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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  Very Satisfied w/ Fancy New Armada - 2010 Nissan Armada
  By whtbst - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Rides like a dream, absorbs everything and handles nimbly for such a big ride. Love the rugged appearance, the big 20" wheels, the amenities and value for the price. Titanium version has enough goodies for our family while not over-the-top. Amazing leg room, I am 64" 200lbs and have plenty of room in the front or rear, but the third row is far too tight for someone my size. Bose stereo is phenomenal. Love the rear-view camera, Bluetooth, XM, etc. For a vehicle at $46,650 sticker, I was surprised it did not come with memory seating (disappointing because I often switch rides with my wife), power folding side mirrors, and side markers. Paid $36,699, but after tax and fees paid $39,950.

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  Defecitve Throttle - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By Defective Throttle - March 9 - 10:00 am

  The Murano had less than 5 miles when purchased. 6 months later, A/C went out. Diagnosis:Defective Hose. 8 months later, throttle accelerates on its own, which prevented me from braking. Luckily, I was able to kill the engine. Diagnosis:Defective Throttle. Car was towed to Baker Nissan. They suggested I call the dealership I purchased vehicle from. Said "If they care, they will buy it back". Called Sterling McCall, they said there was nothing they could do & directed me to Nissan Corp. Even after the Toyota issues,they said it has been fixed & denied the request for a buy back. Instead, they offered me a service program to make me feel better.

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  Noises? - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By teacherman - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I only have 500 miles on it but notice when the car is full until ¾ a tank I here a sloshing noise that results in a knocking sound when slowing down, backing up, etc in the rear of the vehicle. The sound seems to be the fuel moving around the tank, but it is quite loud, and usually results in a few knocking sounds each time I hear it. I do not even need to be traveling at high speeds to hear this noise. I have never heard anything like this on a vehicle and was wondering if anybody has had any similar experiences. I took it to the dealer and they hear the noise, but according to them it is common in the 2010 Altimas.

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  I LOVE IT - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By TamaraP - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I am a Nissan owner. I traded my 2007 Nissan Xterra for the 2011 Nissan Rogue. Yes, there is a difference. Height wise, I am 5"11 and 250 pounds, but I fit comfortably, I have only had it for 2 days. Gonna see how it does with fuel for a month. I had a 97,2001,2004 Pathfinders & 2007 Xterra and loved them all. I am a Nissan lover and not many things upset me about any of my vehicles and I had them all brand new. I researched them all before I bought them. I was a little skeptical over the Rogue at first because of my size and height, but it is an adjustment that I can make. The steering wheel size drives me crazy. Need a cover. Any ideas, they seem to all come standard 14.5 or 15.5.

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  I love this car! - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Kari - March 9 - 12:56 am

  We just bought this car, and it is a thrill to drive! I love the CVT, very peppy and smooth 0-60. I researched and tested Rav4, Volkswagen, Mazda, etc., and none compared to the Rogue style/value. I traded a Pathfinder only due to poor gas mileage, but have always loved Nissan quality. This car looks awesome and is a blast to drive. It is very nimble and responsive... you dont even notice that it is a 4 cyl. I chose the AWD because we are moving back up North in a few months. I was impressed with the 5 star crash rating. I couldnt be more thrilled with this crossover!!

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  excellent - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Rod Hill - March 8 - 11:40 pm

  When driving the Armada, heads are turning and just about everyone says that it is their dream car. The only weak point was the recall on the brake pads, otherwise the Armada is the best SUV on the road today.

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  Lemon!! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Fred - March 8 - 6:10 pm

  For the first year or so, this car was the best thing I had ever driven. It looks great inside & out, its very powerful for a 4-cylinder, and its pretty good on gas. Then the problems started happening... having to replace a steering joint, numerous brake work, engine cover coming undone, sensors out of whack, you name it. I am extremely meticulous when it comes to servicing my car, which is why I dont understand why all these problems kept coming up. And the car just turned 5 years old, with just about 100,000 kms only. This car has become a nuisance - I will never buy another Nissan, and Im now hoping I can sell it or that it gets stolen. Seriously.

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  Wifes Birthday present - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Richard - March 8 - 3:19 pm

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  The Murano Adventure - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By wstafco - March 8 - 8:46 am

  The vehicle handles well and is very comfortable on long trips. I personally like the shape, which I thought was unique and interesting. It would have been nice if it had third row seating and rear ac & heating controls. Also, they should make satellite radio a standard option.

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  Pretender - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Morris - March 8 - 6:13 am

  The Nissan Frontier does not deserve to be rated near the top of this class. I wish I would have gone with a Toyota or even the Chevy. The build quality on the Nissan is average at best and the engine is very sluggish for supposedly having over 260hp. The gas mileage is poor for a compact pickup, I used to get better from my full size. This truck doesnt come close to measuring up to a Toyota in any way, and I would even rate the Chevy a better truck for the money. I would not recommend this truck to anyone.