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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  NV 200 perfect for small business - 2014 Nissan NV200
  By Don Berg - November 14 - 6:53 pm

  I own a small cable/satellite company and needed a small van for service calls in Colorado. Found the NV200 had plenty of pep going up and down some of the larger mountain ranges. Used the overdrive a lot going down. 25 MPG fully loaded at 8000 feet plus. Hands free cell calls, XM radio and Navigation worked really well. During VERY cold days, left drivers food froze...Needs work on floor heater. Had problem with tire wear and had to replace in 14,000 miles. Right rear tire required shim to put in alignment. Also talked to a "Tire Whisper" (A friend that is the alignment business for 40 years) and he told me to quite rotating front to back, but to go a X pattern for 5 times then the 6th go back to front to back one time. Tire problem went away. At the present time, you can only get tires from the dealer, so its best to stay on pressure. Overall the NV200 is a solid van for small business

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  CVT Transmission SUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By HateNissan - November 14 - 3:03 pm

  NEVER EVER BUy nissan cvt car. After you hit 30 -60 k then real problem starts . My new car 2015 transmission broked . Wrost car .Only good thing about this car is milage rest is worse. Buy toyota or honda for reliability.

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  Decent - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Jason Fritz - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I got bored with this truck fast. Its cool looking, and can take you off road, but dont expect anything to happen when you step on the gas.

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  Another Master Piece From Nissan - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By vick - November 14 - 10:00 am

  I have Infiniti 1999 I30 and just bought 2003 Maxima GLE with Meridian Edition. Test Drove Lexus, BMW, Mercedez and fould MAxima GLE to be the best car for the bucks. Got it for 27,800 with all the options. Cannot be happier than any other car. Youve got to go with MAXIMA.

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  WOW - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By MaximA+ - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Driving this car is a pleasure. Lots of vehicle for the money. Test drove the Avalon which did have a better ride, but cost lots more and had less gadgets. Very happy with this purchase.

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  Great Vehicle - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By tim tyner - November 14 - 10:00 am

  2002 Nissan Xterra with just the enthusiast package manual tranny and V6 and i love it. silver ice paint and manual hubs up front. this vehicle is extremely solid built better than my old ford and rides better. V6 is really strong especially with manual tranny, 4x4 capabilities are very inspiring. lots of cargo room and tons of cool storage and neat nooks and crannies to put stuff. this vehilce is really the best fit for people looking for a rugged reliable vehicle to go and have so real fun with.

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  In Your Face Camry - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Erik_From_FL - November 14 - 10:00 am

  Best 25K i ever spent, leather, moonroof, bose system, 17" rims, 240 horsies to paly with? what is there not to like? Can the camry even compare with its fish looking tail end and sorry 192hp engine?

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  Murano SL AWD - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Nissan Murano - November 14 - 8:43 am

  Only had the Murano for a week now but we really love it. Nice pick up and the ride is very nice. Pot holes can be a little rough but other than that the ride is ultra smooth. Quiet motor and the CVT is smooth as silk.

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  What a disappointment! - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By quest2005 - November 13 - 8:36 pm

  In one year of ownership, weather stripping came off, wheels needed re- alignment, back hatch squeaks/sticks, need to resurface rotors x 3, something in front engine cracked, air conditioner hisses, CD stuck in player, recall on middle seats,and key stuck in ignition for a day. Service department terrible, nickle and dime every possible way, try to justify needed repairs with "Thats the way cars are made nowadays." Two negative response on customer survey given. No response from Nissan. Very sad. We LOVE the design and roominess. Will miss our van. Looking for new vehicle. Because of service department, will not buy Nissan, again.

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  My Favorite Vehicle - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By MyXTerra - November 12 - 6:46 pm

  On our trip to our home state recently we were run off the road by a semi. My daughter and I were asleep while my husband was driving. Woke when we hit the dirt. Front end damage and blew out a tire, shattering the rim. We were all uninjured, just surprised. Took out a sign, both side mirrors broken, driver side mirror shattered window. I give the Xterra an EXCELLENT review because it took all of the force and kept my family safe. Our dogs, cats and puppies were also in the vehicle and everyone is in perfect health. I HIGHLY recommend the Xterra. Mine has always been reliable and a blast to drive. Love that get up and go power. Gas mileage could be better but very sturdy vehicle.