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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  DZ - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Dan Zeiders - January 24 - 10:13 am

  This car is incredible. I grew up with the Z car and this is a great addition to the improving line from Nissan. Without even pushing the car, I have come to respect what it can really do. This is not made for going through the drive thru or strapping on a bike rack, it simply performs. Young kids today buy cheap cars and sink money into them that only makes them sound horrible. This car sounds great and blows all the little tin cans away.

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  dont buy it - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By andrew - January 24 - 4:16 am

  I read all the reviews here and I am in the same situation,, the wors car Ive have it.. I bout mine with 74 mi. after 3 moths driving many issues appers, problem with the body valvu, shifts, slip, sensors, wow I got headed, with this car,, after fixed a problem.. weeks later comes another issues.... beautifull but the worst inside

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  Nissan service is horrible - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By ray fitzgerald - January 24 - 4:00 am

  I had a fuel gauge issue on my truck repaired by me mechanic using Nissan parts I received a recall letter a week later. In order to reimburse the bill Nissan insisted on reworking the recall issue, The rework has been done three times and is still not correct. I have been on the phone with Nissan service and consumer affairs they never call back and have do not check or follow up on their work.

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  Ultimate Tow Maching Machine - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By bytes4u - January 23 - 11:26 pm

  Hands Down Nissan. Test drove dodge, chevy (had a ford 4x4 Expedition not AGAIN) I went from a 525i 2003 BMW to this truck and so far since the biggest factor was to tow a boat and that she does!!! Nissans truck will be a BIG HIT in the fishing world !!! All the magazines have ruled it the boat warrier haulers! What a ride and great sound system?

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  not all its cracked up to be - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By handymansson - January 23 - 5:13 pm

  Gas consumption not even close to sticker data!getting 15mpg city 19 mpg on road Transmission leaves much to be desired.other wise a very nice exterior style, clean lines inside.options were over priced

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  Everything I Expected For $17,000. - 2014 Nissan Sentra
  By roadtester1 - January 23 - 3:48 pm

  I purchased my Sentra SV on 12/30/2014. After reviewing several other compact cars including Chevy, Ford, Toyota and VW as well visiting various websites including Edmunds, Kelly Blue Book, IIHS - Insurance Institute for Hwy Safety and the Department of Transportation 1-4 star crash test ratings buying the Sentra was an easy decision. I watched several videos of both expert and not so expert reviews. Take all reviews with a grain of salt as everyone expects a vehicle priced under $20k to perform like a BMW or Benz. Lets be real about this.

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  Dependable - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Tommy - January 22 - 9:10 pm

  My wife and I like our 2002 Xterra. The first thing we did is replace the General tires with Goodyears. The engine could be stronger but it isnt terrible and it is super dependable. Ive had to replace a $100 part under the hood in the 3 years weve had it. The one thing I dont like is the cruise control. When I set the speed it takes too long to engage. If I set it for 70 and take my foot off the gas it slows down to 65 or lower and then takes too long to get back up to 70. Very frustrating especially to the guy I just passed. Overall, I like the vehicle and I would recommend it.

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  Awesome Nissan - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By denvern - January 22 - 4:16 pm

  This is an awesome car. It looks amazing, has LOTS of power and gets great mileage. Ive always been a Nissan fan and imo an excellent alternative to the Camry and Accord.

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  We love this truck - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Steve S - January 22 - 3:33 pm

  My wife and I loved our Town & Country but wanted to go SUV. I compared just about everything on the market and nothing came close to the Armada for the money. We now have 8K miles and not a flaw. I cant get my wife out of the truck now. I wonder why everyone in the market for a large SUV isnt buying it. Rode in the backseat of a friends Durango. Uggghhh.

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  xxxterra - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By momofteen - January 22 - 12:36 pm

  Has been great! Got 100,000+ on brakes. At @ 120,000 had one caliper replaced. Has been very reliable. Still looks good. No complaints.