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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  A Lemon - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Unhappy Mike - September 2 - 2:00 am

  We like the car when we bought it. At 1300 miles, the car wouldnt start, required AAA to come out. Dealership changed the brake switch ("common problem" with this car), and the problem recurred the same day. Two days later happened a third time and had to be towed in... Dealership is trying to make it right, but they clearly dont know how: lemon. Have owned two prior maximas - and gotten great, reliable service from them, but not this one.

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  Tickled with my Rogue - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By Barb - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Just rolled over 1000 miles on my Rogue, still loving it. I traded a 2006 V6 Altima (the Rogue is my 4th Nissan) and my only quibble is this - wish Nissan put a turbocharger on the Rogue like they do on the Juke. I drove a Juke and liked it but was on the small side. MGP is fine and it is so comfortable on the road. Im a 52" female and can adjust the seats and mirrors just fine.

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  Love My New Rogue - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By CHK22 - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I just bought it two weeks ago, but so far I love it! Drives like a dream. I /highly recommend/ the rear view camera to assist w/somewhat limited driver visibility. Consider it an upgraded safety feature. If youre looking for oodles of cargo space, look elsewhere; but for cabin space/style, comfort & ride, this Rogue is perfect. I have a bad back, so comfortable ride is important for me. I researched online for 2 months & test drove 5 other similar vehicles, but the Rogue won me over with its beautiful interior, good price ($25,500), and, best of all, the smoothest ride of any of the other vehicles I tested.

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  Low price alternative to the Toyota FJ - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By ColoradoJIM - September 1 - 7:16 pm

  I initially went out to buy a Toyota FJ Cruiser, but when they would not budge on the price, I looked elsewhere and found the Nissan Xterra. We bought this as a 3rd vehicle for the winter. This SUV has everything we wanted out of a 3rd vehicle, comfortable seating for 5 people with good leg room, on the fly 4WD, and plenty of good power from the engine. My wife was hesitant to buy this Xterra, but now she loves it. She likes the way it feels like a bigger SUV than it actually is. Very smooth ride, and the S model has all the options we wanted.

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  Not What I Expected - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Tony - September 1 - 6:50 pm

  Just traded in my 04 Armada after two years of making payments on a Dodge Neon because my Aramda was always in for service. Too many problems to list - brakes were repaired two different times and still didnt work properly, radio crackles, sunroof leaks, brakes!!!, squeaks and rattles which drive me nuts. The interior always had something rattling. Residual value after two years was disappointing losing over $20000 of the purchase price. Nissan knows there are problems but doesnt take care of the poor souls that have 04s. Hopefully the 06 model will address some of the concerns. Very happy in my new Lexus!!!!!!!

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  Sporty Economy - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By heather - September 1 - 4:23 pm

  Well I am a young student just finishing up with college and beginning my career...spending a lot of money on a car just wasnt an option. So for quality that will last a few years I decided to go with a Japanese made car...and since I already drove a Nissan, I chose to stay loyal to a car thats done me so well over the years. I purchased a 2006 Nissan Sentra (this time an automatic) and so far I am in love! The ride is smooth and very quiet! The seats are firm yet not unyielding...should do great for long rides. I love the sporty look the spoiler and rims give. Basically I love that the car doesnt scream "Ecomony Price Range." I cant say enough about the Sapphire Blue...

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  Best truck for the money - 2010 Nissan Titan
  By jeepster - September 1 - 2:43 pm

  This is my second titan and this one is just as good as the first. After looking at the competitors, no truck offers the combination of size, value, and performance that the Nissan has. As with my first Titan I have had 0 problems so far.

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  Nice Car With Nagging Issue - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By barry5k - September 1 - 2:06 pm

  I liked everything about this car: the looks, the mpg, comfortable seats, price. There is an annoying loud whining noise at low speeds. Been to the dealer three times and opened a case with customer care at Nissan. The specialists answer was rude at best. He said the sound is normal and I perhaps have sensitive hearing. If this is a normal sound, why does it irritate everyone in the car and why are some Altimas noise free? If I had heard this noise I wouldnt have bought the car. Nissans response is totally unacceptable!

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  All Around Vehicle - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By KORN - September 1 - 12:00 am

  The Altima fits all of my needs; fuel efficiency; roominess; gadgets (push button start, navigation, etc.); convenience (power seats, windows); reliability (Nissan brand). In comparing with the other 2 Japanese brands, the Nissan Altima is definitely more of a performance vehicle (the other 2 made me feel like I was "Driving Ms. Daisy").

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  My New Murano! - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Jeannie - August 31 - 11:40 pm

  I traded in my Trailblazer for a Murano and I must say its the best thing Ive ever done. It doesnt throw you around like a lot of SUVs do and the handling and acceleration are superb for in town and hwy driving. I love it and Ill probably keep it until it stops running. (Hopefully that will be a long time from now!!!) "Go go Murano!!"