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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  Buy It - 2010 Nissan Cube
  By cube love - June 24 - 3:40 am

  Purchased for reliability and gas mileage. thought I wouldnt like the design but now I love it. I can see from all angles, it drives, corners and parks very well! Im at 33.8 mpg avg. The sound system is great. Some reviews had 3 bad issues. 1. engine noise on acceleration is no worse than any other 4 cyl engine Ive had. 2. highway noise at 45 mpg is true and I have not driven in strong wind. ( turn up the radio and its gone) 3. reflection is true and very freaky, still trying to get used to it but it doesnt bother my husband so maybe its personal. It is very comfortable and the 64" husband has at least 8" of head room. Yes I get the "what the H?" looks but oh well!

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  The Very Best - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Kris Shockley - June 23 - 10:00 pm

  Bought the car brand new and never had any major issues. Just totaled the car a week ago and walked out with little injury. Very Safe! Now looking to replace the best car I ever owned! 103k and was still running as strong as the day I drove it off the lot. Normal wear and tear issues. Tires and brakes seemed to need replaced alot..could just be me. Fun to drive, loved everything about it.

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Jo Stevens - June 23 - 6:28 am

  I had never owned a Nissan in my life but saw the Maxima and loved its looks, so I pulled into the lot and ordered one to my specifications and have never regretted doing so. It is the best car I have ever had. Never had one minutes trouble from it since the day I got it in Feb. 2008. I have only had to change the oil every 5,000 miles and put two sets of tires on it in the 8 years Ive had this car.

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  Its Got Bugs - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By roamdogg - June 23 - 3:00 am

  I decided to go with the 07 model after totaling my 97 Sentra in early 2006. It seemed like a nice upgrade. Almost immediately I began having problems with drivers seat making squeaking noise and shifting forward/backward just to annoy me. Three dealerships, and they all say they cant duplicate it. CD player likes to fade in and out when I turn it up loud, and the drivers side door lock controls are making a "whooshing" sound when I use it. Since its not happening "all the time", Nissan wont address the problem. Ive learned its got to break in order for them to fix it while its under warranty, otherwise wait for your warranty to expire and revisit them. Theyll fix it then.

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  Reliable Car - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By W. Wright - June 22 - 12:24 pm

  I bought the 2008 basicl Nissan Altima in 2009 based on positive reviews from other consumer organizations. I sold it with 103,000 miles on it to get a lower mileage car. The car turned out to be a reliable car that can be driven for many more miles. It has an attractive, sporty look. It provided a smooth ride, quality audio, frosty air conditioning, and good brakes. The controls are easy to read and to figure out. I had no problems driving in snow or rain. The repairs were basically routine maintenance. The seats tend to be stiff. One time the driver-side window got stuck.

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  Nissan Frontier SE 4wd - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By civallero - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Very reliable truck to own. Offroad capabilities are fair. Recommend 31x10.50x15 offroad tires for better traction and appearance. Currently have driven 106k mi since new. Great truck! I

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  super car - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Don2260 - June 22 - 10:00 am

  i bought this car two years ago and i have put some long work days in this car. i put on about 30000 a year on this car all i have done to it is change oil and tires I have 81000 miles on it with out any problems.

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  Looks great, good interior, but problems - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By RJL - June 22 - 10:00 am

  My fuel system was replaced after repeatedly overflowing (see other owner comments), my ABS light goes on and off but a problem cannot be determined b/c it never is "on" at the dealership (so much for computer memory), and my automatic window needed repair. I was one step away from successfully completing a Lemon Law case against Nissan (3 visits to the dealer without a resolution) - they finally brought in a fuel system expert from CA to fix the problem. The gas mileage still stinks!

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  its bad on gas - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By frontierboy - June 22 - 10:00 am

  the truck had a squek in the front bumper brackets , passenger seats chirps when empty and gas is the worst, and engine valves are noisy. clickety click.

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  Polished Pewter - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By TA McGuckin - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Entered dealership for service and struck up a conversation with one of the salesmen while waiting. Chatted about the Murano being a hybrid and went for a test drive and was sold. So,I traded in my 1996 Nissan Pathfinder for this amazing vehicle. Totally looking forward to taking the Murano out in inclement weather to see how it performs. Has so far handled exceptionally well in heavy rain and is amazingly comfortable to drive.