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 Value - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Sephen - January 27 - 2:56 am

  I just purchased my Nissan Altima and really love it. I have spent a months looking for the best car for my wife and new driver son. This car fits perfectly. I spent 17k for a car that is loaded with features. My primary concern was saftey and size. The car is again is perfect, not too big not too small. Fun to drive great looks, great value. Very happy with the price and purchase experience.

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  Dont buy a CVT Nissan - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By bteeley - January 26 - 5:31 pm

  The car is fine. Its a bit loud, not very powerful. On one had compared to its peers the interior it is well built. The transmission failed a few years ago, the dealer replaced it under warranty with no issues. Now, about 60k miles later the transmission is failing again, it sounds like a truck, the issues are well documented and the dealer tells me it is normal. Refusing to do anything to resolve the issue. After owning the car for 4 years there are many other vehicles I would purchase over the Nissan Rogue. Initially, I really like what Nissan is about, ride quality, reliability, etc. But I will not purchase another one. Search the net for CVT reviews before you buy.

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  would do it again - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By trick1us - January 26 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed this vehicle and it came in handy with the snow and Ice we have had up here in the north east it is quiet and is well designed for the driver not a single problem since I havd had it

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  Good Truck - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By textodd - January 26 - 2:00 am

  Overall this truck has been very good and reliable. We will probably get another one when our lease expires in May 2003.

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  Like a liitle Accura - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By P Schomer - January 26 - 2:00 am

  This cars was a pleasant surprise, I bought it for the total value and besides GLE included upgrades got ABS and rear spoiler The car has a quick, sporty ride which improved after I replaced the Original Firestone tires with a more aggressive rain tire by Cooper, at 25,000 miles.

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  2000 Altima SE - Manual - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By Dennis - January 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car a little over 3 yrs. ago and at 60,000 mi. it still runs great. No problems whatsoever. Fast for a 4 banger. Looks great on outside. Inside is simple and functional. Big on fun to drive. Would be a great used car.

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  Best Choice for a First, New SUV - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By acegear - January 26 - 2:00 am

  I previously drove a used 02 Jetta. Likeing the handle of the road I had in mind a small SUV. My brand-new Xterra is everything but small yet not an overkill on sight and cost. Its a great transition to an SUV. Great quality, smooth appearance yet intimidating. Ease of performance and functionality. Best investment Ive ever made. - 22 Tx

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  excellent car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By carin05 - January 26 - 12:03 am

  Excellent car for me. Very sporty exterior. Lots of room on the inside for the kids. Has very good pickup also!

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  Wow - 2010 Nissan GT-R
  By Tom - January 25 - 7:16 pm

  Owned it for a month so far and the performance is nothing short of astonishing. First, it is VERY easy to drive. Torque range is great. You can mash the throttle at 70mph and still get shoved in your seat. Lateral movement is video game like, Ive often wondered how the car took the turn at THAT speed and Im still alive. I cant find its breaking limit! Comfort setting is nice but it still is a sports car. Had an M6 before this and this blows it out of the water by and far. Best of all, its 5k less!

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  I Love My New Car! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Frank - January 25 - 1:36 pm

  This vehicle is smooth and quick. I am very impressed. After looking at the Accord and Camry I went with the Altima for the features it provided for the price. Plus I just loved the look. I average 26/27cty/31/32 hwy.