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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  Only have had my car 3 weeks - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Love my Rogue so far. - December 20 - 8:28 am

  I have only had my Rogue for 3 weeks and so far I am very happy. The only complaint I have I believe is with most vehicles now days is that the paint needs to be tougher. It appears to scratch and get marks fairly easy.

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  Bad Transmission - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Dave - December 20 - 3:03 am

  I really like this car however the CVT transmission has a flaw. It sometimes will not take off from a stop and the main problem with that is it just happens no warning signs or anything. Could be very dangerous if you pull out in traffic expecting your car to move and it decides not to! Car is at the dealership now with them trying to figure what is wrong. This car scares me and I only hope Nissan can assure me they have it fixed! It seems that this is a problem Nissan has had with the CVT for a while. I would not buy one until Nissan can prove the problem has been solved!

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  2004 nissan murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By kristine - December 19 - 9:46 pm

  ive had my murano for almost a year now i was so excited i loved it so much until my speakers started going in and out, the passenger seatbelt got stuck closed, my alternator went, and my engine light went on again for the 3rd time last night at least it didnt leave me on rt 95 again the navigation sends me to wrong addresses the dealer told me nissans hold value but i got it appraised its in perfect condition, fully loaded and it was only worth 21,000 and that was 6mon after i got it. To top it all off ive been to 7 diff nissan dealerships for work and maintenance on it and at everyone the pple are rude and disrespectful my car also has electrical problems that were diagnosed in nj i waited 3mon

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  2011 Sentra SR CVT 50K miles - 2011 Nissan Sentra
  By rook119 - December 19 - 7:50 am

  My gf and I bought this car for her. She had originally bought a 2011 Corolla (mother of god that was an awful hateful machine) but someone totalled it (thankfully). So instead we got this. It was inexpensive (17.5K loaded) and didnt look as appliance-y as say a civic or corolla. Its nothing great but it does it job, its relatively reliable, has a good resale value, looks pretty good and has an insane amount of space. Just dont be fooled by those 27/34mpg numbers because you are getting far less. Verdict: The car does its job. Id say because of the high resale value you are better off just buying a new Sentra if you find yourself wanting one though.

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  Altima deserves a look - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Jimmie Lee - December 18 - 10:00 am

  The team at the Nissan Altima design and build studios have been listening to the reviews of the Altima. The 2005 is miles ahead of the 2004 in the interior. They have actually been implementing the ideas of the people who purchase the cars. The one thing they cant seem to address is the wind and road noise. I believe if Nissan could find a way to make the interior of the Altima more quiet, they would find themselves in the hunt with the Accord and the Camry. Everyone who owns a pre 2004 Altima should go to the dealership and take a look at the 2005s, I think you will be pleasently surprised by the new interior and the driveability of the new cars.

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  Disappointed - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By SE-R Spec V - December 17 - 9:36 pm

  I bought a used 04 SE-R Spec V with only 4,000 miles on it. im very disappointed with it. The fuel mileage is average. The first gear is too short and sometimes it is a pain to put it in reverse. The ride is too harsh over little bumps and the suspension is bad. I had front struts replaced after 20K miles and rear twice at 25K and 57K miles. Many little irritating problems like the emergency brake light refuses to go off, it comes with stock summer only tires, factory speakers not that great, no ABS on a car at this price point is ridiculous. Even KIA offers ABS on their much cheaper models.

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  Max THe BEAST!! The Best Car EVER - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Frederick Arthur P-K - December 17 - 7:30 am

  I got this car from an auction. It drives well, Spacious and the features are comparable to that of an E-class. I bought this car because it was the right balance between a luxury and an everyday car. The car looks great especially with the 18" chrome with black leather interior on black ext. It would have been nice if they got rid of the handbrake, included an mp3 player with AUX, an automatic trunk shut system. Very noisy if music not on blast, suspension is a bit rough bt I love this car. And dnt regret one bit! If you are looking at buying this car, go all out, and get all options other than that get an ALTIMA..

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  Great Improvement from 2004 Xterra - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By BWN - December 15 - 4:03 am

  Very pleased with 2006 Xterra "S" after 4100 mi. Traded in a 2004 Xterra "X" to get much-improved new model. Best upgrades are extra HP (up to 270 hp from 170 hp!!), 6-spd manual trans and fold- flat rear seat and front psgr seat. Comfortable handling and ride. Great visibility out. Good shifting, better than some performance cars. Nice jump on acceleration. Improved visibility of gauges welcome--light background on old model invisible in bright sunlight. Like unique styling, more classy than 2004 model.

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  Its a Truck Folks - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Neyland - December 15 - 2:00 am

  I really like the Xterra. People need to understand that these are off-road vehicles. If you want soft seats, lower steps, softer ride, buy a mini van. These vehicles were built to drive in regions where there are at best a rough logging road. Roll over situations are problematic of all vehicles with height. Height is needed off road. If rollover is a problem for you.. again buy a mini van. Personally we have found it performs well off road. Good hooks are a must, hard to find a good mounting point on the frame to snatching a friend with.

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  found versa very comfortable - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By don moore - December 15 - 1:40 am

  Car is realy enjoyable to drive and have passengers in back seat say there was ample room.