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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  Style For The Sexy Moms Of The Century - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Hott Mama - October 17 - 10:00 am

  Ive really enjoy driving a mini van thats designed very much like a car,i have the fully loaded model that came with the sun roof and the sky views.This particular one also came standard with a 6 disc cd changer and DVD for the children to be able to enjoy long rides.Finally Nissan is in the game!

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  Superb Car! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By klarence - October 17 - 10:00 am

  First time trying Nissan and I couldnt even be happier with a Murano. Great SUV!!!!

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  The Z is 4 Me! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By NoMoreHollywood - October 17 - 10:00 am

  If you like people looking your way, owning a Z is the car today! It is cool and it is fast, driving it is such a blast! Play your tunes nice and loud, The Z is loved by the crowd! As you can see, The Z is for me!

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  great car for money saved life - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By altima guy03 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  i bouth the car almost a year ago and was involved in an accident where no one can beleve that im alive and was able to walk away from it. i am definately going to buy another nissan and now two more family members are buying one

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  Disappointed - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Sunny - October 17 - 12:53 am

  I needed a commuter car. The Altima looks good and feels solid, but there a little things about the car that just bug the heck out of me. For anyone that drives a lot, rent this car first and drive it. Do your homework. If I could only do it all over again I would not have bought this car.

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  taken for a ride - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By where to start - October 16 - 9:26 am

  I initially enjoyed the car until it began to have problems at about 58,000 miles replaced airflow meter $900, then the kicker, at 94,000 miles had to replace the CVT transfer case at $4500. had a 100,000 mile warranty from purchase...it refused to cover the transfer case. The car is very costly!!! I now owe more on the car than what it is worth.

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  Clunkers dream car - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By ktong - October 15 - 4:33 pm

  Bought this yesterday with my Clunkers trade-in incentive of $4500. It also carries a manufacturer rebate of $1750 for SL, totaling a saving of $6250! Its hard to beat that. In order to maximize my Clunkers incentive, I needed a car that has 28 mpg or better. Its hard to find one without going hybrids which can easily cost over 20K. This one fits my bill perfectly. Actually not all Versa have 28 mpg or better, just the 1.6 engine or the 1.8 engine with CVT. Unfortunately, with such saving programs in place, the whole dealership was jammed with customers. I had to buy the car in pretty much MSRP price and with extras loaded. So far, the car is fun to drive and handles well.

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  Spec V - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By QR25DE - October 15 - 4:06 pm

  I got my spec v back in 2007. Ive had it a little over a year now. I first test drove a honda 2007 civic SI, which was pretty interesting, I liked the power and the low profile and the instrument panel was good looking. But I wanted to compare the two before I made a decision. I went to nissan drove the spec v and fell in love with it. Fuel economy if you drive it in a smart way can get up to 30+

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  Good Reliable Transportation - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Tim - October 14 - 12:16 pm

  My 98 GLE has 90,000 miles on it and I have owned it since 22,000 mi. It has treated me very well. Its not a sports car or SUV, but just sound, comfortable transportation. The car has been very reliable with no major maintenance at all. It seems to be well designed and will likely go to our daughter for many years to come. Previously had a 1983 VW Jetta that was awesome & was concerned that the Altima wouldnt measure up, but it has. Overall very good.

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  200 SX/SE - 1995 Nissan 200SX
  By jaymac - October 14 - 10:00 am

  Great Car! I love the how it has a sport look and feel with great gas mileage.