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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  Ive crossed over... - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By writeandre - February 8 - 4:20 pm

  Formerly a 328i owner, I wanted something that had more space but didnt compromise function for fashion, nor quality for character. For me, the Murano definitely has the space and quality I was looking for and the leather package added all the extras I might have missed in the BMW. Unfortunately, the standard- issue CVT transmission was a let-down but the ability to shift into sport- mode has me back in the fast lane.

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  Buyer Beware - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By Renee B - February 8 - 3:33 pm

  I have had nothing but trouble with this car. I took it to the dealership 3 months after purchasing it because there was a squealing noise when it was shifting through the gears. I drove it with the mechanic and he didnt hear anything when I pointed the noise out. They checked it out and told me there was nothing wrong. They also said that I shouldnt worry because Nissan warranties this particular transmission up to 100,000 miles. 6 months later I brought it back in because it was jerking other road, would not accelerate and my check engine light came on. I had just made it to 68,000 miles at this point and figured it would not be a problem. They informed me that the warranty had actually expired at 60,000 miles and any repairs would be at my expense. They couldnt recreate the problem so they reprogramed it thinking the check engine light was a computer glitch. 3 months later the transmission has completely failed on the car. The total cost for the transmission is $3,000 without labor. If you have this car and it is in working condition, please sell it asap.

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  My first SUV - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Michele Small - February 8 - 10:26 am

  I have purchsed Nissan cars for years, but as our winters are getting worse and worse, I needed an SUV to travel to my appointments safely. Although gas mileage is not super, the vehicle more than makes up for it. I love the 4wd easy shifting, the reliability of the vehicle, and the way it handles. I wanted a dependable and durable vehicle,not neccessarily with lots of "bells and whistles". I love this vehicle and will never have another car. Did I mention that with 5 dogs, we have added a dog gate behind the back (stadium stacked) seats and they LOVE it. Practical and my pick for an SUV!

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  Best Truck Ever Built - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By big332 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Nissan has really built an excellent truck. It does everything I need it to do. The ride is great, the looks are awesome, and the engine is the quietest Ive heard.

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  1995 Nissan Maxima SE 4DR - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By fabolous - February 8 - 10:00 am

  A simply wonderful vehicle to own. I have owned one for 9 years and 222,900 miles. I have had absolutly NO problems with this vehicle. Owning this vehicle has been a pleasure for me. If there is anyone out there looking to purchase one I strongly suggest you do because this vehicle is the total package it has Luxury, Performance and reliability. Out of the many vehicles I have had this vehicle has been my favorite it gives a quality ride as well as very fast when needed!!

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  2000 Sentra Review - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By Gwenn - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Its a great option for those who are looking for a reliable, fun to drive car. Comparable to the Civic, but way cheaper! Totally worth its price.

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  2002 Spec-V - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By AaronR - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for street style car that i didnt have to buy all the accessories and install them myself and to have a quick engine. This was it. I looked at the Dodge Neon SRT-4 and decided to go with the import. I was not disapointed. After adding silver tint that was about all i had to add. The car has really nice accelaration with a ton of power. By the time i hit 3rd gear i was already hitting 80 !!

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  murano murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By sevendedlysins - February 8 - 10:00 am

  excellant to look at some flaws in design especially wipers a recall is in the works====== for shifter nut not tightened properly (on a $30000 car a bit perplexing also rain gets in the hatch area as well as the doors when existing. car looks good but there has to be improvements. almost sorry i didnt wait for second year model.

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  2004 Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By e_marston - February 8 - 10:00 am

  So far I absolutely love this car. It handles like a charm and has plenty of power and room.

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  greatest of maximas - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By MPNJAN - February 8 - 10:00 am

  have had each maxima from 1989 to date- this by far the best.i had test drive of acura tl and infiniti g35 and i35- the maxima seems better re engine and performance and is more fun and more comfortable to drive