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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  No Problems yet. - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By jason - January 14 - 8:56 am

  I bought it used at 69k and now it has 92k. No problems. Its fun, fast and solid. Black with DK Grey leather. Its a great truck, I want to sell it because i want a Vette.

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  Excellent!! Would buy another. - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Jodestr - January 14 - 3:03 am

  I love this car. I have owned three SUVs and this car is the best. 2003 and still looks and runs great. Im ready to buy a new one!

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  Mr rudy - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By rudy - January 13 - 6:53 pm

  AMAZING TRUCK! hadthe brake problem almost immediately after purchase.Dealer replaced, since then its been AWESOME. FLAWLESS PERFORMANCE! used to drive a land cruiser by Toyota, and this is just more fun! Fuel consumption is bad, but anyone buying a pickup truck should know what to expect! other wise stick to hybrids NEONS!

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  A Pleasure to Own - 2010 Nissan Murano
  By JerrySC - January 13 - 4:53 pm

  The Murano drives and rides like a much more expensive vehicle. The interior is on par with our Infiniti M35. It is quiet and well mannered on the highway and around town. While it does require premium fuel, we havent found that to be a drawback considering that decent mileage it gets.

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  I am torn. - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Five6viiate - January 13 - 2:43 pm

  Okay, so I have the 2.5S CVT 4 Door with Convenience Package. Great car, smooth ride, good gas mileage considering my lead foot. The 4cyl blew the doors off my friend 4cyl accord, and picks up and hauls! The tires are GREAT in the rain, but the large sidewall makes the performance during turns and quick maneuvers quite sloppy. The spoiler definitely makes it look classy. I had to have my door repainted fresh off the lot due to poor clearcoat application and discoloration of paint. I was quite upset. Now my window doesnt have auto up. Just down. I have had 2 Nissan prior to this and one Infiniti. I am disappointed that this car has had this many "issues" in less than 2500 miles.

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  AWD w/nav bought Used - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By darinr - January 13 - 9:53 am

  I just bought this used Murano w/nav for the wife and love it! For an 04 it was in great shape. The nav is pretty cool (wish it was voice activated). Put on chrome wheels for the wife and it looks much better with them. I have had decent luck with Nissan so I hope that continues. Looked at the RX330 but for the money this was the best deal.

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  Showing a little age - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By James - January 13 - 1:53 am

  Just hit 57,000 miles. Replaced the original tires with Nittos. Great tire and highly recommended. Had the fuel sensor go out about 5,000 ago. $800 repair. The drivers side window went out 500 miles ago. Other than that I am pleased. 28-30 mpg on highway road trips and no other problems (fingers crossed).

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  G R E A T Vehicle - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Marion - January 12 - 7:26 pm

  Nissan has hit a home run with the Armada - Competes with Escalade only less expensive and seems to hold up better. Absolute luxury and comfort!

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  Great SUV - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By yan Cociani - January 12 - 5:18 pm

  I bought this SUV almost a month ago. I love it. Better than some of the luxury cars.

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  Nothing less than excellent - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Sesan - January 12 - 2:13 pm

  No doubt the 2005 Nissan Maxima is a car to be proud of. It gives you almost all you can ask for in a luxury sedan.The ride is so smooth that I want to drive it everywhere.I tried the Acura TL but it didnt give the kind of performance the Maxima gave.