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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  the best for the buck! - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By tom350z - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I love my 350z. It is a rocket! It is fun to drive and the styling gets stares from even vet drivers. If you love to be noticed this is the car for you. If you love a car that is fun to drive this is the car for you! This truly is the car for me!

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  PURE ADDICTION - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By cranesrule - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Just bought the 2002 SE to replace my wifes Olds Intrigue... Now I want to steal it from her. This car has a combination of brute power and silky smooth refinement that is truly addictive. The acceleration is spectacular and it has the handling to make it feel locked down at all times. Complaints about torque steer? Buy a less powerful car or learn to drive - this car is worth the effort. Interior design is gorgeous yet simple and understated. Even the cloth interior is simply stunning. This car is such a perfect compromise between sports car and sedan that it feels like you you havent given up ANYTHING. Nissan hit the sweet spot.

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  So far, so good - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By steveg - May 17 - 10:00 am

  Just picked up the car. After driving 500 miles in 3 days I am very impressed. Comfortable and a lot of little details make this car very convenient. Love how the seats fold, the navigation works and seems very solid.

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  A FANTASTIC SUV - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Donato - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I carefully researched Toyota Highlander, Santa Fe, and Honda Pilot. It came down to Highlander or Murano. Murano won hands down in terms of style, ride, fuel economy, and what you get for your money. Then there was the cost. Murano is not cheap, but Executive Nissan provided me with the best car-buying experiences I have ever had: I was treated with respect and got a great deal. Toyota refused to deal on the Highlander and wanted too much money. This is a gorgeous and outstanding vehicle and it drives like a dream! I love it.

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  lets drive - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By michael kroll - May 17 - 10:00 am

  easy to move in and out of traffic

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  LaVaras review - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By llbattle - May 17 - 10:00 am

  VERY NICE !!!!!!!!! The look and handle of an exotic sports car, without the price of one.

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  I love my new car: - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By shawn morris - May 17 - 10:00 am

  This car is absolutly the best car to drive for the price and, the look is unparalleled.

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  Love this car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Hitlistofpa - May 17 - 10:00 am

  The Altima for me has been a sheer joy so far. I was looking for something both reliable and eye catching for the buck, I believe I have found that car! Thoughit is too soon to tell how the reliability rating will play out, I have read other consumer postings, most were good.

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  Performance Review - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By BVersoy - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I am a person that loves to drive and have owned cars considered "higher end". Hower,beyond a doubt this is the most exciting vehicle I have ever driven. It is smooth, it corners, it hugs the road and does not wave with the winds. The cabin is a delight down to the deep cup holders so I dont worry about spillage. The beauty of the jeweled headlights and taillights and overall design of the car makes it one of the most beautiful on the highway. I cannot imagine what can be changed to make it better. I get comments from people all the time. I named it Snazzy, because it is. Happy driving. BV

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  Love It - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Louise - May 17 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. I love everything about it. It looks fantastic and drives like a dream. The 4 cylinder has tons of power. I have owned many Toyotas over the past many years, but chose Nissan Altima because of the appearance and now love it for all the right reasons. Its wonderful. I got it in the Pewter color and get compliments everyday.