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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  larrys nissan - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By efurd - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck used with 47500 miles on it and added custom wheels and a k&n air filter and a stero upgrade.It has 61000 miles on it now ,have had no problems.

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  Paint Problems - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Raleighrebel - December 11 - 2:00 am

  My Nissan is Glacier Pearl Whilte. It has been hit twice in the last 3 months and no body shop can correctly match the paint (painted 4 times now)! Even though the Paint Code is on the vehicle there are 6 variations of the color and then the color must be custom blended. Even on the parts that were not damaged there is factory color variation. This makes it next to IMPOSSIBLE to match the paint to the existing body parts! Gas milage is NOT 20/24 its usually 16/20. Fuel sensor is defective occasionaly lights up and says its out of gas when it is not.

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  our car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By pam thomas - December 11 - 2:00 am

  i feel that it is the best preforming car that i have owned. being a sedan its hard to believe that when you are driving that your in a family car and not a sports car. it has a classic style of the cars that was made in the 50s. over all a very nice car.

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  Wow, this is fun to drive - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By j7469 - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I decided to try a Nissan. I went and test drove a 3.5 SE Altima. Just 30 seconds into the test drive and I knew this was the car for me. I immediately appreciated the drive by wire accelerator, I also couldnÂ’t help but noticed on my first turn how well the Altima handled and the lack of body roll was impressive. The car is sharp, looks like an expensive sports car. The comfort of the vehicle is good however I have yet to take a road trip of more than 2 hours. The leg room is impressive. If youÂ’re looking at a mid- size V6 car then do yourself a favor and at least test drive the Altima, you wont be sorry.

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  We love our Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Newburn - December 11 - 2:00 am

  We compared all models in this market and the Sienna and Quest stood out by far. The reason we picked the Quest over the Sienna was the fold down middle row seats and the fact that the Nissan dealer was more flexible at the bargaining table. We got an excellent deal on an excellent vehicle.

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  the best car EVER!!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By uncle man - December 11 - 2:00 am

  This car is the best. Anyone who wants a 4x4, stylish, comfertable, lovely car that is the BEST car in the world but the nissan titan!

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  I used to love my Ram - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Mike in Oregon - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I had a 2002 Dodge crew cab, I stopped by just to look at a new truck design, all it took was a short trip, goodbye Dodge, even though the move cost me 1000s in deprication. This is the most fun truck I ever driven. It should come with a radar detector though as the quick accelleration could easily get you in serious trouble. Odd thing is my Dodge was made in Mexico, my Nissan is made in Miss. and the quality difference shows. Be ready to pay full sticker, there are no deals on these.

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  ITS GREAT!!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By usmc0802 - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Nothing but satisfaction with my new Titan CC SE 4x4. Full of power, tons of neat features, & I draw looks everywhere I go.

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  My Favorite Car of All Time! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By AMFM - December 11 - 2:00 am

  Great car and especially the perfomance and handling!! So easy to drive!!

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  GREAT CAR BUT....... - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By stockcar races - December 11 - 2:00 am

  I love my new Maxima Sl, Love the heated steering wheel and heated seats for those cold days, Car handles great, controlablity arounf turns excellent, But, I wouldnt buy this car from Nissan 112 . The salesperson who sold me the car was rude and inconsiderate, wants to rush you with the sale and presures you to take the car home ASAP so he can get paid on his Commission, plus the day I was to take home the car, they added on to the sale price of my car that we agreed on, and added on alot of other misc. charges.