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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  Great lil car! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By victor - May 12 - 10:23 am

  This car is great! Looks small on the outside but very roomy on the inside! I traded in a ford taurus for this car and feel i got the better deal. Gas per week is $60-$80 less and I drive a lot. I live in NYC where parking is hard to get... this car fits everywhere!

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  Very pleased, minor complaints - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By SgtJoe - May 11 - 4:30 pm

  I love my Xterra, it was very affordable and meets all of my needs. The only complaints are the seats are kinda cheap. Material for seats get worn fast. The other complaint is that the X model did not come with crossbars for the roof rack! Why have a roof rack without cross members and they cost almost $250. All and all I love my Xterra and the six speed makes it very fun to drive.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By DaveCh - May 11 - 10:00 am

  In seven years and 99,000 miles I never had any problems. I bought the car new and would have drove it into the ground if it hadnt been destroyed in a flood. This car had much better quality than any of the Big Three American cars Ive owned. At 99,000 it still didnt need a brake job. The engine is a ten best engine and always had plenty of power especially with the manual which never required any work. Would highly recommmend to someone for the quality and performance and Im looking for a another 97 Maxima. My wife drives a 2003 Maxima.

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  Excellent! Holds Value Well - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By ds - May 11 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is a dream! It handles very well, the Bose steroe system is wonderful. very roomy.

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  Best car i ever owned - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Rus - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I had more fun with this car than any other car i ever owned. Moved up to a Nissan Quest.

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  Safety first - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By kylie b - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I was in a horrible head on collision in Dec. Everyone told me the only reason I was alive was because of my car! In my opinion, the XTERRA is the safest car on the road.

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  Had to Have It - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By SouthSideGirl - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I saw one of these on the road and went gaga. I bought one 6 wks. later. First time I have ever done this. What a fun car - driving it is like going on vacation!

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  I the new Max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By lee608 - May 11 - 10:00 am

  I own two 1989 Maximas. My daughter in college drives one, my professional protester niece drives around the country in the other. Both are still running great. Until this redesign though, the Maxima lost some its charm / coolness, but the Maxima is back. we bought a Black SL, all options, including the traditional sunroof. We have not had ANY problems, none. I love the way the car drives, handles, feels, the Bose is fantastic. Little league games have the boys coming by saying "cool car" and this is before they hop into their moms Lexus or Mercedes. I traded an Audi A6 for the Maxima and I am a very happy owner.

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  awesome car - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By shane - May 11 - 5:13 am

  After totalling my 2004 Touring Roadster, I had to have another. Bought a 2006 Grand Touring Roadster. Its just as wonderful and fun to drive as the 04 was.

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  Love my Quest 3.5S 2005 - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Mastrocalo - May 11 - 4:40 am

  I get a great price Thanks to Edmunds.com. I figure the price I can paid for the Minivan 2005 3.5S, the price was at Dealer $25,850.00 and I make deal for $23,500.00 + 6% NJ Taxes and few xtras..(close to $ 2000.00) Great Minivan, run like a Mercedes and is fast.Use to Own a Caravan 98SE..another good one, but this one is far out in Luxury, Xtras and great price. I use the Internet to get prices without giving Phone#, only name and address (salesmans dont come home).AllBrands was the best.. Mileage looks better that my Dodge Caravan 98SE, so far 330 miles and feel great. Wife love it..Stereo is a Symphonic..great brakes and ride..the best!! Too many xtras like sonar,Electric doors,etc...