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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  Its ok - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By John - December 6 - 10:26 pm

  I bought this vehicle used in 2003. with 43,000 miles on it. Its the SE model and it has every option in it. Very good V6 smooth till this day amazing! I have changed the brakes, tires, coils, spark plugs, alt., AC compressor, belts, and Im probably gonna end up bringing it in again for coil wires or something with the xpark plugs because the car shakes bad when accelerating. But overall I love the car, I just gotta keep taking care of it.

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  Good and Reliable car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Imncognito - December 6 - 9:50 pm

  I purchased this car new. It had only 8 miles on it when I drove it off the lot. I have been satisfied with the car ever since. It has great power for a 4-banger car considering other 4 cylinders I had researched during 2003 With 175 hp, it still remains amongst the top of 4 cylinder cars in 2005. I am 6 ft. tall and I sit comfortably in the car. Very roomy. I love the exterior styling of the car. I have not had any mechanical problems with the car thus far. I am a satisfied consumer with the price that I paid for this car. It is a fun, everyday ride. I think I would consider buying another Altima in the future if the styling is still appealing but I might go with a V6 the next time around.

• 

  Hidden/Sleeping Racer - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Scottyb873 - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I agree with the comment about a sleeping racer. This car is the best I have owned yet. No Problems, Fast. I too am up to about 190hp, and that wa with very very few mods. I can easier hit 70 in 3 gear and only tapping on 3000rpms door. killer car. braight shiny red, you never see it coming till its to late.

• 

  #1 sports car under $20,000 - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Royal Mist - December 6 - 10:00 am

  One word to discribe this car: awesome! I was looking to buy a new car, and was considering the following: RSX, Celica, SE-R, Eclipse. SE-R has the best Aggressive exterior looks, BEST performance of 165hp/175lb torque ! 4 dr acaully saved about $500 on insurance. Im glad I brought the LAST new 03 SE-R model in all the dealers of my area, beause the 04 model is just BUTT UGLY. took me a few days to find this one (black) I wanted to get a Spec- V but it was $5000 more and the car was missing parts, it was also the last brand new one in the all of the dealers in my area.

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  Approaching One Year - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By DND - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I did a lot of research before buying. Decided on the 165hp automatic SE-R with the Sunroof and the 16in wheels. Purchased my SE-R in Dec02 for a little under the 12/02 TMV price. This is one solid car. It has a lot of pickup and handles very well. The ride is smooth and relatively quiet. The red light indicator panel and the fog lights make it fun to drive at night. Its great to have a sporty looking 4dr sedan.

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  Bad Vibrations Skewing Review - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By aznewbie - December 6 - 10:00 am

  The Murano has been perfect for our needs. Good style, great ride, great performance and good use of interior space. It provided all our one car family requirements (retired). We are not getting advertised gas mileage but will give it some time. Had to have a computer chip replaced after 200 miles to fix non working interior lights. Have a real concern about tremendous vibration and noise in car when back windows are open. Scared the devil out of us. Vehicle felt like back end was going to break away at 40+ MPH. Plan on taking this up with Nissan. Cannot keeo vehicle if not corrected.

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  2004 nissan murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By clem - December 6 - 4:00 am

  Awesome vehicle. The handle is superb for an SUV. The Bose Stereo is more than adequate. The only problem Ive noticed so far in the 5 months that Ive owned the vehicle is a rattle every now and then when I hit bumps. I have not been able to pin point it nor has the rattle been consistent enough for me to take it to the dealership for repair. I havent been on very long road trips as of yet, but it seems that it would be challenging to maintain a high degree of comfort on bumpy roads. Just my opinon.

• 

  Mean SUV - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By 03acerider - December 6 - 1:00 am

  We have had our Armada since Jan, 2004 and have put over 16,000 miles on it! We test drove it and the Sequoia and felt the Aramda was better. It has to be the "badest" SUV out there. We took it on a 5,000 mile trip to San Francisco this past summer and the Armada was outstanding! Had to get the left rear window motor replaced. Several squeaks and rattle here and there. I am blaming that on first year gremlins! Hopefully Nissan will fix that in future models. The gas mileage is terrible, but thats what you get with that awesome engine! I am thinking of installing a Borla exhaust system and see what that will really sound like!

• 

  What a vehicle - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By It just wont die! - December 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Max with 42k miles in 2001 off a lease from a single previous owner. Almost 10 yr later it is still going strong with 234k miles on it! Yes it has issues with the sunroof leaking, and things that just go wrong with a car with its age but overall I am in awe at how good the engine still is. I bought this after a short stint with a 1989 maxima (my first car) which I loved and have no regrets. Every time I go looking at a newer ride I just cant justify the payments and contently crank up my trusty maxima and go about my business. This thing moved with me from Atl to TX (2 trips back to ATL and back) been to FL, DC, AL, MS, NC, SC and the states in between with no issues!

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  Just got my Juke - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By Todd Stevens - December 4 - 10:00 am

  All I can say is wow! I initially ignored this car based on exterior looks. Then my wife bought a Rogue while I was considering a Honda CR-Z. I needed a good mileage car for city driving. I really wasnt expecting much. but when you drive this thing, hang onto the steering wheel, because its got serious jump from a dead start. also while cruising on the highway at 60 mph you can jump up to 80 quickly and blow away anyone. Take a test drive and you will not be disappointed. For the interior the premium cloth seats are very comfy for my bad back (why I ditched my leather seats on last vehicle). Buttons and controls are in convenient locations. Drives like my old 350Z with a tad less power.