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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  Most reliable Vehicle Ive owned - 267,000 miles - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Nikki - July 28 - 12:28 pm

  I received this car as a gift for my high school graduation because I needed a car to get me to and from my community college and work. The car had about 250,000 miles on it when I got it, and I sold it with 267,000 miles. I owned it for about a year and a half. It isnt the best looking car, but it is simple, easy to drive, good on gas, and reliable. The only 2 issues I had was having to replace the brakes which was nothing and I knew it was coming, and I had to replace one of the pipes because in the winter it made a loud, screeching noise. The pipe was a very cheap fix. It has never stalled on me. It is a great car for high school and college students. I wouldnt suggest it to a family because of the size. I really regret selling it but I had no choice given the situation I was in. It is still alive and kicking. The people who own it now go on 4-hour long road trips almost every weekend. If you are looking for a good car for your kids to have to take around, I would highly recommend this. It worked out really nicely for me. I am looking into buying a newer model of this car because I loved mine so much.

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  good value - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By gumby - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Looked at Toyota, Chevy, and Mazda before deciding on Nissan. Good value for the money. Great MPG. Car comes with all basics, cd, power locks, windows, mirrors. Sentra handles nicely and is peppy for a small car. Fit and finish pretty good also.

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  Lots of Power and Room - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By jomi - July 28 - 2:00 am

  This is a very good large SUV with a lot of safety features as well as the performance and nimbleness of a smaller vehicle. There are a few first year modle issues, but nothing that prevented me from buying.

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  Very reliable daily driver - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By Suge Knight - July 28 - 2:00 am

  This car was handed down to me after my dad purchased a 2004 Pathfinder. It is very reliable and gets a lot of looks from the girls! The engine has decent pick up and is the beats out every other car in its class in power for the 4 cylinder engine (Accord, Camry). I plan to buy another Altima when the 2005s are released.

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  3.5 SE ALTIMA 04 - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Sharma - July 28 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I ever got.It has alot of horsepower.

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  Nice Looking, Lots of Problems - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Mikecnj - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Nice looking car but has lots of issues. Had to replace altenator at 6,000 miles (a common problem). After getting locked-out numerous times, dealer replaced door harness. Open sunroof makes unbearble interior noise. Currently heat is not adequate and bringing it back to dealer. Goto NissanMurano.org for more info./complaints.

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  Awsome Vehicle - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Ric20602 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Nissan has made strides from the last generation Quest. The body style and features are a total separation from the old Nissan Quest a the Mercury Villager, (exact same vehicle, different trim)! The center console is something you have to get used to, but the "stadium seating" style for the passengers is a an awsome feature!

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  The new Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By LFN - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Many clever design features. Good looks great mileage. lots of toys

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  The BEST new full size truck PERIOD - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By yamaha_r62k1 - July 28 - 2:00 am

  I have had several pickups in my driving career and this Titan is the best, most funniest vehicle I have ever owned. Nissan has done an incredible job in designing and engineering every detail of this vehicle. I highly recommend this truck to anyone from the daily mom who picks up their kids from soccer practice to the hard working construction professional. With the Titans incredible power, enormous interior, standard features and accessories, and of course exceptional value, you cannot lose with this truck. Now go out to your local dealer and see for yourself!!

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  2004 Nissan Titan LE Crew Cab - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Gianni Ducati - July 28 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic truck. Tons of interior room with an innovative bed design. Excellent acceleration and handling. I much prefer it to the F-150s I drove.