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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  AS PRACTICAL AS YOU CAN GET.... - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By weena09 - March 31 - 5:50 am

  We love the Rogue - very comfortable for longs drives, lots of leg room, large trunk space (great for pets, groceries and luggage). We definitely recommend a sunroof because it makes the interior feel more spacious. Great on gas, safe in snow/icey conditions, overall very reliable and practical crossover SUV! Cheaper to buy 1-2 years used then to lease new :)

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  abs and gas mileage nightmare - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By odis pletcher - March 30 - 5:43 pm

  what a shame, a good truck except for horrible gas mileage and very scary abs braking on ice or snow, I will be getting rid of this truck

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  Great car. Driving the future. - 2013 Nissan Leaf
  By dm3 - March 30 - 3:31 pm

  Comfortable, roomy all electric car. Amazing not using any gas. Havent used our other cars since we leased it. Overall pleasant car. Roomy, good visibility, handles pretty well, well built, generally well thought out. Compared to Volt, better visibility, seats 5 much better electric range, quick charge option to charge in 30 minutes. Good lease deals available. Factor in gas savings and the car is practically free.

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  worth for the money - 1998 Nissan Sentra
  By chester - March 29 - 10:00 am

  very relaiable. never had any issues after doing just regular maintenance. since the car is light, the breaks might lock some times, if doesnt have ABS.

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  Best compact truck - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Bob Baker - March 29 - 10:00 am

  This is the best compact truck on the market for the money.

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  Former Mustang Owner - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Pete Smith - March 29 - 10:00 am

  The best thing about owning this car has nothing to do with its features. It is the admiration and respect people have shown towards me. I never thought a car could do all of that for me. I get compliments and thumbs up everywhere I go. My Mustang was an enjoyable ride, but I never got this much attention. I got mine in Silverstone w/ Orange leather seats. As far as mods, I will check out some 19" wheels and some minor engine tweaks.

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  Love this thing! - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By mattwoods - March 29 - 10:00 am

  This car is absolutely amazing! I love the six speed tranny, its not sloppy feeling and it has a nice positive feel. This thing handles like its on rails! This is the most fun front-wheel drive car ive ever driven. Kills civics and integras without a problem because it actually has what Nissan likes to call TORQUE. Great job Nissan!

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  Whats up with the Windows? - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By mrmnico - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Purchased July,01 I have since had Chopped Tires. An authorized center credited me on the tread left on tire and replaced. Power Windows were not opening and closing properly. first the rear on the passanger side. It was fixed under warranty. Couople weeks ago (Aug, 03) my front passanger window and rear drvier side window are now doing the same thing. This issue was fixed once again under warranty, well guess what, First Week of Sept03 DRIVER SIDE WIN. IS DOING THE SAME THING! thats all 4 windows with the same problem. I was interested in purchasing the SE Crewcab Frontier, but with these dilemas it makes me weary on purchasing the Frontier.

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  Only an X-Terra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By DebbieQ - March 29 - 10:00 am

  My first X-Terra was the first vehicle I ever purchased based *nearly* solely on appearances. Of course, it was Nissan, and I only buy Nissan, so I assumed that it would run forever as well.

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  Nissan Murano 2003 - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Snapshot - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Great power, acceleration and ride - very fuel efficient on long trips - have owned the car for 3 months now, and have nothing to complain about. The CVT is smooth and gives low rpmss and noice. Navigation system is great, good screen quality, even in sunlight. Spacious design.