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 Quest
  By chilih202002 - November 21 - 10:00 am

  very cool and fast.

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  Z 4 Life - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By drivesolo - November 21 - 10:00 am

  I ordered this car back in Sept 02 I thought that it was going to be a gamble since I had never bought a car before without atleast test driving it. Any doubts that I had at that time have been laid to rest. My 350Z met and exceeded all my expectations. Fast and agile. It feels like its hardwired to my brain... I think of something and it does what I want it to do as fast as I can think of it. Its solid too. Ive pushed it hard, REALLY HARD for the past 8 months that Ive had it and its no worse than from the day I first drove it. I love my Z. Im sold for life on Nissans Z.

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  bad to the bone - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By pete - November 20 - 2:16 am

  this small truck handles like a car yet has the carrying capabilities of some of its larger competitors.it is a very smooth ride,love the drive train!!!

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  from 07 Roadster to 08 Nismo - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By geoszzz - November 19 - 8:10 pm

  I was given the chance to trade-down from my 07 350Z Roadster Touring (equipped) for a new 08 Nismo "even"///What a difference in handling, speed and fun..it is everthing my old 75 280Z had accentuated to the highest level and then some..The Nismo is for driving and Im sure would be fun to punish at a track; however, I just like driving it 0-60 (or so) and enjoying the cars superb cornering and acceleration capabilities...I agree with the review about the stereo being poor; but when I put my I-pod adapter in, the stereo was much better..as the speakers break-in the sound improves too...meanwhile Im just smiling and driving this car more happily than the convertible!

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  Nissan Murano is a "9.9" - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Don - November 19 - 6:36 pm

  In addition to being extremely functional, with the fold-down rear seats the Murano is an excellent cross between a much-fun-to-drive sedan and a handy cargo carrier. Very comfortable seating, which is important to me because my wife has severe scoliosis; when we look at a new car, the first thing shes interested in is the comfort level of the seats. If its not comfortable for her twisted back, forget it!!! We look elsewhere. BTW, she has a 92 Maxima which we got new from the same dealer and she loves it. Ive found no faults in either car and will not-doubt buy another when the time comes. And, oh yeah, the service from our dealership is AAA.

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  Pretty good car - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Paul-engineer - November 19 - 1:13 pm

  I bought this car as an everyday to-and-from work car, and used it that way for 5 yrs. Now my daughter has it at college. I have liked this car. It has a smooth, powerful 4-cylinder engine, and the ride is nice. It has been very reliable - a couple of repairs done under warranty (intake manifold gasket and remote fob) - no hassle. I had to replace the radio/CD player when the CD player stopped working. And I went through the round of tires/brakes/battery at 60K miles, which is normal except the cost on the brakes was high. My gas mileage has been OK - around 30 for highway, 25 in mixed city/freeway commute. Interior space is tight. I am 61" and I think that no one taller could use this car.

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  Love the 20th anniversary edition - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By wyatt808 - November 19 - 10:00 am

  Awesome car, but i bought it from a bad previous owner who put a tremendous amount of miles on it in the year before i bought it. It needed new rotors, brake pads, belts, & MAF. Eventually it needed 2 o2 sensors, but they were due anyway and are cheap. If you get drilled & slotted rotors, you should have no problems with warping.

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  Best truck on the market - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Steve - November 19 - 10:00 am

  I have put this vehicle through hell and back, and have never had an issue. From reading on the internet you may think this truck is unreliable, however, I drive my truck harder then 95% or people, and I have never been stranded, nor has the truck had to visit the dealer. Its the most athletic and fun truck to drive on the market. Once youve owned one, you will understand, "its a Titan thing"

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  Great Truck - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By Southky - November 19 - 10:00 am

  After about 6 weeks and over 2k miles I can say this truck has met all my expectations. It is sharp as a tack and fun to drive. The only thing that I could wish for is a couple more mpg. But it in line with the other trucks of this type. Nissan makes great vehicles.

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  Updated Review - Still Awesome - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By Stephi1 - November 19 - 10:00 am

  The gas mileage is better than what sites say! Now that Ive had the car for almost a year and put 16,000 miles, I get an average of 31.5 mileage per gallon. With 70% city and 30% hwy. The car lets you automatically know what your current gas mileage so its easy to learn the most efficient way to drive. Otherwise still a wonderful car I am sure will have awesome resale. & go for the smart key!