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 Car - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Daniel A2003 - February 8 - 2:00 am

  in next 2-3 yrs altima will prove to be better then accord or camry

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  Enjoying the Ride - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By kgregory - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Since purchasing my Murano in February, I have been hit with the driving bug. I love to drive my car! The ride is smooth, there is little outside noise, and the seats are comfortable for long trips (4+ hours.) My rear passengers love the semi-reclining seats, but complain about the drink holder; it open with the slightest touch. Recently, the rear brakes began squeaking, and I was informed by my local Nissan dealership that Nissan Corp. was aware, and working on a fix, though my dealership said it was due to a weather change...? No matter, I am enjoying the ride, with one regret...I did not get the moonroof.

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  Great Car! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By dasher - February 8 - 2:00 am

  The new Quest is not like a mini-van, but more like a car. It rides beautifully, has excellent pick-up, and has lots of great features. My favorite is the sunroof! It is NOT for the person who wants the standard old mini- van. The speedometer and gauges are in the middle of the dash board. I think this is cool, because I can see better from the drivers seat. ALL of the 2nd and 3rd row seats fold down. The 2nd row seats also tilt back and forth individually. And dont forget the heated mirrors in winter.

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  2003 Altima - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Mi Amor - February 8 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle is very comfortable and roomy. I own the 5 speed manual and when I need to the extra pick up and go, it goes!

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  Excellent buy except.... - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By sailen - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Excellent in every aspect except I have an "starter" problem. At least a couple of times in a day, I need to start it several times before it starts. I purchased it new with 7 miles on the odometer. My dealer has confirmed the problem and we are waiting to hear back from Nissan.

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  The ultimate hybrid driving machine - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By sd1 - February 7 - 10:56 pm

  I used to own the 1997 Nissan Altima -- it had a strong engine and acceleration but wasnt as refined. Boy, has the Altima come of age. It now has effortless acceleration and very good ride/handling with modest vibrations and cabin noise. It can now hold its own against the Mercedes C series, and win with a bigger interior and better mpg. Have it only for a week and so far its the best new car purchase I ever made.

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  Right Choice - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Right Choice - February 7 - 2:20 am

  We test drove a Chevy Tahoe, a Toyota 4Runner, a Toyota Highlander, and a Nissan Pathfinder. The Pathfinder had styling, comfort, and plenty of room inside. The only negative factor weve discovered is that it tends to wander at speeds above 60 mph. No problem with transmission as described by other owners.

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  LOVE IT! - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By SNJBOY - February 6 - 10:00 am

  This is an extremely good on the road SUV. Very little experience off road, but always had excellent traction in all kinds of weather

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  Great value, fun & economical to drive - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By RPS - February 5 - 1:50 pm

  My 2007 Altima 2.5SL w/CVT is fun to drive. With only 2000 miles on it, it is hard to speak about predicted reliability but if this car lasts like my 1999 Altima with over 200k miles, I will be very happy. The drivers cockpit area is well laid out with everything in easy reach and logical placement. I intended to get an entry level 2.5S but I was impressed with all the extra gadgets and glad I went for the extras.

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  Zip Down the Highway in Style & Comfort - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Chris T - February 5 - 12:26 am

  I love the styling and comfort of my 2.5S and am glad I made the choice to buy a Nissan product this time around. It has a lot of zip and a sporty look for a 4 door sedan. Ive always owned 2 door coupes, but this 4 door car has won me over.