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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  Masterpiece.. Best in its class.. - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By DoN RaB - July 6 - 8:06 pm

  I bought this car with 55,000 miles in 2004. I now have 112,000 in 2008. Rock solid performance from this vehicle. No major mechanical problems to date. I will take this Maxima to its grave. This car will take better care of you than your own mama! Get the fully loaded model and drive it as far as you can. I do regret not getting the leather, sunroof, woodgrain, and digital ac. But those upgrades are all optional.

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  Great Car! - 2009 Nissan Sentra
  By K.S. - July 4 - 11:43 am

  I had the car for about a month and found it easy and fun to drive. Its just about the right size for both a daily commute and for longer highway trips. Drivers seat provides good support and the driving position provides for a commanding view of the highway. Please disregard any negative comments you may have read about the interior - it is a classic industrial design. Just look up industrial design or Raymond Loewy for more info on this design style. Mostly city around town driving averages about 29- 30 MPG

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  One of best motor vehicles I have owned - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Fleetwood - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I have owned many cars, trucks, and motorcycles over many decades. Without reservation I can say that this Pathfinder is one of the very best vehicles I have ever owned. I would recommend both current and older Pathfinders to people who find superb reliability more important than e.t.s at the drag strip. The mileage is higher than one can rightfully expect from a truck framed 4WD vehicle with enough power to be a serious off and on rode ride with exceptional sure footedness.

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  Im glad Daddy took the T-Bird Away - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By milestogo - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Traded a Thunderbird SC for this car. The Ford wasnt bad but it doesnt compare to this car. It literally goes where you point the nose. At 5500 rpm when most cars give it up, this one still has juice. The cornering ability continues to surprise me after 9 months of daily driving.

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  Good car overall - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By anlu68 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  So far I put over 62000 miles on this car and only in shop for once (last month) except some recalls. Its been great overall. If you are looking for a decent car to put 200K+ miles on it. Sentra is a way to go!

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  My Ultimate Altima - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By vwilliams - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my Altima. To be honest I had driven a Toyota until I looked at the new designed Altima. I have a 2002 and just love it. I got the 3.5 V6 and it runs like a top. So fun to drive and great sporty looks.

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  its so sweet.... - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By MickeyB - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Its a gem. Im totally pleased and excited by it. I worried about it being a Nissan, but their quality has definitely improved. Its performance and comfort are comparable to the RX and a better deal. And I cant say how much more appealing it is, design wise, than any of its class competitors.

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  Reliable, roomy, & fun 4dr sedan - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By jona57 - July 3 - 8:07 pm

  After much research, I bought 10 Altima loaded with SL package. Well-balanced near-luxury sedan with these options. Smooth, quiet ride but also sharp handling (for family sedan) and fun to drive. After 4+ trouble-free years, my worst complaint (as for most midsize cars) is that front passenger seat is not height adjustable.

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  LUV IT - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By speedy - July 3 - 9:00 am

  I was waiting for a new design over the 1999-2004. I got it and I cant complain. The V-6 is lovely and the power is a great thing to have both on and off-road. I traded in my 2001 T/A and I truly havent missed it. The crew cab is large enough to carry the kids and still truck enough to be functional. I just wish the 4x4 came with a sunroof. Otherwise, it handlse like a car and hauls like a truck. And the bed extender is...well if you want a compact pick-up or man van without turning in your manhood, buy it. I couldnt be happier, unless gas was cheaper.

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  Sentra a big small car - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Ron - July 3 - 9:00 am

  Interior room up front is very comfortable and has lots of room. Instruments are nicely laid out and easy to reach. Easy to drive and the CVT is very smooth. Plenty of trunk space. Nicely laid out automobile.