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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  Dont regret buying my Frontier - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Bob - September 3 - 7:56 am

  I checked out all the midsized trucks and quickly eliminated all the american trucks. I liked the Tacoma and Ridgeline but the Frontier was just as good with more standard equipment and a better price. It rides better than my 2002 Jeep Liberty. It has excellent pickup while averaging 17 mpg.

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  Love my Altima - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By rosannem - September 3 - 3:06 am

  Since my lease on my Nissan Sentra was just about up, I decided to go back to Nissan of St Charles where I originally leased my car to see what kind of a deal I could get on a new lease. I really love the Altima. This is my favorite Nissan model, but I knew I had to stay within my means so I was prepared to stay with the Sentra if I could not afford the payments of an Altima. Mariana, my husband and I went over what we could afford to put down on a 2014 Altima to lease for 36 months. Mariana and her manager worked with us and did everything they could to make the monthly payments affordable; gave us a great deal. Great customer service. Getting free oil changes and washes for 3 years too.

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  nice truck - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By jbumx2 - September 2 - 10:34 am

  This is my first truck and first Nissan. I sold my TSX to buy a truck so I could do more camping trips with my family. So let me just get this out of the way... I love this truck. It drives perfect. I usually drive conservatively and this truck is very nice and comfortable just cruising around. But when you need the power, this thing doesnt hesitate. The engine has a nice growl when you get on the gas. The interior is simple but works. The materials are hard plastic. Coming from the TSX and my wifes CR-V, I personally feel the switches in the Nissan are not as high quality, but they work nonetheless. (Im probably just not used to them.) I got the Navy Blue and I cant stop looking at it.

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  Best Car I have Owned - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By PSH - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Only one coil pack, an O2 sensor, muffler and a starter is all I have ever replaced in 10 years. Its been a great car. I have to get rid of it because I am driving 100+ per day and need ultimate reliability. I have the 5- speed and get 30.25 MPG doing 65 MPH highway driving. Small rust spot on right-side of truck and driver-side wheel well. Brakes lasted me 75K miles and Im still on the original rotors.

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  Love the Truck, but..... - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By hogtastic - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Love this truck. Plenty of Power, plenty of room and lots of features. Have no real complaints on the overall quality of the truck. The one concern that I cannot get my dealership or Nissan to address (and in the overall quality it is minor) is the character display in the XM Radio mode. The dealer replaced the stereo once but still doesnt work right. Displays all characters when connected to the iPod or when a CD has the data available but not in XM Mode. If I turn the truck off & then immediately restart, then it will display all the XM characters but Nissan says it is not malfunctioning. Again, a minor issue but very frustrating when dealer and mfg act like there is nothing wrong.

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  S 360 package phantom gray - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By gerry - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Wanted basic upgraded package bang for the buck and 360 had the features engine is quiet cvt tranny feels ok no complaints since prior vehicle also had 4 cylinders and I am used to this type of power, no rattles body feels well put together layout is simple but works well, good quality tires were standard about the blind spot mine has rear camera but still not a major issue like some have reported, gas gauge works slowly but has worked I will keep an eye on this issue too new to tell yet.

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  Dependable, Powerful and Sporty - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Powerslave - September 1 - 8:30 pm

  I bought an Altima 3.5 SE just over 2 years ago and havent been dissapointed. This car continues to impress me. The car has excellent handling, power, torque and is extremly fun to drive. Although, Im sure the 2.5 version is fine, the V-6 is the only real way to enjoy this car. Ive seen reviews that say the interior quality is subpar. I, however, dissagree (at least with the leather interior model). If youre looking for a powerful, roomy, and well-styled car...then the Altima is your choice! The Accord and Camry just dont have the performance this one has.

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  altima - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By RICKIE - September 1 - 5:26 pm

  This is an excellent vehicle , saves you money when it comes to fuel economy. The interior is also great, nice style and the sound is outstanding. I like the exterior because it has the looks of air dynamics, with all the curves and designs. Its an excellent buy. Good luck.

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  Will buy another - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Anita - September 1 - 4:26 am

  This car is amazing! PLENTY of power considering it is a 4 cyl. when I test drove it I thought it was a 6!!!! Inside is comfortable with lots of room for my 6 ft husband to drive and sit. Back seat is giant. I will buy another when I am ready and usually that is a year but I want to keep this one for years to come. My friend is going to buy one this weekend!!!

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  Love this car! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By lgova - September 1 - 4:06 am

  I had an 94 Mazda 626 to replace. Drove past the Nissan dealer and stopped in to look at Rogue from TV ad. Test drove the vehicle and WOW, I bought the thing. Have an SL AWD with all options. I mocked the SUV crowd before but this is great vehicle. Live in Minnesota, but even when below zero and city driving, was getting 21-22 MPG. Got 28 on trip across Wisconsin. I think in warmer weather will see MPG go up. Very comfortable. Not one defect have I found to go back to dealer with. Very stable on snowy streets.