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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  best - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By billlotida - November 9 - 10:00 am

  overall a nicely designed and built car, that can take on the best Toyota or Honda can throw at it.

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  Not Bad...but not Good - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By honest abe - November 9 - 9:56 am

  Good car. Freezing AC. Gas mileage is not too great. Steering tough to turn in parking lots. Very reliable. Good engine. Could be smoother and quieter. If you are looking for a nice "USED" car then this is your pick. I would rather have gone with the VW Passatt

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  Love my van - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Robin - November 9 - 9:26 am

  I bought my van new it is the first new vehicle I have ever bought and I love it!! I moved from NC to FL and used my van for much of the move. My grandchildren love having the DVDs where they can see it I have the dual screens and both seats can see what they want. Given a choice of riding with mom and dad or nonie they will ride with me. I had an incident and my van was well protected. I have no issues with this van.

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  I Love it !!!!!!!!!!! - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By browneyes - November 8 - 10:00 pm

  This is the best Nissan Maxima of them all. I love the way it drives and the interior is gorgeous. Nissan has simply out did themselves with this 2007 model. It has the perfect blend of a sport car and luxury for a GREAT price.

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By jenarends - November 8 - 9:30 pm

  My family and I are so glad we switch from our Suburban and Blazer to the Armada. We love it.

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  Happy Roguer - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Roguer - November 8 - 8:26 pm

  The Rogue is great vehicle. Comfortable ride, great engine responds. Superior Bose audio. Very easy to drive. The car gives feeling that you drive car of 21st century, very quiet inside. Ergonomic dashboard and on board computer give me filing like Im a spaceship pilot. It is pleasant to drive this new toy.

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  Cheap, Fast, Cool - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Josh - November 8 - 12:43 pm

  Car has good acceleration, and the CVT is nice. At cruising speeds, if you need to pass somebody the power is always there. The one thing that I found very odd: there is no radio in the base version? Dealer had to install one for me. Car looks good (minus the wheel covers... I dont get that either). Engine noise is present, but its a 4 cyl so its expected. Push button start is cool. Display is cool. Overall its a nice ride for the money.

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  My first new car... ever!!! 2.5 SL pkg - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Mista T - November 8 - 5:03 am

  This is my first new car purchase. Was gonna get a Subie Legacy but didnt like the way it shifted. Camry is bland, boring, and dealers wouldnt haggle with me. G35x was my dream car that never came true (lotta bread for that car). My friend bought an Altima and I was taken away by the tranny. Felt like a 6 cylinder to me and the smoothness and pickup was impressive.

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  Good off-roader, slow highwayer - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Noli - November 8 - 4:50 am

  I own this vehicle just for my game pursuits. I beat the most forbidding trails in the mountains of Mojave and in some other rough trails in Southern CA, drove as fars as texas without problems except speed limitations. maybe due to my off-road, aggressive oversized tires. Some problem with braking, it seems it slips in dirt road. Had a hard time with using low 4 wheel. Got stuck twice in the soft desert sand and noticed that not all four wheels are turning.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Jason - November 7 - 10:53 pm

  I love this truck, lots of power, great interior room, awesome stereo. I knew this was the truck for me. Only problem is at 4800 miles the front brake rotors are going bad. The service dept says they will fix it and order me new ones, but other reviews say the replacements go out quickly too. We will see.