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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  FANTABULOUS - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By KAY C - January 25 - 9:50 pm

  I absolutely love this car. Very comfortable as the driver; and get lots of compliments on how comfortable the back seat passengers are. Excellent "road trip" vehicle offering extreme comfort and dependability.

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  SAFE ON THE ROAD - 2007 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Eddie - January 25 - 9:46 am

  Bought the suv last 2007 and finds it very reliable and safe in the road. Feels safe and comfort. Ideal for family of five and very nice to use in highway at the same time in dirt road.

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  Fun to drive, great power! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Brandon - January 24 - 3:43 pm

  Love the car, I never thought that I would own an Altima but when I saw the new body style I had to test drive it. Was planning on buying an 07 Toyota Camry S, but once I got into the Altima the power and push button start got me. Ended up with the white 3.5 SE w/6 speed. I always get compliments on the car. I drive the hell out of it and still get about 300 miles to a tank of gas. Overall itÂ’s a great buy and would recommend it anyone!!

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  Great car so far only 6 months in - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Aidan - January 24 - 9:20 am

  Compared to my former car a late 90s escort this is a whole different class of vehicle lol. Acceleration is good with the manual even with the A/C on. Cabin is very nice, roomy and mostly quality plastics are used. I dont like the A/C/Heat knobs they feel weak. Tons of storage with the back seats down. Im getting on average 30 mpg best is around 32 worst being 28! Stereo is decent as are the speakers, glove box has tons of storage & there are tons of other places to hide stuff! Overall for what I paid I feel I got more than what the competition had on offer if you just want to go from home to work and back. Even on the interstate this car was comfortable, solid and quiet at speed.

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  My Black Titan 4X4 - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By D. Webb - January 24 - 5:00 am

  There is only one thing that I would change in this truck and thats the drivers seat. The truck performs and handles so well that the seat needs to be more ergonomically designed so it holds you in place better.

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  Very Nice - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By MMEe - January 23 - 10:00 am

  I like the speed it gets. And i like the bucket seats. I like it a lot.

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  we love it - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By kelbell - January 23 - 10:00 am

  We were skeptical about buying an SUV thats only been out for a year. We are so happy that we did, so far! Weve had it about a month now and I cant wait to drive it. It is so comfortable and spacious. It rides beautifuly and the pick-up is great for an SUV of its size!

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  skeptical at first, now never happier - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By patty thomas - January 23 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 quest is very stylish. i never saw myself driving a minivan, i couldnt even get myself to say it. our family got bigger and our pathfinder got smaller. with a new baby and an 8yr old(both boys) we were running out of room quick. we test drove the quest and i really liked it. it was truly the right purchase. now, we also have room for other family members instead of taking more than one vehicle. i never thought id say it....but i love my minivan, although at 17long it really isnt that mini. it is actually a foot longer than our pathfinder was.

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  SER Review - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By nickyp - January 23 - 6:30 am

  The SER provides a nice alternative to the standard Sentra for those looking for a faster automatic shifter. If you add the spoiler and the bigger wheels you can transform the standard Sentra into a more sportier car. The upgraded audio package gives off loud, but very clear acoustics.

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  Performance on sale - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Andy from Atlanta - January 22 - 9:13 pm

  I am a previous Frontier owner (I got a 2001 crew cab as well) and Nissan did its homework with this one. A lot more power, more room and more fun to drive. I am getting 24+ miles per galon on regular unleaded. I tried Tacomas and Ridgelines and they are not even close. I got V8 power in a V6 package at a V4 price.