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 car! - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Mark Nolan - March 11 - 9:07 am

  I bought a used 2010 altima 4-door with the 4-cylinder CVT with 100k miles on it. The front seats are very comfortable and the visibility is excellent. The fabric is very nice and has held up well. The driving position is perfect and I really like the power seats. Its so easy to find a comfortable position. Mine has the Bose sound system which is very good. It has XM radio and you can connect your ipod and the songs will show up on the display. The backup camara is a very useful option. Its great for parking or backing up. I really like the interior of the car. Its simple yet stylish. The engine is a little loud when you start it cold. It sounds a little gruff but it runs great and the CVT works excellent. The car could be a little quieter and Im sure the new ones are. The gas mileage is very commendable (around 26 mpg) and it has a very large gas tank. You can easily go 400 miles between fill ups. I checked out camry, 6, sonata, accord, passat, and malibu. None of them are as comfortable or have as good of visibility and driving position as the altima.

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  comfortable but sturdy - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Steve - March 10 - 10:33 pm

  This truck was the best of all the midsized trucks I drove. It had the smoothest ride. Better than the Tacoma. It seemed to have more power also. During the first highway drive home my wife fell asleep, so that speaks to the comfort both of the ride and of the seats. The 5 speed automatic Transmission shifts smoothly and not too frequently, I believe this is because of the excessive torque of the engine. It does not have to down shift very often. The truck weighs more than the Tacoma this gives a better ride and a stronger truck for less money. If you are wondering How I liked the Ford the Dodge or the Chevy lets just say I bought the Nissan and leave it at that.

• 

  Great car - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Sandy - March 10 - 1:14 pm

  4 cyl acceleration almost as good as other brands v6 due to cvt transmission. Excellent mpg. Hand calculated on long trip 42.2 mpg. Drove speed limit, tailwind sometimes. Very quiet interior, very similar to fit and finish of Lexus 350 ( camry size Lexus ) but $15,000 cheaper. I take offense at car magazine "experts" criticising cvt differences from conventional transmissions.. yes, they are different!! Better performance and mileage but no shift points. Rent one for a weekend if youre on the fence.. Altima is a nice car..

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  Maxima Fan for Life - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Steve - March 9 - 3:50 pm

  I bought the black on black fully loaded, every option version and couldnt be more happy. I am married with two kids and this is the perfect blend of family and sports car. You will not be disappointed.

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  Surprisingly good - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By JR - March 8 - 9:40 pm

  Just passed 5000 miles and still impressed. Compared with Tacoma and Tundra (also have a 4Runner that we love) and was stunned by the apparent quality of the truck and great ride. Actually reminds me of a BMW that we used to have-smooth and solid. Economy just ok, about 17 around town and 20 highway. But very fun to drive. Interior is cheaper feeling than Toyotas but more flexible. And the exterior is much more attractive. Just works for me.

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  Great Mid-Size Truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By bassfish - March 8 - 9:16 pm

  Great truck to drive. Ive had to take 2 trips back east and it performed great. 20 mpg on first trip and 21 on the second. Loaded with furniture on second trip. mpg has improved over time, now have 5500 miles on it. Tows great. Has room for 4 adults. I like the ride better then my wifes cadillac (2000 deville).

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  Used to love it - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By Not so happy - March 8 - 8:06 am

  My son test-drove cars for me and decided on the Nissan Sentra. Brought it home and I loved it. Had it for three years and 1 week, made the last payment, and the next day the Service Engine Soon light came on. Drove immediately to the dealership and they said the head gasket was going and needed to be replaced -- on a three year old car. Are they programmed to have problems as soon as they are paid for? Cost me $1,245 yesterday and they recommended on the receipt that I put it an for an additional $600 more in repairs. If you keep up with oil changes, etc., a car should last longer than three years.

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  Relize that its a great value - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By Nissan loyalist - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I am pleased with my truck. It is comfortable and I trust it to start for me every time. It looks good inside and out and I expect it to keep going another 80,000+. I would like more power and little better fuel economy, but overall you cant beat the value!

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  Love my Truck - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By GatorKane - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Overall, Ive been very happy with my truck. It rides and drives like a truck, a little slow to start, but passes without having to downshift. I have noticed that the ABS light has been on faintly since I got the truck, although dealer says it is fine - Ive been told "all of them are like that". Only other problem was the rear window started leaking during heavy rains due to a poor seal around the brake light on the cab.

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  Small but Good - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Porkchop - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Good little car with a lot of standard features for its price (especially after $2500 cash back.) I love the power and the handling. Fun to drive. Easy to afford.