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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  A good little car with great mileage! - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By buck1810 - December 31 - 1:04 am

  Bought my Versa in September and have been relatively happy with it. Most important: great gas mileage. I drive 40 miles each way to work and, according to the computer, I am averaging 40.4 mpg. Amazing. That figure reflects mostly freeway driving. In-town stop and go driving brings the average down. This is a car for cruising. It is quiet inside the cabin and pretty smooth going over bumps. A lot of room inside the cabin. I call my car The Beast, because it is a big car inside, although it looks little outside. Very high roof, so it feels very spacious. I am happy....though not overjoyed.

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  Awesome Car - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Tony C. - December 30 - 9:30 pm

  I just purchase this car last night and this car is such a joy to drive. The ride is awesome the quality of the car is tremendous.I traded a 97 crown vic for this car and there is absolutely no comparison. I like the fact that the more efficient I drive the further I can go on a tank of fuel.

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  engine light - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Peni A Buckland - December 30 - 7:36 pm

  My engine lite was on constantly. Took to Nissan dealership. Seems it had something to do with broken support bracket drivers side. They wanted $1300 to fix. Called Nissen and they paid for the repair. Took sever conversations but finally go an OK.

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  High Speed Noise - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Gchaz - December 30 - 6:26 pm

  I purchased an Altima 3.5 SE just before Christmas. A shrill, shearing sound occasionally crops up emanating from somewhere in the front on the drivers side when travelling at speeds above 70 mph. It last for up to a minute or so. The dealer first thought it was the tire, then the strut, and now wind noise. Have not been able to pinpoint the cause at this point. I am about ready to invoke my Lemon Law rights and ask Nissan to replace the vehicle.

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  Almost Got it Right - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Islander - December 30 - 2:20 pm

  The 2005 Nissan Armada has tons of power and is fun to drive. The interior is very flexible. Every seat folds down. I have 21,000 miles on my Off Road 4x4 and have worked through a few issues. The brakes were fixed on the 3rd try after a service bulletin came out. The Bose stereo system does not sound like a $750 system. I still have rattle sounds in my dash and doors. Overall, I still like the truck and would recommend it though.

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  Great inside, fair to drive - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By eisenbri - December 30 - 9:46 am

  If you are looking for something that drives like a BMW 3 or 5 series, look elsewhere. If you want a comfortable vehicle with nice appointments inside (especially for the price) then you found your car. This car has terrible torque steer, is overpowered from the starting line and has way to much body roll to be considered a sports car. Smooth on the highway yes. Maneuverable? No.

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  Regretting first ever new car buy - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Not so happy now - December 30 - 5:06 am

  Love my car, it handles great. Steep curves feel like Sunday driving @ 55+mph. However I have paint drips in tire wells under the fender. Also, I want to pierce my ears to save myself the agony of listening to the screeching sound coming from somewhere on drivers side. Thought it was poorly designed side mirrors, now I am thinking its the tires. It is so horrible I wish I could take my car back. Forget about cruising with the sunroof open and windows rolled down, unless you want to know how it sounds for cats to die miserably.

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  Best things come in small packages - 2011 Nissan Versa
  By asplaksiy - December 29 - 7:28 am

  When my 03 Toyota Camry gave out on me, i was devestated- but it lead to the best buy ever. I am completely in love with my espresso black 2011 versa hatchback. Its sleak and trendy and very fun to drive. I love fiting in smaller parking spaces and and the great added features that I chose really puts my "luxery" camry to shame. Between the cd, am/fm, ipod dock and auxiliry plug im never bored in my car. I love the inteligent key and bluetooth. Couldnt ask for more! love love love it.

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  nice - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By johnny - December 29 - 4:20 am

  This car is fast and fun to ride...but not for every day driving....great look to it. Interior is flawless with the two tone colors and it does not hurt the pocket...

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  S/C all the way! - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By TommehSC - December 29 - 2:00 am

  The only problem with this truck is the crappy gas mileage... nissan rules!