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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  Floats over the road - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By empress007 - March 1 - 12:03 pm

  I bought the 2002 Maxima SE as a second choice to the Toyota Camry because the Camry seats were too short. To me, the styling of the Maxima is ugly but it is far superior to the Camry in terms of that old "driving excitement," not to mention the imperceptible transmission shifts, and a suspension that just floats down the road. Even the Maximas seats cant compare to the Chryslers.

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  solid performer - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By ichiang - March 1 - 8:40 am

  Id fall in love with the murano since april 03 at the new york auto show, finally bought it in july 04, I constantly compare this car with my 01 pathfinder LE and find nissan really had came a long way, sure foot of fwd, rear ventilated disc brake, limo like interior space, daul auto climate control, 18" wheel; green house feel for the front passengers(test drive the FX than you know what I mean), too bad I could only drive it on the weekend.(the wife always gets the new cars if you know what I mean)

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  I Love It! - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Luv2Kleen - March 1 - 7:50 am

  I traded in an 02 Nissan Altima for the Maxima. I absolutely love it! Its very stylish and fun to drive.

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  Better than the reviews had me believing - 2017 Nissan Sentra
  By David - February 28 - 11:36 pm

  Its really comfortable to sit in and easy to drive. I am a large man and can drive for three or four hours at a time without complaint. Reviews say it lacks power and if you are looking for a sporty car this isnt it. That said, the Sport mode gives it plenty of pick up on demand and being able to turn it off means greater fuel efficiency. The back up camera is good but not great and the sound system even in the SV is very nice. I love the keyless entry and start button. Reviews say it lacks styling but I could not disagree more. I think it a very attractive car. My only real complaint is that it seems to have a pretty large blind spot on the drivers side. the Bluetooth and Siri connection work flawlessly and the hands free phone is easy to hear and those on the other end hear me quite well.

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  I had never even heard of the Rogue! - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Female traveler - February 28 - 11:23 pm

  For 2 weeks I was shopping for a crossover for my sales job. I travel by car every day, weeks on end and I wanted a crossover to carry my samples,etc. I was drooling over the Subaru Outback Premium w/All Weather pkg for those 2 weeks but I compared other cars. (Ford Edge, Mazda CX-7, Honda CR-V). My husband pointed out the Rogue on Edmunds and I went to see it the next day. I loved it, the price, the ergonomics and the overall "feel" of this vehicle. I purchased it the day after the test drive. So far I just LOVE this car and esp LOVE the price/value of it! I look forward to the many road trips ahead. I put 400 miles on the car the first week I owned it and I enjoyed every mile!

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  Art on wheels. - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By David Puckett - February 28 - 8:33 pm

  Since I have got this car I have had so many positive comments from co-worker and strangers of all ages. I have seen persons after persons driving by just stop to look at it at work/stores/home. Some coming up to me to ask what type of car it is and telling me how good it looks. This car is just amazing as it is a sports car with luxery features. The navigation is amazing, the sound of the car taking off draws attention from all while still quiet for long drives. Putting the top up and down is fast and a show for all how it hides and returns from a hidden trunk. some talk about the trunk space being small, but you can use the top compartment for trunk space also. To sum it up(art on wheels).

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  Reliability requirement met - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Lou - February 28 - 4:43 pm

  I drive a lot of miles (25,000/year) so a reliable vehicle is my primary concern - followed by 4X4 as I live in a rural area. So far both are met in this vehicle. At present I have 10,000 miles (5 months) so have had a chance to knock it about a bit. The ride is a bit harsh, but not unexpected. Interior is a bit plain, though functional. I have developed one small buzz in the dash in this point. No other issues to date with build/function. The sound quality of the radio does improve over time. Wish it had an ipod jack standard. Despite the many miles there are so far no chips nor blemishes in the paint. Seats need less front cushion or more rear cushion. Overall: Good truck

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  Great Truck, Woudnt Trade It For Anything. - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By titan_07_se - February 28 - 3:33 pm

  I brought this truck new with about 59 miles at the time, after comparing with other Make and Models in its class and I have to say it was a great choice. I’ve decided to hold off until I had put a good amount of miles on this vehicle before writing this review and as of now I have 78,000 miles on this vehicle and more to come. I’m 6’2 and my girlfriend about 5’11 for us tall people space is everything, and Nissan got it right interior design is extremely spacious lots of compartments both overhead and on the side doors to include the back seat great compliments.

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  Best SUV for the Money... By Far - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Steve - February 28 - 2:33 pm

  I test drove the Tahoe, Expedition, Sequoia, and of course the Armada. The Armada beat them all. The Tahoe and Expedition had decent power, but both felt like a big truck. The Sequoia felt like a luxury car, but lacked power and lacked all the "extras" that come with SUVs these days (i.e., fold flat seats). The Armada felt like a powerful sports car that, oh by the way, could also haul 8 people with extreme comfort. I am satisfied with my choice.

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  1998 GLE - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Big Iq - February 28 - 1:30 pm

  We decided to try a Nissan vehicle, because they werent as common as an Accord or Camry, and Nissans do not get stolen as much compared to these cars. We purchased this with 32,000 KMS, and the car has been running problem free! The luxury touches are wonderfull! These cars come with many options, engine is silky smooth, and they look great! Highly recommended to anyone looking for a family sedan, with a little luxury and sportiness.