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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  Way to Go, Nissan! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By 2mikes - August 15 - 10:00 am

  We have about 2000 miles on our Murano and absolutely love it! It turns a lot of heads, but its beauty is more than skin deep. The engine is quiet and powerful, the transmission is great and the gas mileage isnt bad for an AWD vehicle this size. (Gets 24 mpg on highway as advertised)Test drove the Toyota Highlander, but this vehicle outscores the Toyota in every category.

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  Very Happy...so far - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By CubFan - August 15 - 10:00 am

  After 10+ months I am very happy with the Altima 2.5 S. Owned all Hondas in the past, and was a little worried about Nissans reliability. Very fun car to drive, nice stereo, and you cant beat the looks on this car. Mine is Super Black with the convenience package, and it looks very sharp when its all shined up. I really hope this car proves to be as reliable as my Accord was. Its a shame Honda makes such bland looking cars these days (even the new accord), otherwise I might have purchased another instead of the Altima.

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  Stylish Alternative - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By mama moderna - August 13 - 11:16 am

  This van offers style & performance for those of us who still love driving but need to accommodate lots of passengers & gear. The sky view package adds a unique airiness to the interior & the kids love it. With the skyview package, there are 2 TV monitors for the integrated DVD w/ 2 cordless headphones so adults can listen to radio when the kids are watching a movie The rear view camera/sonar system is indispensable for the reverse- driving-challenged. The foldaway seating is easy to use, & the interior design has thoughtful, practical details. Definitely order the PAX/Navigation package if you like the latest technology (I didnt & wish I had). The low city gas mileage is the only downfall

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  Upgrade from the 2001 Xterra - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By medictom - August 12 - 5:43 pm

  Able to get the new 2006 Nissan Xterra this past week, got the Red Brawan color and could not be happier. I love the new X, love the new Horse Power, love the Xterra period. It is one of the most unique looking vehicles on the road, and also can compete with almost anything out there. Thanks to Nissan for making me want to buy another one....it is truly worth it.

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  07 2.5SL with connection package - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By John C. - August 12 - 12:50 pm

  I was shopping for gas economy and yet did no want to drive a death trap or have low quality feel, Altima was it. Its been two days, I put on 269 miles & used not quite 1/2 tank of gas. I call it my 4 cylinder luxury car! While its not a sports car it does handle well and has good power. I find the overall quality and feel to be top shelf. This is a great value and am sure the reliability will be as good as the other Nissans Ive had.

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  best buy ever - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By LHopper - August 12 - 10:53 am

  Never owned a pick up prior to this truck, I have put 140,000 miles on this truck, with no issues, , except original brake problem that Nissan addressed and fixed. Low low maintenance, still have original battery in Arizona after 4 years I hope they come out with a 6 foot bed in the 4 door, and a diesel. Best truck money can buy... Sorry Detroit maybe u guys will learn some day to use better longer lasting components

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  The Real Deal - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Donna - August 11 - 10:06 pm

  I just bought a new Altima. It is really a great drive, now that I have it in gear. Okay, so I thought 3D was drive, didnt realize for the first 3 weeks I was driving in 3rd gear. Okay, confession two, I was going to return it because it didnt feel like I thought a new car should. Finally, put it in drive for real this time; and oh my goodness. The drive of my life. This car is a different ride than my 2000 Altima. totally different car.

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  Queen of the castle - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Michel Chapleau - August 11 - 7:53 pm

  I used to drive an Infiniti G35 coupe wich is very expensive on maintenance, tires and gas. I made a compromise with my wife that with a cheaper car we would travel twice a year instead of 1. I changed my coupe for the versa SL hatchback 6 speeds with convenience, sound and sport package and my surprise is that ok I must admit that I miss the power of the G35 coupe but overhall I am pretty satisfied with my Versa and find it surprisingly fun to drive. And let me tell you that for the gas, brake and tires maintenance it is day and night hehe!! Also the interior is really big and the place in the back too!!! So leaving soon for 3 weeks in the Bahamas at Staniel Keys Island :)

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  Love this Car!! - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Lynn - August 11 - 5:56 pm

  I love this car! I previously owned an 08 CTS and an 09 Acura TL and the 2010 Nissan Maxima is my favorite by far. I love the way it drives, quick pickup and smooth. It looks great inside and out, has all the technology items I could want and I just enjoy driving it. I got the SV Sport with the sport technology and monitor pkg. This is the car I have been looking for.

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  You dont need a v6 to drive like it - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By arlene nungaray - August 11 - 2:36 pm

  With this gas saver you dont sacrifice style and comfort while you are still saving on gas and having fun with the best performance.