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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  Even with Standard, its GREAT!! - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Josh - February 20 - 4:36 am

  I got nissan murano when I test drove one... It didnt take long decide to get this car... I was just looking for plain standard car but with many good features... and found Murano... one of the great cars Ive got... If I ever get a new car, Id get nissan murano again!!!

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  Love this car! - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By lordkeystroke - February 19 - 9:36 pm

  I bought this car in 07 with 19k on it. Added a Greddy Spectrum Elite catback and Falken Ziex tires. It is fun, and gets decent mileage, and handles really well. My only complaints are: The rings are weak, and my oil consumption has tripled (73k on it now), and sometimes when downshifting into 2nd, it pops out of gear. Keeping oil in it is simple, however, and I just hold the stick in 2nd to prevent the annoyance.

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  ok if $17K is disposable income - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Maria B. Perez - February 19 - 2:46 am

  I bought this car brand new on 5/23/07. After 2 months, I called the dealership & said I was unhappy with the mpg. I paid extra for CVT transmission to get 33/36 mpg. On any given day (even while using synthetic oil), my best is 30 mpg. He said no one twisted my arm to buy the car. (no Wonder Nissan yanked their contract from this dealership.) upholstery is rubbed where the child seat sometimes sits. Carpet where the clutch would be if it was manual, looks like I took a razor to it. Molding on the rear right window is coming off. A/c stopped working just past warranty. They wont help to fix a/c system on 2-year-old car. Too bad-was going to upgrade to murano in 2 yrs. When daycare expenses decrease.

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  Good Bang for the Buck - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By A.S. - February 19 - 2:43 am

  This Sentra was a pleasant surprise. Tne car is clean, crisp, and sharp. It is very spacious in the front and in the truck, but a little cramped in the back seat...although, this was suspected--it IS a compact car. I found it an extremely great deal, and very reliable.

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  Best of 10 SUVs tested - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Dr. Burton Katzen - February 18 - 11:46 pm

  I started looking for an SUV about 2 months ago, and tested 10 different ones, including Jeeps (I have owned 7 Jeeps in the past 20 years). The first thing that blew me away was the interior and quality of workmanship of the LE. They thought of everything! I drove the Cadillac, Mercedes, BMW 5 Series, Jeep Limited, etc. and my impression of the LE was that it should cost $10,000 more - The quality and design of the leather, the standard 3rd row, the Bose speakers (I actually started listening to classical music). Acceleration is superb. Handling is wonderful. Cant make the car rattle. Went to 4 different dealerships and would recommend DARCARS. Got best treatment and deal by far w/ no BS.

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  A great value - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Brandon - February 18 - 9:56 pm

  This is a very fun to car to drive! One of the best values out there. The only things that can beat it are the STi and mitsubishi evo, but then you have to deal with thier spoilers and tough ride quality. The car is very quick and makes a beautiful noise while your on the throttle inside and out. Handling is excellent and acceleration is quick right from the dealer. I paid 22,000 grand for mine used, 0-60 in 5.4, brembo brakes, great exhaust note, great looks and you got a deal of the year. Sure you can get a Mitsubishi evo or a Subaru STi for around the same price or a used one cheaper but then you deal with jarring suspension and huge spoilers and street racer looks. Z is a great deal.

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  Good Xterra - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By jmwsandan - February 18 - 9:20 pm

  Overall we are very happy with our 2006 Xterra. Our only complaints are minor. Fuel economy isnt great, but we knew it wouldnt be good going in. We are also less then thrilled with the back seat. Once youre in, its comfortable, but getting in and out is a hassle with the rear wheelhouse in the way.

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  Armada is off the hook !!! - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By zambak - February 18 - 8:36 pm

  I cant say enough about my new SUV. It is just superb. Well built and designed. The ride is awsome.

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  still a great car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By matthew - February 18 - 6:20 pm

  Last report 5-6-08 see Great Highway Car. Still a great car. Holding up decently. Now have 77k miles. My first problem, started to stumble when on highway. Felt like misfire. Checked spark plugs, found #3 did not look good. Replaced all spark plugs and #3 coil pack. Now car is great again. I still get about 27 mph with spirited driving. I run Mobile 1 synthetic oil every 5-6000 miles, does not use a drop of oil. Maintenance easy. A Durango ran me off the road in Dec on snowy road and I ran up a curb. Had to get two new tires but everything else ok. Typical strut clunk but ride not affected so ill wait to replace. Overall has been an enjoyable reliable and comfortable car on long trips.

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  2010 Nissan Maxima SV Premium Package - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Michael - February 18 - 10:43 am

  Just purchased this vehicle and I am extremely pleased with it. This car is very sophisticated in terms of technology and comfort. Performance is very noteworthy as well. There is plenty of power and the mid-range torque is excellent. The overall ride is smooth and seamless as well as quiet. The vehicle is able to accelerate effortlessly and still remains quiet even at higher speeds. This car handles very well too, as if it has a wide grip and hugs the road when driving. I would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone looking for a sedan that offers luxury and performance in one package at a reasonable price. The exterior styling is one of a kind!