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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  It Gets No Better Than This! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Kendawg - September 20 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased my Altima on the 1st of December and I simply love it to death. It drives superb and hands very good handling on the highway and the interior is simply awesome. I traded in a 2000 Nissan Altima to get this new baby. Its simply "Nissan or Nothing!" This is the best quality midsize car on the market now.

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  Great Truck, loads of power, bad brakes. - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By DVanEpps - September 19 - 7:36 pm

  This is one great truck. Tons of power, hauls great too. Gas mileage is to be expected from such a powerful engine. Interior is comfortable, and the LE has everything you could want in a truck. The bed is by far the best I have owned, the factory bedliner and the rail lock system is unique. The only complaint is the brakes. The front brakes went bad at about 10,000 miles, and then again 5,000 miles later. Nissan dealer says they know they are not heavy enough to stop such a powerful truck and they are working on replacements though.

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  Awesome Little Truck! - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By Ty - September 19 - 9:09 am

  I bought my 2011 Nissan Frontier Pro4X used with 64k on it. It came with a certified used warranty from the dealership. I had a 2005 Chevy 1 Ton with Bose sound system. I traded that beast in for this tough little truck. I got in this truck and as soon as I hooked up my iPhone to the stereo I was sold. This truck has a factory sub under the back seat. What! Wow. And it is a Rockford Fosgate. It blew my Bose away. Then the ride, comfort and trim. Wow. It looks so good. All black. No chrome. Took it 4 Wheelin. Posy all tires. No slip. Like a caterpillar. Wow. The engine is tough. Powerful and lots of torque. Will pull 6,800 pounds. The only thing I can complain about is that it doesnt shift fast enough from R to D. Some times it hesitates. I googled this and it is typical for this truck. I am very happy with this machine! I do not see myself getting rid of it any time soon.

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  Best in Class for Style, Value, Coolness - 2012 Nissan Rogue
  By morganhil - September 19 - 3:32 am

  I approached the purchase of a new crossover SUV with a very open mind. In fact, I had a slight preference to buy an American car. After looking at the combination of price, value, style and reliability, I went with the Nissan Rogue SV with SL package. It is fun to drive, and has a Sports feature for when you are going on a pleasure drive that will help you negotiate curves and hills more like a sporty car. I bought it fully loadeds with the SL package and so I have the camera that is so useful when backing up, a great BOSE sound system, XM radio, sunroof, navigation, 18 inch chrome wheels and the great CVT transmission that is standard. For a price of $25740, it is a great deal!

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  What Fun! - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Sima Z. - September 18 - 5:06 pm

  This was the most awsome birthday present ever. Every morning when I put the ket in the ignition its like my birthday all over again. I love driving and of all the cars Ive ever driven this one has been the most fun. It handles beautifuly in any driving conditions and i feel like a superstar driving it because of its hot looks. Thanks Nissan!

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  2004 Quest SL - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By cgregory - September 18 - 10:00 am

  I love the styling both inside and out, the controls were a little awkward at first but quickly got used to them, its really agreat place for the gauges, Performance is excellent ant its a real head turner, I get more comments on it than any vehicle I have ever owned including Mustangs and Muscle cars. My only complaint is that it is hard to back into a parking spot straight, there is nothing straight on the van to use as a reference

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  japanese muscle - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By D Edwards - September 18 - 10:00 am

  awesome truck lots of room and power.

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  King Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By CalGal - September 18 - 10:00 am

  We bought a Titan last spring and immediately drove it halfway across the country to Vegas. It rides like a sports car, looks like a million bucks, sounds mean as hell, and on top of all of that gives fair gas mileage. Id suggest getting a tonneau cover to bring up the mpg a bit. Im looking forward to our next long trip in it. Theres not many other vehicles Id say that about.

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  another new nissan that fits the bill - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By allenas - September 18 - 10:00 am

  pretty fast for suv too early to tell u quality but if like past should be great

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  2005 Pathfinder - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By maximus18 - September 18 - 10:00 am

  overall, this suv is great. the exterior is awesome; it really looks rugged and heavy. the interior is also good. all the nissans have the sporty- looking steering wheels.