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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  The maxima is the right choice - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By pnuemonia - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Great car fun to drive very fast and sporty but also very luxouious

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  Pleased as punch - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By steve107 - September 27 - 10:00 am

  I spent the last 3 years in a 1998 Mitsubishi Galant LS. It was a four cyl. and couldnt get out of its own way. I vowed to myself that I would go with a 6 cyl. the next time around no matter what. Once I did my research and priced the car with everything I wanted in it, it dawned on me, I couldnt afford this V- 6 with the options. So I said I would go with a basic V-6 with no added options. Then I went to the dealership and test drove the 4 Cyl. S. This car has amazing power for a 4 cyl engine. At 175 hp, it has about 45 more than my Galant did, and it seems like 145 more.

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  Great Vehicle - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By ShadowFox - September 27 - 9:03 am

  This vehicle is amazing. Since I purchased the Off Road version, I figured I was going to compromise ride quality and overall comfort. Nothing could be further from the truth. The ride quality is surprisingly comfortable, the seats sit well, and the Rockford Fosgate system kicks. The utility features of the vehicle are some of the best in the market. Ive even done a little of my own testing off road. This thing is amazing in the dirt and rocks. The 4LO and locking rear differential are easy to use and get you out of just about anything. Engine performance is impressive for an SUV. The V6 is plenty powerful, quiet and buttery smooth. I cant say enough good things about this vehicle.

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  Titan is impressive - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By donben - September 27 - 4:53 am

  Have had the Titan for just over 1 year and am very impressed, no maintenance issues, truck just does what it should. Very comfortable seats good visibility, good dash layout, great engine and transmission combination, although "throaty" exhaust can be a bit tiring sometimes. I tow a boat trailer and a 16 utility trailer and hardly know they are behind except for slower acceleration. Fuel consumption is not great but with the power and the 5400# weight about comparable with others in the class. Some nice little features like the tie downs in the truck bed, the storage pocket behind the left rear wheel, and the rear seat arrangement. I traded off a 04 F-150 and much prefer the Titan

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  GREAT Car - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By SO Happy - September 26 - 9:26 am

  Honestly one of the best "eco" cars we looked at. After considering a Prius and a Jetta TDI, we went with the Altima and could not be happier. Although the fuel economy of the prius would have been better, it doesnt have the comfort or size that the Altima has. BOSE audio sounds great and is the best audio system of all the others we looked at. Altima also handles and drives better overall than any other hybrid we looked at. Overall, we could not be happier with the Altima because of its great performance and how fun it is to drive!

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  Bang for your Buck! - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By harrisc - September 26 - 8:50 am

  The 2007 Maxima is a blast to drive. It IS a "four-door sports car". This means that it handles really well, and has a powerful 255 hp engine. The CVT took a few drives to get adjusted to, but now I really like it - no jerky down-shifts in cruise control etc. Now regular automatics feel odd. Ive become spoiled by never having to take my keys out of my pocket. The negative is - while the sport-tuned suspension makes the Maxima fun to race on curvy roads - it also lets you feel every bump on the road. A worthy trade off.

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  Fantastic car all around! - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By johnny1965 - September 24 - 5:45 am

  This crossover is designed for luxury! Its wonderfully appointed & plush with padded dash, plush padded door armrests & center console as well as the most comfortable seats. Mine included navigation upgrade and panoramic moonroof. It is impressive! Ive had mine < 3 months and average between 23.3 and 28 MPG CITY driving. Acceleration is not an issue. I notice that I am still way ahead of about 90% of traffic when leaving an intersection without even close to flooring it. Buy a Mustang if you feel you HAVE to be 1st. No acceleration safety issues here! I was sold on the 2014 RAV4, but is just simply cheap looking and feeling compared to 2014 Rogue. Toyota really screwed up.

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  pearly white - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By stubdew - September 24 - 1:58 am

  I love this car i have had 2000 gle 2001 and now the 2002 maxima se love the style of this car and comfort

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  The New Altima - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By jchan2 - September 23 - 6:53 pm

  The car has been wonderful - I test drove the new Accord as well and the design isnt as nice as the Altima, and the new Accord seemed too bloated. Also, the price was right. Its fun to drive, I average 29 MPG in mixed driving, and through the curves the car can be extremely entertaining.

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  Fun to Drive Truck - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Dr. AROD - September 23 - 10:00 am

  The vehicle drives great and is very comfortable. The second and third row seats are amazing. My cousin has an Escalade and the third row seats are uncomfortable and tight. My Armada is super comfortable in the third row seats. The second row is unbelievable. The amount of space is incredible. Im very happy with my Armada.