

  My 2002 Nissan Altima is the first new car that I have purchased since 1985. It is the first car I have purchased at all since 1990 (have had an SUV until now). It is fun to drive and has decent interior roomm though interior has too much plastic (cheap feel). The amber backlight of the controls can disappear if the sunlight is in the right spot.

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  Think Twice - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By cal - March 25 - 3:40 pm

  I bought this car in 2003 (model year) and I have had alot of problems with this vehicle. the throw out bearing was bad as was the rear main seal, the cd player is scratching my cds and the left side speakers of the car dont work, due to the cd deck.cant wait to get rid of it!

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  Great Style & Function - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By AlbertZ - March 25 - 1:40 am

  Its the first Nissan Ive ever had. Owned Toyota and Honda before. Dont like Hondas boxy style. Toyota has good quality however performance is lacking. Wanted a Murano when it just came out, finally got a 2007 SL AWD w/ Touring Pkg. Loved it!!! Very stylish and functional. Its wide enough and very spacious in the back. Handles like a car, small turning radius. I dont really need a third row seat so this one is perfect.

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  Overall ok car - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By JENSRQ - March 24 - 6:30 pm

  I drive mainly in city and on the interstate and have averaged 24.9 mpg since Ive owned it. It doesnt handle well in rain - tires spin. The trunk always seems to bonk me on the head when Im putting stuff in the trunk. Both side mirrors have had the trim fall off - once by closing the door and once in a car wash! I had a big piece of trim fly off the underside of the car too. Every time I pull into a parking spot with a curb, the underside is so low it scrapes. The brakes have whistled since shortly after purchase and I had the "dust" removed once at the dealership for $300 (not covered by warranty!) and within a month it was happening again - doesnt seem to affect performance.

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  Love my maxima !!! - 2013 Nissan Maxima
  By tuscansun13 - March 24 - 3:37 pm

  Well I can say Im a loyal maxima owner. I owned all together 8 maximas all brand new and loaded to the max. Its the perfect car from sporty to luxury. In fact some people call me the maxima lady. I would gladly continue to purchase them. I own a 2013 sv maxima premium package ect.... Any where from heated seats , steering wheel, ground effects, back up camera, dual roof panels , Bose system ,Leather bucket seats So, if your in need of a new car test driver a maxima.

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  Great Value - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Dan - March 24 - 3:56 am

  Purchased the end of March. Have put around 4600 miles on in 4 months without an incident. Performance is incredible, handling is superb for a 4wd truck and the ride is very comfortable, but it is still a truck with a light back end. Mileage is on par with the EPA average. The light output from the headlights is not the best, highly recommend getting the foglights as they help a great deal. Only issue thus far is a cracked windshield washer nozzle which is being replaced under warranty in a few days. I was torn between the Frontier, Ranger, and Tacoma. This truck can not be beat for its value, power and practicality.

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  nissan maxima 2007 - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Dave Murano - March 23 - 7:53 pm

  very stylish, reliable and powerful. i bought black and when clean, it is a head turner. 5th maxima I have owned and each one gets better. literally zero mechanical issues, very solid. fun to drive.

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  Great car for commuting - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By matt8679 - March 23 - 6:40 pm

  Just bought the car three weeks ago and love it. I commute about 100 miles a day and average 30-34 MPG with DC traffic. I used to fill up twice a week but now only once because of the 20 gallon tank. I never thought I would get an Altima but after the test drive and price after incentives I was sold. I think one of my tires is off balance because i get a small vibration over 70. Will have the dealership look at it with my next oil change.

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  My 1st Car=Amazing 2nd review(3 years) - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By andymb - March 23 - 11:12 am

  I wrote a review that I previously posted. Having had my car for about 3 years, with about 52,500 miles driven in the pot-hole, brake-fast city of NY to long distance road-trips to the suburbs and countryness of FL back & forth I can say this car is a trooper! Average gas mileage as advertised. Low maintenance, cause I take good care of my car. The only thing I would complain about is the aerodynamics, but other than that, all is still well! :)