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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  What a fun vehicle! - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Randy - August 11 - 11:03 am

  This is one outstanding car to drive, especially with the top down in the sun! With power and giddy-up to boot, Id say itd be find a more fun ride. However, I am beginning to notice some unneccesary wear of the relatively cheap interior materials and workmanship.

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  loved it - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By max - August 11 - 10:13 am

  drives like a champ, definitely the truck for me, I will drive nissans forever after buying this truck.

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  Total piece of CRAP! - 2013 Nissan Sentra
  By applegate.5@osu.edu - August 11 - 8:03 am

  Had the car a little of a year. Been in for multiple service issue......transmission on at least 3 occasions, front was totally redone (wheel cylinders, speed sensors, rotors....$2200 worth), then rear wheel cylinders, corrosion builds up on front brakes on a regular basis. Just picked the car up on Friday, today is Tuesday back in the shop again. Nissan used to be a really good car, obviously not anymore. DO NOT BUY!

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  Ninja Land Rocket - 2015 Nissan GT-R
  By rockit_syntist - August 11 - 6:28 am

  I cant put into words just how good it feels to drive my new 2015 GT-R Black Edition. Ive been a Nissan fan since 1977 when I got a new Datsun 280Z (still have it) that has never had a single problem. Much as I love that Z car, the GT-R is from another universe. From the moment you fire it up & hear that low growl as the systems status unfold on the various display screens, you know you are about to experience more driving pleasure on four wheels than the law allows. Then with the slightest tap on the pedal every rumor you heard & every Youtube video you watched becomes reality. I considered many other supercars, but none were as badass cool for the price as my Super Silver GT-R.

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  I love my Sentra SL! - 2011 Nissan Sentra
  By jhdubb - August 11 - 12:32 am

  I have read numerous reviews from the experts about this car and there are not a lot of positive reviews about the Sentra. Many of the experts have commented on the bland exterior design and I do not agree. I think the SL with the spoiler; alloy rims; mud guards and tinted windows make this baby pop. I realize that we all have different opinions but dont let the reviews from the experts divert you from the Sentra. Its a great looking car. My family loves it. Our other car is a VW GTI. Even my 16 year old son loves this car. I get compliments on it all the time. I drove the corolla; the hyundai elantra; the civic; and the focus and the sentra is a better looking car!

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  Drove a BMW 3, bought the Nissan - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Pam - August 10 - 10:16 pm

  BMW wouldnt take my trade, a lovely, shiny, well kept 2 wheel drive Ford with only 48K miles. They didnt have a good selection on the lot either. Looked at Nissan web site then searched dealer inventory and they had exactly what I wanted. Cabernet leather is lovely! Drove it up Emigration CAnyon and it performed much better than the BMW and I saved thousands.

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  Do not buy a Nissan without researching the CVT tr - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Dan - August 10 - 9:24 pm

  My 2013 Altima left me stranded in traffic on the highway because of the CVT that Nissan knows is a problem. Wish I had known before I bought one. Never again.

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  First Titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Cameron Green - August 10 - 1:13 pm

  I bought my Titan used back in January. Before the Titan I had 2000 Silverado. Night and day difference! The Titan gets better gas mileage, has power to give and rides great. Before I decided to buy my Titan, I was looking at a 2007 Sierra. The Titan has more room, and with me being 6-2 that helps. I can put my family of four in it and not worry about how cramped the kids are. I love the seats and the interior, it feels like a truck but yet comfortable. I recently went on a weekend camping trip, pulling a pop-up. Got the same gas mileage pulling the pop up as I do in the city. I also like the tailgate a nice safety feature with young boys running around. Love this truck!

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  Greatest Truck Buy - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By LCM - August 10 - 10:00 am

  This truck has been the best investment that I have made. I am in love with this truck because it is very reliable and durable. This truck is like a passenger car, SUV and truck. My family fits just perfectly. My wife rather use my truck instead of her mini-van (Chryler)which we are very disappointed with.

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  Perfect all around sports car - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By King - August 10 - 10:00 am

  An unbelievable car worth every dime spent! Forget BMW, Audi and Mercedes, this car is the best bang for the buck !