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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  Nissans Brilliance Evident in 07 Altima - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Nick - December 16 - 11:56 am

  I purchased my 3.5 Altima SE in mid November 2006. So far, I have to say that it has exceeded my expectations in nearly every aspect. The ride is incredibly smooth yet sporty. Also, theres a reason this 3.5 liter has been on the "10 Best" list for years now. I test drove the G6, Camry, and Accord before making my decision. All are fine cars, but the Altima is the total package!

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  Review of my SUV Nissan Rogue - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Veenaye - December 16 - 4:33 am

  Test drive and make sure that there is no defect or issues on the vehicle before buying it.

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  Great Car for the Price - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By George - December 16 - 2:16 am

  Drive 50 miles each way to work. My ride back home is almost uphill the whole way. With a 1.8L 4cyl engine i was not sure it would pull the mountains. This car has no problem on the hills with two people. After you break in the motor it runs even better. On the test drive it feels a little under powered.

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  Love my Murano - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Lore - December 15 - 8:57 pm

  I bought my 2009 Murano new. I have been extremely pleased with the vehicle. I drive low miles of about 7k a year, which may account for some of my experience. From reliability to ride, Ive loved it.My only complaints are the tire size is rare and you cant update the navigation yourself. Otherwise, it has been one of best vehicles Ive owned. Im only giving it up now because my kids are out of the house and Im ready for a car. But Ive had such a good experience that Im giving the Murano to one of my kids.

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  Good Value for the money - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Copeland - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Excellent Value for the money. The V6 Runs strong, handles good for a truck. Gas mileage is average for trucks in this class. The interior is laid out well. Very comfortable and fun to drive on long trips. This truck can rival any compact truck around. Very impressive for the price. Good, reliable and well built. The Frontier in my opinion is highly underrated. Good looking too. Nothing else looks like it.

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  MURANO - LEXUS RX WHO??? - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By LUNATIC_989 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  COMPARING THE MURANO TO THE TOYOTA HIGHLANDER IS A JOKE. NOW, KNOWING THAT THE HIGHLANDER IS STEP-BROTHER TO THE LEXUS RX300 (RX330), I THINK IT IS MORE ACCURATE TO COMPARE THESE TWO UNITS. BUT TALK ABOUT BANG-FOR-YOUR- BUCK! THE MURANO ROCKS! ABSOLUTELY FUN TO DRIVE, GREAT HANDLING, GREAT ACCELERATION, STYLING IS THE BEST OUT THERE. A GREAT BUY IN MY OPINION.

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  What a Drive! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By hrdtop57 - December 15 - 10:00 am

  The design of the vehicle is what caught my eye. Looking at the majority of SUVs, they all look alike. The Murano stands out with its "Star Ship Enterprise" design. The CVT makes it a pleasure to drive.

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  Awesome Car! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Steve J - December 15 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I bought this vehicle about 4 months ago and have been extremely satisfied with it thus far. The look is incredible! Everyone asks about it, it is a real head turner. Excellent power from a roll, but a little sluggish from the start. Overall a fantastic car....I cant believe it is not getting higher ratings!

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  I love my Murano! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By PanamaPeter - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a leased Lexus GS 400 and purchased a Murano...and have not regretted the decision.

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  Nissan Altima 2.5SL - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By mrt - December 15 - 10:00 am

  Great car overall. Great value. One warranty repair 1st year.