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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  Great vehicle!! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Rowdy - September 23 - 8:06 am

  Great vehicle! Bought the SUV primarily for wife to drive...but I think I need one too! Great looking, great performance, feels like I am driving a car in terms of acceleration and ride. Bought the car used after much reseach and got a good deal on this 04. Only 18,000 miles when purchased at dealer, and it looks (and smells new still. Nissan did a good job with this SUV.

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  250 miles into it and loving it! - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By tmac4718 - September 22 - 6:09 pm

  3.5 SV silver premium package. Fun to drive but babying it through break in period. It was this or a 2011 Charger AWD max, tough choice for me. Loved the charger but just found the maxima more refined and comfortable for 20k miles a year and concerned with dodge reliability. But I gave up the Hemi and AWD for the maxima. Love the car more everyday Im in it. I get alot of looks because maximas are a rare care now, which I love. The hood and the bulges make the car pop from inside and out. I had an 08 altima 2.5SL lease before and loved it as well. Maxima is twice as much fun to drive so i bought this one. Getting 20mpg around town so far, no highway trips yet. Torque steer is present but ok

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  Fuel Pump - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By 2nd Nissan Sentra - September 22 - 4:16 pm

  Had to have the fuel pump replaced after one year. Now at 4 years needs replacing again.

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  Wish I did not buy it - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Noel - September 22 - 2:06 pm

  I bought a new car thinking that that was the smart thing to do. I am so upset about my Quest. At 30,000 I took it into Nissan for the yearly VA inspection. They told me that I neede new breaks and that they were schocked how many miles I had on the car because most of the vans needed then at 20,000. I also needed new tires at 35,000 the van is too heavy of a car for the type that came with the van! That they did not have a milage garentee. I will never buy a NIsann again!!!!

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  Above the Rest - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By PSP - September 22 - 2:20 am

  Test drove every half ton on the market and no regrets on the Titan SE Crew Cab. Overall Toyota Tundra rides more quite and smooth, but not offering the towing capability and power of the Titan which I need. No problems to report after 6200 miles. Nissan did an excellent job gathering a lot of information to win over anyone looking to buy a truck before putting the Titan together. If youre looking for a full size pick-up give the Titan a test drive, you be glas you did.

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  Great car all around - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By HappyAltimaDriver - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I have 95000 miles on it now, and it has never left me stranded. I average 25 mpg. Engine has great power. Handles really well, which makes it fun to drive. I love everything about it.

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  cool car - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By mrbust92 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  it is a cool car and its fun to drive

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  MY ARNADA - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By dawson - September 22 - 2:00 am

  IT IS THE BEST SUV MADE BY NISSAN TODAY

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  A+ - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Joystarrzy - September 22 - 2:00 am

  The style, comfort, pick-up and go...is fabulous. I enjoy driving this car so much. I love the new design. I had my first ALTIMA in 1992 and drove it for 12 yrs. So Im sold on these cars.

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  zenjas review - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Zenja - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Overall very satisfied with the Murano. It has a luxury auto feel to it. The body style is very unique. Drives like a champ.