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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  My Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Astonbanker - September 28 - 9:36 pm

  I bought my Murano in November 2004 and have loved everything about it ever since (except the mileage) I get about 17 to 18 mpg but for an SUV that is pretty good. I love the style, the ride and the looks it gets from others.

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  another great SUV - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Brad - September 28 - 11:20 am

  Just two weeks off the lot, I took 5 passengers (2 kids) up the grapevine to the CA central valley. My MPG? 20.2! Noticeable drops in crowded fwys, but still between 16.6 and 17.4! My old 98 Pathfinder ranged between 13 and 15 putting out just 168 horses. 06 is not as agile as the previous unibody design, but more than fair trade for more power, more efficiency, more flexibility, more luxury, more safety, and more seating. Right before I bought, I test-drove the Pilot and was underwhelmed -- it wasnt even a better drive than my 98. Its leather interior looked like old Buick vinyl and its sunroof would better suit the Civic. My first right turn in the Pathfinder was all I needed.

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  Maxima Fan - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By bankerman - September 28 - 4:33 am

  We have driven this vehicle in all types of weather conditions from 9 degrees to 109 degrees (no exaggeration). It is the third Maxima weve owned. Each one seems to improve over the last. It is comfortable, good looking, and instruments are convenient. CVT is a great thing!

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  Sports Car Feel - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By BEAR - September 27 - 11:13 pm

  A lot of thought went into the design of this car. Large trunk, excellent legroom and good seating. It is comfortable, has an extremely responsive V6 and handles like a sports sedan should, build quality is first class.

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  Nice Altima - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By heartbreaker - September 27 - 11:56 am

  Bought this vehicle about 6 mos ago. Drive is smooth and has Great pick up speed! The comfort is great as well as the gas mileage. Just a great car for the price. However, there seems to be a knocking noise every time I start the car and take off--took it in and they say it is the brakes and or airbags. Hmmm is pretty loud, sounds like something is stuck. There sometimes is a noise coming from the back, not sure what it is. Over all the car is a good car. No other problems.

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  I love my car! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By amynrobert - September 27 - 4:20 am

  This is my second Altima. I think it is the sharpest car out on the road! It has great pick-up for a 4 cly. The trunk is huge. I have nothing but great things to say about my car!

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  pidd - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By tpidd - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Great car which I enjoy driving every day over the past four years

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  nice suv - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By martinez - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I took this vihicle to mexico to the toghest roads and mountains and the experience I had was incredible. this suv has evrything you need its 305 horses and the powerful torque is all you need for wherever adventure you may have.

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  "OH WHAT A FEELING" - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Whatsup - September 27 - 2:00 am

  NICE NEW STYLE FOR SPORT "U" GREAT POWER AND IN A WORLD WERE NOBODY SEES YOU THEY WILL SEE YOU WHEN YOU DRIVE THIS MONSTER GET JOB NISSAN THIS IS THE MOTHER OF ALL SPORT "U" R

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  Great Value - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Fred Brown - September 27 - 2:00 am

  Went out looking out for a typical minivan and found the Quest. Love the exterior styling even with out the roof rack. Nice power, good gas mileage (esp. after our 96 Explorer) and lots of standard features. Great Price!!!