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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  Great SUV - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Mike5702 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Style and comfort. Rides smoothly, accelerates smoothly. Plenty of power and lots of room. Constantly amazed at the hauling capacity. Highly recommend.

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  best decision - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By muranolover - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I test drove just about every thing available. Infiniti (loved it but 10K higher), Lexus 330, inderpowered and over priced, BMW, same. This is the best car for the price. Quality is high, excellent sound system. Great styling. People ask my about the car all the time. Definately drive this car if your looking in this market.

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  What a Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By geece - April 16 - 10:00 am

  This is the best truck Ive ever owned. The engine and transmission are great. Most of the power is at the low end where you need it most (I use mine as a truck not as a hot rod). The cab is roomy, and the exterior is great. The utilitrac bed makes securing any load a breeze. I have overloaded this truck including 1200lb pallet in bed with 300lb toolbox plus other tools and the suspension did not bottom out, and the truck handled the load with no problems. If you are shopping for a full size truck you need to test drive this beast.

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  Love this SUV!!! - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Da Bear - April 16 - 10:00 am

  My 2004 XTERRA is the funnest most exciting SUV I have ever owned. I completely enjoy owning it. Gas mileage is a little rough, but with styling like this, it just doesnt matter...

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  Good to go - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Wamphyrie - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I have owned many vehicles over the past forty years, but this car is truly a joy to drive...the only real problems with the car is the fact that rain comes in the windows when cracked open, and the directional signals have a tendancy to stick or will not release back to neutral unless the wheel is turned sharply..also the door has a very sharp edge and i gouged myself pretty good on the second day i owned it..i love this car tho..it is a real head turner and eye opener, and really flies on interstates and handles very well

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  2004 maxima-great car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By larryg - April 16 - 10:00 am

  the car is nimble, roomy, fast and fun

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  300,000 miles - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By xt200k - April 16 - 7:40 am

  routine maintenance goes a long way nothing major brakes-rotors-belts-fluids and lots of gas and tires bought new 2003

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  First time Nissan owner - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Mike - April 15 - 10:23 pm

  Just bought my first Nissan after looking at many midsize sedans. Really liked the new design of the Altima and for the money it comes with great features: push button start, keyless entry, CVT trans, steering audio controls and all the airbags. Drove a few other sedans, but the CVT 4 cyl really has the other companys 4 cyls beat, love the pick-up and sound of the engine. Noticed some bad blind spots in some other makes, no problems in the Altima. The layout of the interior is well thought out, everything is easy to reach. Have only had the car for 12 days but really love it. Went on one drive of over 150 miles and it rode very well. Drive a lot of mixed city/hwy and last fillup got 28 mpg.

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  MY FIRST 2 SEATER - 2010 Nissan 370Z
  By JESC2 - April 15 - 12:00 pm

  This car is by far the most fun vehicle I have owned, second only to my Yamaha motorcycle. Overall, it was well worth the money that I spent. The standard features are great, for example the push button start/stop and the HID headlights.

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  Nissan Titan Crew Cab - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By john - April 15 - 9:36 am

  Solid truck that is smooth, handles well, drives well. Power is outstanding. A real stud to tow with. 5 speed transmission a real plus for towing and all around driving. Pulls my enclosed race car trailer in od and cruise. Chevy and Ford wont do it. Comfortable seat(captains chair). Got a great price. Only negative is fuel mileage in the mid teens.