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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  Love it! - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By Tiffany - October 6 - 3:30 am

  I have had my car a year now and I have not had any problems with it. I love the way it handles corners and gets up and goes. It turns heads from the young to the old. At first I did not like the color (Solar Orange) but it quickly grew on me and I have had a ton of compliments. The only reason I got that color is because it was the only 2007 on the lot at the time and I did not want to wait to get it. I have wanted this car for the past 4 years and I am so happy I did. It is worth every penny.

• 

  Expected better! - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Robert Schulze - October 5 - 11:03 pm

  It would be great if there was a way to really test a car more thoroughly then you can on a short test drive at the dealers. Ive had 2 previous Altimas; a 2004 and a 2012. Both were good solid cars that I enjoyed, so I was expecting the same or better with this 2015. Test drive seemed fine. My major complaints are engine noise, and the CVT transmission. Especially when cold the engine is more like a diesel than a gas engine. VERY noisy even under mild acceleration. Seems better after warming up a bit, but still probably the noiseist engine Ive ever had. The CVT seems to have artificial shift points built in. The problem is when cruising at a steady speed (doesnt matter if slow or fast) the CVT feels like a manual transmission that needs to be downshifted a gear. You can feel the slight but noticeable vibration in the steering wheel. Also, the auto climate control is overly aggressive. When in heat mode, the fan goes to full speed and stays there way too long. You need to manually set the fan speed down a notch or two before you turn into toast. When on a test drive, the sales person said the heater was "industrial". She wasnt kidding! OK, a few good points. Good gas mileage, and a comfortable ride. Performance is certainly adequate for a 4 cylinder (other than the raucous engine noise). I was really debating between the Altima and an Accord. Now wishing I would have gone for the Accord!

• 

  Very impressed! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Bogeyboy - October 5 - 4:26 pm

  Having been a Honda owner for many years, I was not impressed with the new Accord and started looking at the Altima. I was a little hesitant at first, due to the fact that reliability is my #1 concern, but after almost 3 years with the Altima, I am sold! I have not had any problems with this car and over 52,000 miles so far. Amazing acceleration from a 4 cylinder and the CVT is top notch! There is a little hesitation around 25 mph, but nothing that I would consider a deal breaker. Car is VERY quiet and drives like a dream. The factory tires that come with the car were very cheap so I replaced them ASAP and now the car handles like a dream in all weather condition. Great MPG also!

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  Nice job - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By ATAKIDS - October 5 - 4:06 pm

  Coolest car of the nation.I truly believe this car is reliable,fun to drive and nice to look at.When I first saw this car I thought I was dreaming this car is amazing.I dont know anything about the style but the car is a Nissan 350 z

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  Great Truck - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By DESRNNR - October 5 - 1:53 pm

  Bought from private seller in Venice Beach Ca. Only had 58,000 miles on it, was in great shape. Had to replace right exhaust manifold ($400). And 1st gear synchro fragmented ($1700). And cat manifolds rattle. Going to remove those. Put BFG All-Terrain T/A KO tires, and american racing outlaw II rims. Other than a few minor problems it has been my fav truck so far.

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  Another Xterra Fan - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By Huntress - October 5 - 10:00 am

  I think that the seats are fine. I do long highway drives (17 hours straight) often and rarely have to stop except for gas. However, I have to stop too often for gas.... Room inside for two bikes, camping equipment and people. Disappointed at depreciation rate. Seems much higher than comparable vehicles. Even without 4WD it handles great in snow on fairly steep rodes.

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  Great second car. Poor Gas mileage - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Illuminati - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle. Bad gas mileage, but which SUV isnt. Mechanical quality is superior. Very reliable, easy to maintain. Will last. No problems. Great price for a reliable SUV

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  Lovin It - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Rob G - October 5 - 10:00 am

  Bought the Armada in Sept 2004, then sent wife and kids to Phoenix the first week. Almost 20 mpg on the highway! No problems so far, love the exhaust not and the power. Great space for our growing family. My only complaint is that my wife gets to drive it all the time and I dont! I love the fact that it comes standard with so many airbags.

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  Powerful - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By RCall - October 5 - 10:00 am

  This is an SUV that drives like a muscle car. It has a lot of zip! I love the styling. It shows a lot of attitude! I have had some issues with minor things, such as the electric seats and electrical gauges not working. The mileage was not as good as I expected. I am only getting about 12 MPG around town. I have not had a chance to try it out on a good road trip for highway MPG yet. We love the roominess in the seating, the second row has especially good head & legroom. The third seat we dont use much, I would not recommend it for long trips for large people due to the lack of headroom that comes from the theater- style seating. Lots of space comes with folding down the rear seat.

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  Hate this van! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By weymouth, ma - October 5 - 10:00 am

  This is the worst vehicle I have ever owned. The sunroof broke, the radio has now broken 5 times, the driver-side window gets stuck, the gas tank door broke, the vents in the ceiling in the back literally fell out and the car is a piece of junk. The drivers seat is so uncomfortable my husband cant even drive the car and he is only 511" and 185 pounds. The electric sliding door works 50% of the time as does the electric back door. I would not recommend this car to my worst enemy. Something breaks daily. Then I was told that in order to take advantage of the warranty that I would have to take it to the dealer I purchased it at even though there is a closer dealer down the street. UGH!