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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  2008 350Z - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By boney71114 - March 23 - 1:50 am

  Excellent coupe for spirited driving with great reliability. Only complaint is needing new tires at 12,000 miles. Handling, acceleration and comfort and good looks are the best for the price! Would buy again in a second.

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  No test drive needed - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By manager - March 22 - 11:27 pm

  Once again Nissan made a car that was so easy to drive and enjoy........But I warn everyone that if you do not spend another $600 for the LED upgrade on the headlights you will not get the boomerang daytime driving lights on your car. Gas mileage is thru the roof and seating space is ample and comfortable.

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  Oh what a feeling . . . Nissan!!! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By madcow_mtn_biker - March 22 - 9:36 pm

  Simply put the 2005 Nissan Frontier is an excellent truck at an even better price. It is far less expensive than a comparable Toyota Tacoma. The new V6 with automatic are a smooth and powerful combo. The frame is solid and the 4WD works great (I just tried it out in a blizzard). The base LE model has all the options most people will ever need. I am 63 and even with the front seat all the way back there is room for me to sit it the backseat. this truck is a tremendous improvement over many other small trucks. Although I havent used the utilitrack system yet it appears to be very well thought out and the adjustable tie downs are perfect for securing cargo. Also, the dealership was the best ive ever dealt with.

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  DLF Z Review - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By DLaFave - March 22 - 1:30 pm

  This car has been a great, fun car. It is superb with its handling and the performance is also above average. It is also quite an attention grabber. The whole package makes it a great car to own.

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  Great - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Gigi - March 22 - 10:46 am

  A pleasure to drive. Great on a long trip , very comfortable. Great transmission. Cannot tell when it shifts. Needs a little more oompf on take off . Wish came with a v8.

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  Good Car - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Max Man - March 21 - 6:16 pm

  Have recently purchased the 2007 Maxima SE. Before that had a 2005 Altima SE. The Maxima offers great features with a smooth transmission (CVT). Very comfortable car to drive as I put on a lot of KM per year. Nice finishing touches inside Maxima logo inside evry door chrome acents. Drove a few luxury sedans G35 TL and pricing and options on the Maxima SE matched others and own 2 other Nissans 1986 300ZX turbo (my fun summer car) and 2005 Xterra.

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  Excellent - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Setshot - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Had this car for nearly six years now. Never once had a problem with it. Would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  the best - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By loverboy - March 21 - 10:00 am

  the best suv that you can have

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  Worth the wait - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By blanfor - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I was sold on this car the minute I saw it.Traded in a 95 Quest; got a very good deal at Grubbs Nissan. Lots of neat new stuff, great ride, lots of thinking went into this design for once. A real head-turner and fun to drive; very responsive, nimble, feels like youre in a much more expensive car. Fold down seats are a real plus. I make up excuses to drive this car!

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  Get Your Own!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By MadMAXin CT - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This is truly an awesome car!! From the head turning style to the neck snapping accelleration, I LOVE IT!!! The 265HP V6 is smooth and fast. The 5spd auto trans is also smooth as silk. The handling is very nimble and steady. No push, very little body roll while cornering or in curves. Monster 18" wheels, wide tires, this is GREAT!! averging 24mpg. Not too shabby for such a powerful engine. Great fit, finish. Interior is roomy and nicely appointed. Great sound system and the race inspired gauge binacle is sweet and well lit. Maybe the guy who wrote the first review should trade his in. Perhaps he thought he was buying something different?