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 best veichle of 2003 - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Monet86 - September 8 - 10:00 am

  The nissan murano is the best suv out there on the market . I recommend this car out there for people who love to travel in style . This suv is a one of a kind and no other can top it.

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  Dynamite Vehicle - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By taxdoc - September 8 - 10:00 am

  The Murano is an absolute delight to drive, good mileage, luxury feel, comfort, good cargo space, everything!!

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  Love it - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Rudypanama - September 8 - 10:00 am

  I have enjoyed the car from day one. The provoking looks the car gets just makes it that much better. Sometimes I just love to sit are look at the car.

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  2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5SL - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By KarenS - September 8 - 10:00 am

  Absolutly love it! Truly a luxery car! Beautiful interior, lots of room, and lots of features. Wonderful leather interior, 6 CD changer with Bose speakers. Great highway car and in town too! Good gas mileage 27 to 29 mpg on the highway. The Sky roof is okay but I wish I had the sunroof option. Some of the controls take getting used to but I love all the features on the steering wheel. I owned a Camry and loved it for 12 years and the Maxima is a wonderful replacement. Both great vehicles but Im happy to be driving a 2004 Maxima!

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  Drive it and youll buy it - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By RBs Titan - September 7 - 11:16 pm

  Love this truck. I was previous Toyota Tundra owner and Ford F150 before that so trucks are my choice vehicle. Have had no problems that stranded me in this truck and the dealer has made all warranty repairs in timely fashion. Being a first year and first release I can say that Nissan put in their time. Currently I have 28K and a few mods that have proven to out perform other makes and still maintain drivability.

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  LOVE MY ARMADA...LOVE IT! - 2010 Nissan Armada
  By Night_nurse - September 6 - 5:46 pm

  My husband and I have always had a large SUV for road trips, hauling etc. When our Expedition was stolen in September, we really didnt want to go with another Ford. We looked at the Infinity QX56 but for the price decided it wasnt worth it. We looked at the Armada and fell in love with it, better price for very similar vehicle. Just wish it had better gas mileage, but you dont buy an SUV this size for great MPGs. Absolutely no regrets, if you want a roomy, comfortably and reliable SUV with power this is definitely the one.

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  Title - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By chanandreirei - September 6 - 1:46 pm

  The day I bought this truck, my family and I went camping. It was very cold up in the mountains, but the truck never stalled or anything like that. It always started right up. And even now, the only problem weve ever had with it was a flat tire. This truck also has great handling. On those twisty-turny roads in the Sierras, the truck handled so well, I never worried about what a steep drop it was. So, this truck has been a very reliable and fun to own vehicle.

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  Used 08 Pathfinder SE V8 2WD - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Kdubnyaya - September 6 - 10:00 am

  We have a baby on the way and needed to upgrade from a Scion TC. My family only buys Nissan and have loved them. Her Pathfinder is really nice. It has 42K on it and has no squeaks or rattles. The 310 HP and 388 FT/LB Torque you can feel when the gas pedal is dropped to the floor. Just running around town in rush hour traffic it is getting 15.6 mpg. Which for a big V8 is to be expected. We bought an extended warranty that last for 3 YR or 36,000 miles. Will cost $50 for any issues that we have and Oil Changes are 50% off. Incredible vehicle and because it is a Nissan we will enjoy it for years to come.

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  2011 Nissan Armada SL - 2011 Nissan Armada
  By dclark347 - September 6 - 10:00 am

  I did a TON of research before deciding to purchase the Armada. This truck has been everything I hoped it would be. The exterior has a beauty about it and is in a class by itself. It doesnt look like any other full- size SUV on the market. The interior is spacious and well equipped but it should be for a $40k truck. The ride is smooth and the vehicle has excellent performance with all stock equipment. My kids have a hard time opening the rear doors with the handles mounted so high but they will grow into it. The only drawback I have found is the fuel economy. Dont expect to get anything over 15 mpg with this vehicle. Its just too heavy to get anything better.

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  Great Build, Great Fun! - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By T - September 6 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned quite a few cars in my years. The Juke is near the top in build quality. It is built economically but extremely well. Nissan, in my opinion, has surpassed Toyota and Honda in quality and design especially. I got my son a 2010 Rogue and was pleasantly surprised at its quality and value. The Juke is such a fun car to drive daily. It is fast, smooth and thrilling. I have had 31 mpg on the highway (going 55-60). I highly recommend this vehicle. You wont be disappointed.