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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  Satisfaction - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Mr Wonderful - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Best car Ive ever owned. I have owned two other Maimas and they did well for me. I have a 5 yr lease on this one and if it continues the same satisfaction, I may purchase it at the end of the lease. It handels like a sports car but with all the luxury of the German cars and for much less money. Even my friends who own "German" cars are envious of me.

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  Twice as Nice - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By NOVA Shopper - September 8 - 6:23 pm

  Brought home a second Altima (2009 2.5) in less than a year to join the 2008 3.5 sibling at home! We love these cars! Great handling, good acceleration and power, even in the I4! Got our 3.5 after testing 4 and the 2.5 after testing 6 (each time visiting 3 dealers). Learned something very valuable -- out-of-round tires cause bad vibrations/shimmy! (Result of sitting in one spot on the lot too long -- a year or so. Permanently damages the steel belt radials -- you need new tires.) Also, discovered that cars made in Canton (rather than Smyrna) seem to be better -- quieter engines and superior quality parts such as knobs/trim. Must be the QA program Canton established after a bad start.

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  Luxury for Less - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Ralph Smith - September 8 - 10:13 am

  We owned a 2016 Acura RDX. After 3 months, we traded it for a Murano Platinum SUV. We found a dealer willing to give us an even trade. It was a good move. The Murano has been designed with the user in mind; not necessarily for the computer geeks or engineers really into auto design. The Murano has a navigation system that is reliable, easy to use, and provides useful information because of the way it is combined with Sirius/XM. It provides real time traffic issues. It shows the weather in our current area or where we are going as a destination. It lists stocks that we have entered and wish to follow. Entering a waypoint on a trip is a cinch. The sound system is excellent. It has a number of speakers that delivers great sound from our SiriusXM radio or a CD or the HD FM stations available. There are various options in the dashboard display. A driver can find just about any display he or she finds useful. I prefer the one that shows the next turn in our trip and also displays the radio station current being used with the SiriusXM system. When the navigation system is not being used, I like the compass displaying the direction heading. The transmission is very smooth and acceleration is good. It isnt a race car but passing is easy and we can get extra power when needed. It also uses regular gas. The CVT transmission is much better than some other luxury brands. I cannot feel the car shifting as we accelerate. I have had some back issues. A primary reason for buying the Murano is the comfort of the front seats. They are very comfortable. It is a pleasure driving this car. It is a luxury vehicle for a few thousand less than others (such as our Acura) with easy to use features and superior comfort. No back pain with the seats in this car. Service has been good at the Nissan dealers we have used. I use synthetic oil and can drive 7500 miles or more between oil changes. The heating/ cooling system is easy to use and works well. No problem with this car at all. There is one thing I would change: there is a bend in the hood of the car that displays a piece of metal right in front of the window. We have a white car. The sunlight that reflects off of this metal is blinding. I will consider going to a body shop to add a different color and finish to this piece of metal that is uncomfortable because of the blinding sunlight. The car is comfortable, easy to drive, handling is excellent, the sound system is exceptional and reliability is superb. This is a great car. Nissan offering a Murano that is better than many other luxury cars at a cheaper price.

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  Bigger & Better - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Jim Stark - September 8 - 8:06 am

  After driving a very reliable 2001 Ford Expedition for 89,000 miles it was hard to make the change but then I drove a Nissan Armada. It handled so much better and had so much more power it was fun to drive. It looks bigger but handles like a smaller SUV. It gets better gas mileage and is no harder to park than the Expedition. Hopefully its resale value will also exceed my expectations.

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  It keeps going. - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By drivealot - September 7 - 10:00 am

  I have had an altima for 3 yrs and now have a 96 maxima GLE Maxima. At 180K, I have very few noises and excellent stero and loads of power or at least use to. Unfortnately, I was in an accident in my Maxima, had to have AC replaced at 150K and transmission at 155K . I have not figured out my power loss reason, but I have loved every minute in that care and got more than my moneys worth out of it. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Holy Smokes - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Eric v - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive put 5k on this car in about 2 months and love it more everyday. Great balance of power and economy. I drive about 45 miles to work each way with about 25 of it highway and the car constantly gets 27mpg or more. Not bad for 240 hp. Interior is not nearly as bad a people say. It is different but most importantly it is tight, no rattles nothing so far. Cupholders could hold a small child, or at least a 32 gatorade bottle, brakes are great as Ive already missed a deer thanks to them. Other note, states it needs premium fuel, runs on (89) no difference in milage or pickup and it does not ping. I HIGHLY recommend this car.

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  The 07 Altima is Amazing - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By GS Browning - September 7 - 3:10 am

  This is my third Nissan Altima, and once again, I am another satisfied customer! The new 07s continuous transmission is truly a different experience...no waiting to shift. The 4 cylinders gas mileage is unbelievable, out performing the prior models, and this car also has less road noise. The car handles and drives with class and style.

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  Mileage - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By wayne - September 6 - 7:43 pm

  Just returned from a vacation. Got 29.5 mpg at 65 mph interstate driving w/cruise on, level terrain. Very satisfied with fuel economy. Exceptional performance w/93 octane. Runs fine on 87. For 20 cents per gallon more, Ill stick to the higher as recommended by Nissan.

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  Great car for the money! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Bruce - September 6 - 1:16 pm

  Have had the Versa SL for almost a month and am loving it. The CVT transmission is super smooth. The just checked MPG was almost 37. The seats are comfortable and the interior is well finished. The interior is midsize roomy with lots of leg and head room. The convenience package makes a nice addition. My dealer experience with the local dealer in Oceanside was super.

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  I love this little/big car!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By CubemanRI - September 6 - 8:40 am

  I traded in my X-terra for the Cube. Have always liked the Nissan Quality, I fell in love with the look and was shocked at how big the interior was. I do not like the feel of driving a sedan which is why I had the X-terra (second one I have owned by the way. The car has the feel of a much bigger car and Love the look. The first day I drove to work there was a crowd checking out my new ride, Gas bill is now cut in half. Best car this 47 year old professional has ever owned. Take a walk on the freaky side, buy a cube now!!