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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  Nissans Warranty is very bad! - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By jessekoehn - August 28 - 10:31 pm

  Purchased a New 2014 Nissan Rogue Fully Loaded with all options AWD, but after 1 week Paint is now coming off the front bumper. Contacted Nissan Immediately only to get transferred to someone who will do nothing and stated that it must be bird [non-permissible content removed] and will not cover the quality of a Nissan product purchased after 7 days.

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  350Z review - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By robbycc - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This car is the most fun to drive of any I have driven (Fiero, supercharged Miata, BMW Issetta etc.). The car is glued to the road. The ride is firm and smooth, but tells you all you need to know about the road surface. The performance is quick. The push is strong throughout the rpm range. Very easy to drive fast on back country roads from the day you get behind the wheel. Not sure why they only charge $30,000 for this car. I drive it to work every day and I look forward to the trip each day.

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  My Sunset 350Z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Chadi - August 28 - 10:00 am

  ive only had this car for 5 months, and theres isnt anything bad to say about it. for anyone getting this car, the attention this car gets comes standard, so do worry bout paying extra fo it. everywhere i go people huddle around and look. great car....and a good way to bring back nissan.

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  Track Model - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By cwwtemecula - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this vehicle for 3 weeks and would like to say that I am completely satisfied. It doesnt have the power of the Corvette or the styling of a Porsche, but for the money it is a superior sports car. I upgrades from a 6-cylinder Altima and only miss the fact the now I can only fit 2 golf bags rather than 4.

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  Blue Streak!!! - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By bear - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I have the Performance Model Vin #251 which is blue and now almost exactly a year old with 19000 miles on it. I love this car. My only regret was not getting the leather interior. The carbon fiber cloth does not hold up well and freys (especially on the drivers side). Ive replaced the seat cover twice now for this problem with no solution as a subsitute fabric offered by Nissan yet. That said, you cant find a better sports car on the market today for the price. My top speed so far has been 145mph. Although the car is capable of more it is difficult to find a rural hwy. in good enough condition to go faster! Overall experience is a solid 10!!!

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  just a car person - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By fun loved cars - August 28 - 10:00 am

  The car gos down the road good.Im a bigger person and the car just is not realy mant for large people but its ok. Would I say to buy one? Yes, you will love the look you get from others that can only dream of nicer things in live. If you want more info stop and buy one too.

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  great car for the money - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By jeffrx42 - August 28 - 10:00 am

  the 350z is just fun to drive. This is a special car and it must not be your only car or you will be unhappy with it. 2 seats and limited space make this a car to just drive for fun.

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  excellent - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By samford - August 28 - 10:00 am

  i love this car and iwould not trade it for anything

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  LOVE IT!!!!!!! - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By steelers - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Dont hesitate buy one. I have owned several zs before but this is far the best one I have ever owned (except for my 300Z).Nothing else will be as bad as the Corvette!!!! That is what i will buy when I get rid of the z in the next 6 months. Mazda has out done themselves.. this time, But American made is the way to go.

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  Awesome car, bad design - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By NYmaxima - August 28 - 10:00 am

  The car is awesome. I put 1000 miles on it the first week i had it. In 5 days I had my Headlights stolen. WHAT IS WRONG WITH NISSAN TO MAKE THE CAR LIKE THIS 2 YEARS IN A ROW. Had the dealer replace with 2001 halogen lights costing $2600. Other than that i love my baby.