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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  Shift - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Chris - May 17 - 11:00 am

  I love to drive this car when my wife will let me that is. We wanted a car that would have enough room for people to ride with us but would also be fun to drive and as my wife says not look like a grandma car. The altima was the only car short of a CTS that we looked at and liked enough to buy.

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  Leader of the Pack - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By rogeliorulo - May 17 - 4:26 am

  My last SUV was the Lexus RX. You must remember it is the last generation Toyota Highlander. The Murano is light years ahead in every way. It is much quieter & smoother, with the best nav interface system on the market today. I loaded up my SL because I didnt need/want AWD. The stereo system is the best. You can record directly from CDs to a 9.3G hard disk. I use the satellite radio with traffic info. Wow. It has saved me untold hours on clogged freeways. I opted out of the factory 20" wheels instead buying Michilens and 20" wheels on the aftermarket - a much better choice. It cost me much less for better equipment. A no brainer. While the jury is still out on reliability, I am optimistic.

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  CRASH TEST ...FAULTS - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Ed - May 16 - 4:51 pm

  2016 Nissan Maxima rating .....a rear end collision will result in gas spillage from gas tank ..... Rubber o-ring is faulty. Rear fender wells are "indoor/outdoor carpet" lined and deteriorate with high pressure spry cleaning.

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  CRASH TEST ...FAULTS - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Ed - May 16 - 4:50 pm

  2016 Nissan Maxima rating .....a rear end collision will result in gas spillage from gas tank ..... Rubber o-ring is faulty. Rear fender wells are "indoor/outdoor carpet" lined and deteriorate with high pressure spry cleaning.

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  Sexy Stylish and Fun - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Kb - May 16 - 7:26 am

  I had a Toyota and wanted something little more sytlish and fun. I purchased the 2006 Nissan SL Maxima. Its not only a family car, but its also sexy and fun without the kids.

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  Not perfect. - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By X-lover - May 16 - 3:20 am

  This car is not perfect, but even a Lexus GX470 ($$$) has flaws. For less than $30,000, you get excellent acceleration, amazing handling, lots of space, good visibility, 8 airbags, ABS, the best stereo in class (Car&Driver, and my opinion), excellent off-road ability, 4 skid plates, 4WD, 5 speed auto, smooth and quiet highway ride, and many other not- so-visible features. It is really a joy to own this SUV, from going to the grocery store, to doing multi-day camping trips.

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  love my versa but.... - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By andrea - May 15 - 11:53 pm

  I purchased my versa in July of 06 and I love it! However my check tire pressure light continually comes on, the dealership is fantastic with fixing it but its just lit up for the 3 or 4th time. Also check your tire wells, I had water that had leaked into the well from the back window not being sealed all the way. So check that out.

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  Outstanding! - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By RTLBT - May 15 - 10:00 am

  Bought used 1 owner only 7858 mi! Has all warranties. What a car! Had a 280z, no comparison, but I loved it. No nit-picks (like telescoping steering wheel). Have had several sport cars, this one is it! So easy to drive, do not get tired after 3 hrs, like my Chevy, must be the seats. Mileage is great for this h. P., 21-24 mpg like book says, but did get 26 mpg at 75 mph. Love to clean it and feel fine lines of car, I know, Im a nut case.

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  Done with It - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Roland - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the car 3 years ago, I got the le with navigation and dvd. First when I got the car the screen used to tell me 325 miles to empty. Then year later went down to 290. Then again went down to 272 exactly. And I still wont get the 270. The most is 240 miles per full tank. I took it to the dealer and told me nothing wrong with it. The same day I decided to get rid of it. Same hour drove couple block to Honda dealer and I got the Odyssey true 8 passenger unlike the pathfinder 7 passenger and barley fit 6. This car has the worst fuel economy and not comfy at all. Lots of vibration when you press on gas. The hood always shaking to the point I had to stop 2 times to check on that.

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  2010 Altima Brake Failure - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Miss-taken - May 15 - 10:00 am

  Bought a 2010 Altima SL on 8-4-2010 and 6 weeks later it was in the shop for over a week for brake failure. Tech had no clue what was wrong. Had to call Nissan to diagnose. Turns out bad break booster in a brand new car! Everyone, including a mechanic says they wouldnt trust the car and I dont. This shouldnt have happened to a new car! Tried to trade, but the dealer I bought it from said it lost $6000.00 in equity in 3 months! Now Im stuck paying on a car Im terrified to drive. My bank feels horrible and approved me for a new loan, but because of the loss of equity, I cant get a new car to book and thats the requirement for the loan. Big price to pay for a driveway ornament.