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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  A Break From the Norm - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Wm - September 24 - 3:30 pm

  This is a GREAT vehicle in contrast to the Honda/Toyota. Quality, quiet ride. Experts/critics who knock center console just havent gotten use to it. It is awesome to get into something that is truly different.

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  Great Truck - 2009 Nissan Titan
  By Ken - September 23 - 2:46 pm

  Have owned Chevy Z-71s in the past, a 1993 and a 1998. This Nissan is close to the 1993. Lots of power, great steering feel, lots of interior space, great factory stereo (Rockford). This truck is a blast to drive, so much power!

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  Riding High In WV - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Larry in WV - September 23 - 1:33 pm

  I looked at Nissan and Toyota. Drive them both.. you will pick the Nissan. Looks very tough.. rides great. My first tank of gas I got 19 mpg. Not bad for the first tank and a 6 cylinder. Lots of room inside. I have 3 boys, and they fit nicely in the back. The rail system and spray on bed liner cant be beat. Braking is responsive and stable. Steering is very sensitive. Radio has good sound. Lots of cup holders. Glove box feature is good. Im 6" 2" and have plenty of headroom and legroom. My favorite truck I have ever owned!

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  maxima second time around - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By lexor - September 23 - 10:10 am

  I brought my 2002 maxima in for a oil change and saw this 2004 sitting on the show room floor. It was a color called champange mist and had chrome wheels, the high powered Bose music system and all the bells and whisels that my 2002 had everything but nav. system. The sales manager ask me if I wanted to take it out for a ride. I could not belive how much better this was than my 2002 and I loved that car. Well I said what is the price? With the deal Nissan was offering I could not say no. I had drove a new Lexus 330 earlier in the day and this was so much better and less money. 265 horse power it really moves and is so quite I did not even know I was doing 90 mph.

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  HAPPY OWNER - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By EONAVYCB - September 22 - 3:36 pm

  I just bought the SE king cab 4x4 a few days ago. I have been a dodge dakota owner the past few years, and this truck is 10 times better. The cab is quiet, the truck is very tight, and very fun to drive. I have also got several positive comments from others about the lokks and design. I am looking forward to many years of service from this wonderful truck.

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  A Great Car - 2010 Nissan Versa
  By Rob - September 21 - 8:33 pm

  I wanted a safe, economical, practical car for my daughter to drive and the Versa is all that and more. The ride is quiet and smooth, the interior is comfortable and the controls are well thought out. We got 33 MPG on the highway driving to Texas...not too shabby. Plus, the car looks WAY better than the Fit or Yaris - especially if you get the red version and put on some window tint! 50 cu.ft. cargo capacity with the seats down, plus, the engine has a timing chain - not a belt! In my opinion, this car is hands down one of the best cars in its class today.

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  05 Frontier = Best Mid-Size Pickup - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By HKINGS - September 21 - 3:50 pm

  After driving every mid-size truck out there, including the new 05 Tacoma 3 times, the 05 Frontier had the best performance, exterior and interior looks! It lso offered more features that Tacoma didnt, like power/heated seats, leather, and power moonroof! A blast to drive!

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  Titan for the long haul - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Paul Zopfi - September 21 - 2:56 am

  This is my first second full size truck, my first a GMC Sierra. This vehicle is in its own world. Fantastic to drive, reliable so far, ride and comfort are incredible for a truck. Ive used both four wheel drive and without in snow storms just to see how well the vdc and traction control work with no complaints. Great vehicle that I have shown to many friends and coworkers. Three have bought their own.

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  GREAT Automobile - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Rick - September 20 - 5:46 pm

  Nissan has done its homework on designing this vehile. It is sipping gas and has the power when required to pass like it had a large 6 cyl. engine under the hood. The ride is comfortable and positive. Gas mileage is between 32 and 55 MPG. It takes a little adjusting, to get the peak mileage. The EV mode is the best part of their design.

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  this car should be the car of choice - 1996 Nissan 300ZX
  By elias lujan - September 20 - 10:00 am

  it was a great car with outstanding handeling. i coulg almost miss a turn because of another car and then get around them and still make the turn. it was the best car ive ever driven in my life. my dad says the same and he races quarter miles. it was the best car ever no competition from any other. (Ford, Chevy, etc...