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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  Everything is as expected. - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Scott Doney - August 1 - 8:35 am

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  Lets keep it a secret - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Chuck - July 31 - 6:23 pm

  After 2 weeks the 2016 is miles ahead of the previous version. Styling, comfort, tech...it has it all. Would not really call it a sports car as there is body lean and it is a big car..But it can really go and if your really buying a sports car are you buying a 4 door...maybe the Porsche for 90K. As far as the CVT, unless your a total car enthusiast you will never know the difference...until you check your gas mileage. My first highway trip of 240 miles I got 33.7MPG. For a car this size...wow. Seats are very comfortable....my only complaint about the car...the passenger seat should have 8 way adjustments...for a car that cost 42k? The controls are easy to read and easy to navigate, the stereo is miles better than the old Maxima, safety additions...blind spot monitor, predictive braking and parking sonar are all a big plus. The fit and finish are really nice, way better than previous version. The ride (while not a Mercedes S550) is extremely quiet and comfortable. The quilted seats, hand stitched dashboard, diamond patterned wood trim, panoramic roof, heated and cooled seats, flat bottom Heated steering wheel; this all comes together in a car that is 1000s less than you could spend somewhere else. Obviously beauty is in the eye of the beholder...but this car looks great and drives even better. It is not the perfect car, but Nissan deals and you wont find more bang for your buck anywhere. Unless you need to pull up with a nameplate to impress people, this car does it all without the big price....Do yourself a favor and if your looking for a FUN SEDAN...at least test drive the new Maxima, you will not be sorry!!!

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  Hot tip - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By fdxbrad - July 31 - 12:26 pm

  Have used my truck for hunting, shopping, camping and getting to and from work. I love this truck!

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  The Most "Car Like" SUV on the Market!! - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By masssteve - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Handles like a car! Very fast and handles turns with no body roll! Dealer was excellent also, very knowlegable, curtious, and friendly. Visited quite a few and would never buy from any other dealer but Kelly of Lynnfield.

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  Great Truck - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By ktg77 - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought my truck new in 1999. In that time it has dealt with a 200+ mile a day commute, countless moves, and general rough driving. I am extremely hard on vehicles and I have never had a problem with this truck. Its a great truck!

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  I LOVE MY ALTIMA - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By mactep - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I love everything about this car except of chippness of the materials for its interior.

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  Lovin It - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By winnierhea - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I have had my car for a little over a month now and I am lovin it! It is comfortable and fun to drive. I have 3 children and they have enough room in the back to ride and not complain! The stereo is great and the sound is quality. The only problem I have had is a crack in the A/C compartment that took a week to repair and replace. I love my new car and would reccomend it!

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  quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By m78uygf - July 31 - 10:00 am

  great car to drive, good stereo, excellent features

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  rattles that irritate everyone - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By hellsone - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Rattling sliding doors. Had it at the dealership 4 times and they cant fix them. Little squeeks inside the dash, cant find it. I solved the rattling doors myself by inserting black tubing inside the door rubbers. It made it more stable and the doors didnt rattle metal against metal anymore.

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  AWESOME - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By knotything - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Handles as well as my 3 series BMW. I tried out Pacific (under-powered) and the X5 and found the the Murano compared well against it for alot less. The new transmission creates the best driving experience. Gas mileage is OK, but who cares after you get behind the wheel. Awesome in snow and rain with great steering and tracking. Blew away a Jeep CJs and Cherokees in a snow storm. Gets more attention than the PT Cruiser did 2 years ago. Nissan did a lousy job advertising this car and the AUTO INDUSTRY MAGAZINES spent too much time on the Infinity. In 2003 the Murano was a far better designed car. My son talked me into trying it. THANKS SON