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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  Either love it or hate it - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By John (Seattle) - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought a silve 2002 SE V6 4X4 two weeks ago. Bought it because of it looks more rugged than CRV and RAV4, is more reliable than the domestic offerings. Its actually bigger inside than I thought. Not enough power in base V6 but OK in day to day driving. A little high to get in and out of but that doesnt bother me too much. Build quality is OK but nowhere near Honda quality (for example, the temp control switches feel like its made in China). Handling is good if you dont drive it like a sports car. Brake is excellent. Sitting very high, which I love. The styling is the best I have seen in all SUVs outthere which is why I bought it.

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  i love this car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By thomas - July 22 - 2:00 am

  great car handles well very roomie engine response very quick

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  Awesome truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By John Gundlach - July 21 - 2:33 pm

  This is one awesome truck. From the performance, engine, throaty exhaust or the looks you get on the street. The stereo rocks as does the DVD. Couldnt be happier with my purchase.

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  The All New Sentra Rocks! - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Eric - July 21 - 8:56 am

  The Only Thing that is the same with last years Sentra is the Name. The Sound system Rocks. The ride and feel is great, The Best Sentra EVER! This is a real CAR. It is much more than a ride from point a to point b vehicle. This a REAL CAR.

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  Our Muranos - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By CJ - July 21 - 5:03 am

  We both drive a Murano my wife and I and have good experience with this car. The recall we had was handled proffesional and adequate. driving is just a plessure and we like it a lot to go places. when you step on the gas you go and thats what we like on the interstate.

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  A True Work Horse - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Rick - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for 6 years. Purchased used with 55K miles, it now has 176K miles. It has been extremely reliable. Aside from changing normal wear and near parts, Ive had no extremely expensive repairs done on it. I plan on buying a new engine for it when the current one finally gives up on me.

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  Better than a Tacoma - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By Jaydos - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I have owned Nissan trucks in the past and Nissan has really hit a grand slam with this Frontier. The truck has awesome power, great torque, a solid yet comfortable ride, great styling inside and out and decent fuel mileage (If driven conservatively).

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  drive for fun - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By Steven - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I just drove it for 2 days, but it is really fun to drive, special outside, interior shows high quality. I feel Eco sluggish, but normal provides enough power, you can feel Sport powerful, but EPA is lower.

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  Ready to trade. - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By KP - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Bought brand new in June of 2008. I have 35,000 miles within 2 ½ years. Gets great gas mileage, very sporty and I really do like the push button start. But I have had problems that in my mind outweigh the good things. Had to have the radio replaced. That took 4 trips to the dealer before Nissan would finally replace it. Had the trunk latch replaced. Now I’m dealing with the radio display again and they won’t do anything and my warranty is up in 999 miles. Windows roll down if you hold the unlock button on the key. I didn’t know that till it happened the other night with the key in my pocket. Then the lights were on and I couldn’t get them shut off. So now I have to take it back in.

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  Only A Nissan - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By FIG - July 20 - 8:40 pm

  everything any body would want in a car, style, power, dependability, reliability. very well put together package. i havent wanted nothing but a maxima since 1992, the dream is know my reality. kudos to NISSAN.