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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  03 Spec V - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By JJF - November 9 - 5:23 pm

  I have had my Spec V for a few months now and I would say that it is an excellent vehicle. Handling is great the accl. is very aggressive and fun (for anything, especially a 4 cyl.) and the vehicle seems to be put together very well. You can even feel it when you open and close the doors. Limited slip is a great feature that is tough to find in vehicles within this price range. When the secondaries open up at 5000 rpm, you can really hear it, very nice sound. I really do like this car, and I have had several different sports cars and this one is the most well rounded vehicle that I have owned. This car is so fun to drive, you will love it go ahead, buy one!!!!!!!!

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  could be better - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Dirt E - November 9 - 3:40 pm

  I expected this car to be reliable but i have had to change a lot with the coils and the sensors. It does have impressive performance and from just a visual perspective it is a beauty, but it shouldnt have that many problems.

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  Fun car, HORRIBLE turn ratio! - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Sarry - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I have always driven Hondas. Decided to turn in my Honda Civic for a 2008 Nissan Maxima. Totally FUN to drive! Blow by people while barely pushing in the accelerator! Overall a really nice car. Gas mileage not great but its a souped up V6 sports car, I expected that. The one MAJOR complaint I have is the turn ratio! I have to practically make a three-point turn to get into a parking space. Trading it in because of those two things. Cant stand it anymore. I can barely get through a coffee drive through! Put good tires on it and its actually pretty good in the snow for a CAR. Traction control.

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  Titans rule! - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Bud - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Bought this truck used with 6500 miles on it at a Chevy dealer that was going out of business, got the deal of a lifetime to say the least. The Titan is smooth, fast, reliable, and comfortable with the captains power seat. The only issues I have had were a bad A/C condenser fan, leaky radiator cap, and I fixed the A/C drain tube myself. No squeaks or rattles, solid brakes, handles like a smaller truck. The paint and plastics quality is sub par, other than that and the 12-13 mpg there are no downsides to owning a Titan.

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  2010 Nissan Frontier SE 4x4 4dr - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By jodi1988 - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this truck! With 12K miles on it, IÂ’ve had my Nissan Frontier for a little over a year now. The Tacoma was the only other truck that compared but the Nissan price difference had me sold. Very fun to drive, love the acceleration. My mom has an old Â’91 Pathfinder with 280K + miles on it and hasnÂ’t had a problem yet, besides changing her battery cables. I have no doubt that my Frontier will be just as reliable.

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  Fast and fun - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Chris - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I compared the Maxima to an Audi, Mercedez, Cadillac and Lexus. By far, none can compete with the price or the luxury you get with the Maxima. I opted for the luxury package instead of the Sport package, added the spoiler and bought aftermarket rims. Lets just say that no one believes its a Maxima. This car is responsive, fast and very comfortable. Bluetooth and voice recognition work great. I average 28 miles on the highway, those that complain about the fuel economy need to understand that this car has 290 hp, get a 4 cylinder Corolla if you need to save on gas. I added a high flow air intake and the car roars. If you are looking for a comfortable, luxurious ride, this is it.

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  Lemon - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By OCeansurfer - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Within 2 months of ownership of this new car, battery replaced and died 4 times, brakes and rotors replaced AND went out 6 times, paint on trim is peeling, multiple electrical issues. A real lemon and a dangerous vehicle to drive. I know 3 other people who purchased their 2009 Nissan Altima 2 dr Coupes in the 2.5 and 3.5 versions who have been having similar issues.

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  Real gas mileage vs. computer reading - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By carolina gal - November 9 - 10:00 am

  First- the good stuff. The outside is sleek and attractive-gets lots of compliments. After getting used to CVT transmission, I like the smoothness. Seats are comfortable. The bad stuff: the defrost is awful-tried hot & cold air. Cheap tires-showing wear in < 3000 miles. Radio controls on steering wheel-can turn on & change stations, but cant turn it off (on my husbands Sentra, a step down, you can). Gets decent mileage on trips, but not overall; computer reading says 27 mpg tank average, but the actual is more like 20-21. Oh, & the clunking sound near right front tire when start out- mechanic says its something resitting. Weird. So- good & bad. Our first Nissan, time will tell.

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  A satisfied Consumer - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Carlita - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 2010 Altima five days ago, I have had three other Nissan vehicle before, this one is outstanding, the color is unique and the interior is very comfortable. The different features makes it fun to drive. I have no regrets so far and I hope to enjoy it more as the days roll by.

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  A lot of car for your money - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Greg - November 9 - 8:03 am

  Just recently purchased the Maxima and am very happy with the performance. I got the premium package and the premium tech package and I am still reading about all it has. The voice recognition/bluetooth for the mobile phone is very clear. The nav system is very good and the radio/XM is also top notch. Nothing really bad to say about anything so far. I would recommend highly to those considering.