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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  Fun, Smooth and Stylish! - 2012 Nissan Sentra
  By joannahb - December 28 - 1:50 am

  I recently purchased the Sentra SR model and I am very happy with it so far. I initially was interested in a Versa hatchback, but after test driving both, I feel that you get more for your money out of the Sentra. Its very roomy inside, quiet and smooth. It can turn on a dime and has very responsive handling. The CVT transmission is a little odd at first since it doesnt make the typical "vroom vroom" noise when you accelerate. It quickly got used to it and I found that it actually makes the whole driving experience quieter and less jerky. All in all it was a pleasure to drive. It feels like its made with quality, moreso than the Elantra, Scion xD, Focus, and Corolla I test drove that day.

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  ex-Ford Owner - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Stacks - December 28 - 12:23 am

  I have been a Ford truck driver for 30 years. When it came time to replace my F-150 xlt I did my homework and read-up and researched every truck that was in my buying zone. Nothing could beat the TITAN 4X4 for the money, I am one totally satisfied buyer.

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  Love my Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By jack - December 27 - 10:03 pm

  I traded in my 03 Frontier Crew Cab for my new Titan Crew Cab. What a difference. I have been a Ford fan for years but Nissans products are hard to beat, especially on quality and price. We have taken 2 road trips and found it to be most comfortable. Passing is not problem. The folding rear seats make for perfect storage while carrying things that dont need to be exposed to the weather I have received numerous compliments on my Titans appearance. Especially the Deep Water blue paint. Im routinely getting 16 mpg in town and 19 on the highway without a headwind. Outstanding Truck!!

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  Titan Rocks! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By gatorce - December 27 - 9:53 am

  I’ve owned 4x4’s for 25 years, both as daily transportation and for getting to the “backwoods.” The Titan gets the job done! I’ve owned GM, Ford 4x4, Dodge, Jeep, and Nissan vehicles, and none of those compared with the Titan for quality of build and performance.

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  Fantastic Truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Bowhunter - December 27 - 7:03 am

  Gotta love this truck. Handles well, plenty of power, great fuel economy and its just fun to drive. I have the 6 speed manual transmission and couldnt be happier

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  After only 72 hours - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By rforrister - December 25 - 2:22 pm

  I know what only 72 hours. Well, I have been searching for a new ride. The search got sped up when a tornado destroyed my garage and car within. I had already driven most of the competitors and finally decided to drive this vehicle. Well after just a few minutes I made up my mind. 1 hour later I was a proud new owner of a Rogue. I drive roughly 100 miles a day 5 days a week. this vehicle smooths out the roughest roads. The 6 way seat is wonderful and my back is feeling great. If you have not driven this vehicle try it out. It fits me just fine. AWD drive will make winter drives so much safer as well.

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  Love this car!! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By JFW in NJ - December 24 - 9:20 pm

  Ive only had my new Altima for 3 days, but Im in love already! For the money, it is a very smooth, quiet and luxurious ride. I find it very comfortable and fun to drive, and I was pleasantly surprised at the great pickup she has! I had to pass a slow moving truck going uphill this morning, and the car really kicked in! Great power for a 4 cyl. Anyone looking for a sedan should definitely give the Altima a shot.

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  My 2007 Max - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Kent - December 24 - 1:03 pm

  Really love this car. I looked and drove many models and for the money this is the best. Top features, room, style that cant be beat.

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  Most Reliable 4X4 built ! - 1995 Nissan Pathfinder
  By 95pathisgreat - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck used in 97 with 30K on it. I have never had any problems with it! I mean none, other than brakes, tires I have had no problems. Its not the fastest out there but who needs speeding tickets. Drives great on the highway at 70mph. If you want a great 4X4 that wont give you headaches this is the one to buy.

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  a great car - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By cborg - December 24 - 2:00 am

  Im a first time owner of a car and recieved my 95 maxima from my dad (who bought an acura 3.2tl, which is a great car)its been an absolute joy to drive in, even at 100k plus miles it still performs great. The accelaeration is great and the 190hp 24 valve engine is a huge plus to this already excellent car. Everytime my friends get in there like "whoa, nice car" the leather and bose sound system impresses them.