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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  awesome car!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By sherra - January 27 - 10:00 am

  I love this car because it is sporty but yet still comfortable and has great pick-up speed. It is also very quiet.

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  Love my New Rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Bill - January 27 - 2:20 am

  Overall excellent vehicle. I am very happy with the way it drive and rides. So far for a brand new car gas mileage around town 25.1 mpg

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  the little engine that could - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By brianna - January 27 - 1:12 am

  there is nothing flashy about this car, so if you are looking for something more than standard, you should look for something else. My 2004 Nissan Sentra has been a godsend as far as reliability goes though. I bought this car from my parents when I was in college, and I am still driving it today. My parents bought it brand-new in 2004, and although it has had a handful of fixes over the years, it has remained steady. This car now has over 220,000 miles on it, and every time I bring it into the shop for its oil change, I think that they will tell me its on its last leg, but they always say quite the opposite. I always get a good report with this car, and they tell me that they think it will keep going for more miles! Good job, Nissan!

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  Amazing Vehicle for the Price! - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Beth - January 26 - 9:43 pm

  I purchased this car last week, and I couldnt be more impressed! Its the most perfect blend of performace and elegance. Nissan got it right when they went back to their roots and introduced the new and improved Z; its the affordable, but high performance sports car its ancestors were known for. Its sleek lines and stealth performace are superior most other cars in its price bracket.

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  Best suv of the year - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By WAGMAN - January 26 - 6:13 pm

  Its one of the most fun rides, its so qute insde with the new noise reduction sealing arround the doors and windows. Its so close to the infiniti designed suvs. And its rated one of the best full size suv economy in gas consumbtion of its size. With the high octean gas i get 20 city miles and 24 hwy miles. Takes 7 passengers including 2 kids in the 3rd row seats. The best feature is the vdc option which i recomended cause it makes curves like normal road.

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  Altima continues its legacy of excellence - 2017 Nissan Altima
  By CDR - January 26 - 5:16 pm

  VST transmission takes some "getting used to" if youre accustomed to traditional automatics. It doesnt "shift" when you think it should, but actually its doing it seamlessly. Other than that (which isnt truly a detractor) this Altima is still the best dollar-for-dollar value in a mid-size sedan. Built in the USA, the craftsmanship, quality, reliability and economy of this almost 40MPG sedan is excellent. Got mine for just $17,600 - yes, to get this you still have to know how to negotiate sales with actual team members at the dealership, but it can be done.

• 

  Altima continues its legacy of excellence - 2017 Nissan Altima
  By CDR - January 26 - 5:16 pm

  VST transmission takes some "getting used to" if youre accustomed to traditional automatics. It doesnt "shift" when you think it should, but actually its doing it seamlessly. Other than that (which isnt truly a detractor) this Altima is still the best dollar-for-dollar value in a mid-size sedan. Built in the USA, the craftsmanship, quality, reliability and economy of this almost 40MPG sedan is excellent. Got mine for just $17,600 - yes, to get this you still have to know how to negotiate sales with actual team members at the dealership, but it can be done.

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  04 Nissan Pathfinder - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By ownedshow - January 26 - 8:53 am

  Overall, its a well built vehicle. Very good ride quality and fun to drive. Its not a true 4x4 so its still a little squirrely on ice or slush.

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  Picked after trying all the others! - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By Liz H - January 26 - 6:46 am

  My husband and I tried every other hatchback and station wagon under $20,000 (including some used) before deciding on the Versa. We tried both the S and SL hatchback and chose the SL because it has much smoother acceleration, iPod hookup, and VDC and stability control (great in the snow!). So far, the car has been a joy. Handling is responsive but not too stiff. Some of the other hatchbacks felt like "kid cars" to us, but the Versa is roomy, with the most backseat space for a carseat to fit if needed. If you get the hatchback, make sure to purchase the $130 cargo organizer for a level load floor with bins below.

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  I like it better than civic and corolla - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By ahsan24 - January 26 - 3:23 am

  I drove all small cars possible in inexpensive brands, including civic and corolla. The car with a CVT runs smoother and quieter than corolla and civic. Handling is good, except at 70 mph vehicle rocks back and forth like a boat, i.e. head dips and tail rises. I use it for a daily commute vehicle and try to keep at 65 mph.