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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  NISSAN MURANO - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By BRIAN LEBLANC - October 16 - 10:00 am

  THE SUV IS AWESOME, THE ALARM WENT OFF FOR THE TIRE PRESSURE AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER RIGHT AWAY TO KNOW THERE WAS A SCREW IN MY TIRE. AS WITH OTHER CARS I WOULD HAVE NEVER KNOWN AND GOT A FLAT AND BEEN STUCK! BUT THEN AGAIN NISSAN ALWAYS BUILDS A GREAT CAR FOR YOUR MONEY.

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  2.5SL Altima Silver - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Dezbum - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I searched for months on what type of vehicle to buy, I went from a coupe, to SUV, to truck, and then I was online searching in the sedans category, I never realized they had redesigned the Altima. I bought it for the realibity, it has 20,000 miles on it. I bought it from a peronal owner with 11,000 miles on it. I love it!

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  Great Little Car - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By figman - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Had numerous Dodge Neons. This car is quick and also a blast to drive. First tank of gas combination city and highway driving got me 30 mpg. You can hot dog this car off the line and expect good gas mileage. Only complaint need more room in the back seat.

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  350Z Impressive - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By stuartm - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Very enjoyable car! Lots of torque, makes it difficult for one to behave! Build quality is quite impressive - would consider getting another

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  Awesome Car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By mike726843910564 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car ive ever owned. The z car is so fun to drive and everything about it is just perfect!

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  Fast - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Nitaly - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love driving this car. it handles like a dream, its fast and its a head turner. A REAL sports car.

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  Bug and Boats Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Hammy - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This car is just magnificant!!! Handles incredible, gripping the road around the corners and just zooms around. I just love it!!

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  350 Z rocks - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By jaob yarkoni - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is my perfect 10. Its fun to drive and the ladies love it. For the money this little speedster can pull its weight off the line as well. If you buy one of these you will not be disappointed, I love mine and it was worth every penny

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  Couldnt ask for anything better - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By ICYUNVME - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I received this car for my 25th birthday and I couldnt ask for anything better. It is a beautiful car both inside and out and is so much fun to drive.

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  It rocks! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Bender - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This thing rocks! If youre considering a sports car... this is THE car to get. Ive had it for over 4 months and the neighbors still stare when I drive up the block.