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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  Fairly Satisifed Armada Owner - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By krlchw - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Owned the Armada since Feb. 2004 and bought it for its towing capacity. We are towing a boat and it tows great. Problem is loud squealing brakes when they are warm. So far dealer cannot fix - says squealing is normal - I dont think so. Interior quality not up to par - 3 out of 4 window units had to be replaced. Console rattles and were still waiting for a replacement since August.

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  A different animal - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Frobozz - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Its got a lot more style than other car-based SUVs and is a lot of fun to drive, all things considered. Interior leaves a lot to be desired, though -- enormous dash, cheap leather seats, cheap door handles all detract from the look. Some cloth interiors have a rat fur look to them. Popular packages boost the cost of this car in a big hurry. I like the CVT. Not a good value but youre not going to buy this vehicle for the value. Its sporty and attractive (from the outside).

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By I_LoveMy350ZR - May 30 - 10:00 am

  There are a couple of small annoying things about this car. When you close the top it rolls both windows down but doesnt roll them up automatically. Several times Ive almost gotten out without closing them. The storage compartments are impossible to navigate while in the car! Having said that, this car is an absolute BLAST to drive! The wind deflector is awesome, I can drive with the top down on the interstate and have a normal conversation with my head set on my cell phone, the caller doesnt even notice Im in a car! My hair doesnt blow, you can wear a hat going 90 with top down NO PROBLEM. Not that I go 90 mind you...

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  The Best - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By rva_altima - May 30 - 4:41 am

  I love my car. Regarding e negative reviews.... The manual clearly states that the passenger air bag light does not stay on for the ride. Test drive the car you will actually purchase, then you would not have the issue of getting one that makes noises at 60 mph. The wind is noisy when the window is cracked or down. Maybe some window visors would help. But the windows have to be up to really use the bluetooth phone. The bluetooth is great, but asks too many questions and you need to know their phone numbers if you have multiple numbers, it does not show work vs cell vs home. Any hair product will leave ugly reside on the headrests. Warning : leather wipes only!

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  not worth much - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By worstcar - May 30 - 4:17 am

  Car is toast. Kraft Nissan in Tallahassee just told me that the car is toast (engine is toast). They said that they had replaced the head gasket and resealed it. They blamed another company. I checked out the other company, saw hardcopies of the service order, and the results. Im left with the following conclusions: 2005 Nissan Sentra engines dont last 10 years. Kraft Nissan did a poor in their repair What this tells me is that it is foolish to buy a Nissan in Tallahassee. Bad cars and indifferent service.

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  avoid nissan! - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By bob508 - May 29 - 8:56 pm

  im a older woman with a disability, yet they sold me this lemon without disclosing it has a major defect. the cooling line from the transmission into the radiator ruptures and fills the trans with water. did not happen yet, but nissan acted incredulous when asked to remedy the defect. the last straw was when the dealer went to fix a flat on the xterra, and let me drive it for several days with 70 pounds of air in the tire. the dealer and nissan have not only caused a financial hardship for me, now theyve risked life and limb as they continue to ignore my complaint.

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  Love this car! - 2017 Nissan Sentra
  By Alzata - May 29 - 7:30 pm

  This is my first car and I am absolutely in love! Don Cleaver and Advantage Nissan in Bremerton, WA helped me choose this car and for a first car I think that they have done very well!

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  The Murano killer - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Michael Lewis - May 29 - 5:09 pm

  Traded in a 2012 Murano Platinum for a Rouge SL awd with all three option packages. We just wanted a new car with better gas mileage. The Murano was the best car we have ever owned. No complaints at all really, but our new rogue surprises me all the time with its performance and quality. Took me a long time to realize that I dont need a V 6. I keep hearing that the Rouge is under powered and doesnt handle well compared to some of its competition. Could have fooled me! I dont feel that way at all. Love it on the road and love it in town. We have the high end of the rogue line and the safety features are really a welcome addition to our daily driving. All the safety features of a more prestigious and much more expensive SUV, and we love the Monarch Orange color we choose. Couldnt be happier!

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  Great car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By died4me - May 29 - 9:03 am

  This is my 3rd Maxima and I love it! Have only had it 2 days but expect to feel the same for a while. You cant beat the value! This car is loaded!!! Went to the dealer to look at the Altima but was not impressed with the ride and felt was a bit expensive when I considered that I could get a loaded GLE for a few bucks more.

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  This is one awesome car! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Jim from Maine - May 29 - 3:03 am

  My super black 3.5 SE coupe is comfortable, great looking and most importantly, extremely fun to drive! I test drove a Lexus IS 250 the same day and there was no comparison. As a former Maxima owner, I have always been impressed by the quality and performance of Nissan cars and this coupe is no exception. Its quick, handles very well and turns heads. I havent even let my wife drive it yet and Ive had it a week!