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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  Good but not great - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Bryan - July 30 - 12:20 pm

  This vehicle is probably a great car for a young adult, but for a middle aged person it is not smooth enough over rough roads. I cant wait to return to the luxury class I got used to. I am willing to give up the performance for the smooth ride.

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  Nice Family sedan Civic eater - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By varmstead - July 30 - 10:00 am

  I got my car a year ago. I have not had one problem out of it. It performs well and can easily take a civic highway or off the line. So performance wise you got to give it it`s props. As far as build quality I had a 95 and the building of this 97 I would have to say is greatly inproved all though you can not see it by eye. It gets good gas mileage if you can lay off the accelerator about 30 MPG Highway (5 Spd) I would recommend Altima to anyone. Reviews on this car says it needs a V6 truth be told the 2.4 L 5 spd. altima will take a Auto Maxima Anyday of the week. (No Lie Experiance) Its a nice car to modify if your into Turbos and engine upgrades... 2.4L 16V Altima A all around bomb car.

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  Tough Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Chris Guidry - July 30 - 10:00 am

  This truck is extremely powerful. The off road package with Rancho shocks makes for a rougher ride but they are worth it. I tow horses with it - no problem. The window switches have been replaced once and may have to be again. Smart to make them one touch though. Spray in bedliner and utilitrack system have saved me money by reducing the damage to my truck when hauling heavy stuff. Radio has road noise sensor that adjusts volume automatically. This is annoying. Try to avoid this if possible. VDC keeps the truck more level on tight turns and I am happy with the truck over all. Personal Rating 1 thru 10 = [9.99]

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  Brakes - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Disappointed - July 30 - 8:53 am

  The brakes in my 2007 Altima are horrible. I began hearing squeaking noises after 1500 miles. I went to the dealership 7 times with no resolution. Rotators and brake pads were replaced several times with still no resolution. Its awful that the EXPERT could not repair the braking system. I went thru arbitration and won, but they wanted me to pay them 1,600.00 to walk away from the car-are they crazy?? I could trade the car in with 0 out of pocket fees. I will never recommend Nissan to anyone. To have purchased a brand new car and then experience probs with the brakes so early on is ridiculous. Customer service was also rude and not helpful. Good riddance. Dont buy Nissan.

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  Good and Bad - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Greg - July 29 - 11:53 am

  Bought my 06 Titan in June 06. Have had it back to the dealer 6 times for small problems (windows, door handle problems for example). Problems seem to be fixed and love the truck otherwise. Great power, fun to drive and handles my 23 ft. camper so much better than my last Ford truck did. That five speed transmission is fantastic pulling a heavy load. My Ford couldnt do the highway speed limit and sounded like it would blow when it would downshift going up the smallest incline. The Titans five speed tranny handles the speed and inclines wonderfully and I couldnt be happier. Well, maybe with a few more miles per gallon. E85 fuel economy is brutal in this vehicle.

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  Toyota overrated - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By Mark - July 28 - 6:13 pm

  I have owned 3 Tacomas. satisfied with all 3, although very pricey and sparse inside. After much research and comparison, I am pleased with decision to buy 2009 Pro 4X, crew cab. Biggest factor, interior and price much better with Nissan. Finally, a comfortable truck with features never found in a truck. Heated leather, 6 disc/MP3, power seats and so on. The best compromise I could find between SUV and truck.

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  Good Dependable Automobile - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By RodR7679 - July 28 - 5:33 pm

  Excellent car. This car was dependable even at 15 degrees below 0 F and handled good even in snowy winter driving.

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  Still not sure - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By bonton - July 28 - 4:33 pm

  I am still trying to decide if I like this car. I do know that I liked my 97 Maxima (234k miles) so much better. I dont like the "automatic" rear view mirror. It does not make the lights from behind seem any less bright. There does not seem to be as much head room in this Maxima compared to the 97. Either that, or the seat does not adjust low enough. I feel like my head is touching on the roof. The center console has way more buttons than anyone needs, 43 to be exact! Every time I turn the heat on the a/c comes on. Why is that? I do like the sportiness and look of the car. It drives nice and is quick to respond. They just have some design flaws. I would take the 97 anyday!

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  1999 nissan rocks - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By vinnnn - July 28 - 4:10 am

  Original owner. The only 2 complaints are rear caliper froze with 18,000 miles??? IGNITION COILS will go . Mine went after 4 years 3 months. 3 months after warranty. After calling around found it to be a major problem on all 1999 maximas. Beware if you buy used .

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  Best value period - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By ThomasM - July 27 - 5:40 am

  Simply great car. It is considered compact, but inside is bigger that Hondas and Toyotas. Very quiet ride, CVT works great, especially going up hills. Suspension maybe a bit stiff, reminds me German cars tuned for speed, sits very well on a road. Engine is strong and if you step on it it goes. The whole car feels very well constructed and tuned. The basic stereo offers 4 6/9 speakers, plenty of power, imaging is very good. Fuel consumption is good, not as good as Toyota Yaris or Corolla, but engine is bigger and stronger.This car in my opinion, is currently, the best value on the market period. Does what it was designed to do: offers comfortable reliable ride.