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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  Sentras are Fun and Reliable.... - 1998 Nissan Sentra
  By jereski - March 2 - 10:00 am

  The Nissan Sentra is a great car. Even though it is a smaller vehicle, it has plenty of room to spare. The 1.6 liter engine is peppy, but very economical. Torque is great for a small car like this, and handling is very good. The base model with a stick shift is definetly the way to go. Dont get the heavier slower automatic....

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  My beautiful Nissan - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By aidanrm - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I had done alot of research before purchasing my 2003 LE and all signs pointed to it being the best SUV in its class. After one test drive I was hooked. The interior is extremely classy w/ heated leather seats, 6 disc in dash cd player and climate control. The audio controls on the driver steering wheel are extremely appreciated. It also has reclining back seats which will have all my friends wanting to take long trips in my car. The pickup on this vehicle is amazing. It handles bumpy roads and turns with graceful ease. Outside noise is also very limited.

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  I love Pathfinder - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By AJIT SINGH - March 2 - 10:00 am

  This is an amzing vehicle. Go for it without thinking twice.

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  Awesome LARGE SUV - 2010 Nissan Armada
  By bruiser - March 2 - 9:20 am

  I did a lot of looking and research on SUVs before buying. Like another reviewer, I did not like that GM required a bailout and my prior GM SUV failed to impress. The 2010 Aramda caught my eye at a car show at the Texas State Fair. AWESOME TRUCK. Total price 37.7 k out the door for the Ttanium package w/DVD which includes leather and a lot of other upgrades over the base model. I got the Nissan cash incentives. This SUV has Blue Tooth for phones, Ipod jack, DVD player with wireless headphones, backup sensors and camera, road computer, and lots of storage. The acceleration, steering feel,handling, and braking are impressive considering the weight of the vehicle. Its awesome!

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  car - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By bart - March 2 - 8:06 am

  i had no problems with car. good on gas. peppy little car with good pickup

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  my murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By KEVIN - March 1 - 7:10 pm

  at the timne i am writing this i have had my murano for 4 weeks ..i am extremely pleased with it the ride & handeling are fantastic the awd is great in the snow..i would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone

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  totally happy - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By romband - March 1 - 4:03 pm

  well first of all im glad i got the murano 2009...my wife and i was planning to buy a hilander but we went to nissan first and that was it baby, never get the chance to test drive the toyota highlander..im very happy with this car.when im at work i cant wait to go home and drive...it drive so smothhhhhhhhhhhh interior is beauty i fell like im inside the airplane....

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  This is a great car - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By thedawk - March 1 - 9:36 am

  My family and I love this car. It is absolutely great for taking on a trip. There seems to be plenty of room for a small family and any gear you want to take with you. I think this is the most comfortable car I have ever owned. We had a 95 pathfinder before this one and this one is 100% better. I pulled a 3500 lb. load with it and it handled it great. I dont have any problems with the rear seat being too small, but we have only one kid back there. This car is the perfect size, large enough to pack a family in and travel but small enough to drive around town easily and park easily.

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  Everything here! - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Deedum - March 1 - 7:36 am

  Finally, everything I have been waiting for and I was told there is no perfect vehicle. Nissan had proved them wrong, this is as close as it gets to perfect for me! Even more than I hope to find! I still have to pinch myself!

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  10....hands down the best - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By tj - March 1 - 2:06 am

  its a 10. the best car ive ever driven.