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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  GOT WIFE OUT OF SPORTS CAR - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Dandy D - June 28 - 11:36 am

  Wife loves and has driven sports cars ie Corvettes, Eclipse GST, Mustang for years. Moved into the Mountains of Colorado which requires a 4WD. She made the switch to the Murano and admits "I love this car". Good combination of sports car handling, comfort, style, and getting up the mountain in the snow.

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  Love It!! Very Nice Redesign - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By MsJ - June 28 - 10:27 am

  I purchased the Maxima SL 6/30/15 and I love it! It certainly is a head-turner as its a beautiful car. Running on the highway in sport mode is great although the cruise control "safety component" is something Ill have to get used to. I cant say anything bad about this car. Everything is great. Many complain about the CVT but I dont really notice a difference in this model. I think Nissan has improved it over the years. Test drive one and youll be in love with it too!

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  kids and dogs and work too - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By baseball mom 1 - June 28 - 10:00 am

  no problems with anything until nearing the 3 year mark, 1 problem, minor this isnt luxury, this is life

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  Value - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Swing - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding vechicle! It has great gas mileage with and without the air conditioner running, considering how high the price of gas is right now. Great for long trips,and the bed liner makes for easy clean up when needed for yard work.

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  Maxima kicks butt!!! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Max-Girl - June 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is awesome. It truly kicks butt. This car is FAST and handles like an exotic sports car. You take off and barely touched the gas pedal. Its comfortable and the engine is sooo smooth. This car is like having a Lexus ES 300 w/out paying for an ES 300. Love the HID Xenons and the gated auto shifter.

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  Conv Z Review - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Stevez - June 28 - 10:00 am

  Plain and simple, its worth every penny. You will have to pay a little more than MSRP, but again its still will be less than anything comparable.

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  love this car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By JIM CAVAGNARO - June 27 - 7:36 am

  I picked the se model for its stiffer suspension for better handling. The car is like a locomotive when you put your foot into it, especially above 4000 rpms. Mine is a 2002 model and has given exemplary service and reliability. With 45000 on the odo its as tight and quick as it was on day one. Top notch material quality. If the car has a shot coming its with the rear suspension which is not a real independant unit. I will probably buy another one after i pay this one off.For the money you cant go wrong with this model. Neck snapping speed, great brakes and all in a four door sedan package that looks great.

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  Nissan Pathfinder - Red, Grey leather!!! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Nick - June 26 - 10:40 pm

  This is a great car. Its definitly bigger than previous pathfinders and the design of the car is definitly different and better looking. My 2005 Pathfinder is red with the grey leather interior and it looks fabulous! It also drives great and handles very well.

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  Best car Ive owned - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Liza - June 26 - 1:03 am

  I bought this car in 2000 with 14000 miles on it. The guys at the dealership put 3000 miles on it before I bought it. When I saw it had a 5 speed 6 cylinder engine, I bought it right away. Now with 130000+ miles on it it still runs good as new, with no major problems to report. The only problem I have ever had was a sensor that needed to be replaced & routine maintenance. I just bought an SUV and I didnt have the heart to trade the Maxima in. Hopefully Ill get another 100000 miles out of it!

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  Lots of Bang for the Buck! - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By CARL K. - June 26 - 12:00 am

  Chose to lease the Sentra because of all the features that came with the car. On my SL model, leather, sunroof, XM radio, keyless entry and ignition, like on cars 2x the price.