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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  a complete package - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By wanda carr - February 13 - 12:16 am

  although the maxima is a sports car it gives you the luxury and comfort of a sedan.

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  2007 Maxima SL - Denver - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By pecsofstl - February 11 - 10:40 pm

  Was hoping for a year end deal on 2006 SL model, but not much inventory was left. Decided to test the 2007 SL and I am very glad I did. A much better ride and nicer car than previous models in my opinion. The CVT transmission is better than advertised. Extremely smooth and responsive, like there is only one gear. The interior has been upgraded over previous models and is comparable to other luxury vehicles I have ridden in. The ride is quiet, very smooth and fast. Consumer reports said this car has "tourqe steer" due to the front wheel drive, etc..etc...I have driven the vehicle for 1000 miles now and I promise you, there is no tourqe steer.

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  LOVE MY ALTIMA - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Pam - February 11 - 7:50 pm

  I purchased this vehicle a couple of weeks ago and absolutely love it. I have the 2.5SL with every option except Navi. It is extremely comfortable and fun to drive. My first tank of gas I averaged 26 mpg and that is local driving. This is my 5th new car in 4 years and I finally found one I will keep!!!! I test drove the Optima, Accord, Sonata, Camry, several Crossovers, this won hands down. I would recommend this car very highly. The sales people and finance people at Mitchell Nissan on Enterprise AL are the best.

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  Love My Nismo!! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Pghgasguy - February 11 - 8:43 am

  My red alert Nismo is fantastic!! Very well built - solid and quiet. Exceptionally smooth ride. I am 65 and fit unbelievably well - plenty of room w/lots of comfort. Smooth easy acceleration - w/plenty of get up and go. Effortless braking and steering. The Nismo package is well worth the extra few dollars. It sports larger wheels/tires, heavy duty shocks, traction and chrome accents. The sunroof package is a plus too!! I looked at Dodge Ram 1500 and Toyota trucks. The Nissan won out!! Truly very impressive with a fair price.

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  Will Miss IT! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Stephanie E - February 11 - 7:13 am

  I owned my Nissan for 4 yrs. ABSOLUTELY loved it! I purchased a LOADED SE model & cant complain too much about it. The only down side is the turning radius sucked. As far as reliability, ride, comfort, & performance it was awesome. It set standards that spoiled me that other manufactures dont include in options (heated steering wheel). Although window sticker stated 27 MPG, mine got 25-26 MPG (not too bad - and I dont putt putt around). I recently totaled it, so SAFETY was GREAT! When side air bags deployed no smell or gas filled the interior like others do. This was one of my favorite make/models to own. I will definitely miss this car!

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  I love it - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Hans - February 11 - 2:16 am

  The best truck I ever owned and the best gas milage for a full size truck I can imagine . I am getting in mixed traffic real 14 mpg. Had My Dodge RAM 1500 before never driven over 10mpg amd my GMC Sierra 1500 always around 13 mpg. I love the comfort the size, the ride the power the design the everything. A real winner. Too bad that they did that thing with Pearl Harbor, I could actually like a Japanese Truck without that incident.

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  NISSAN 350Z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Anthony T. - February 10 - 12:30 pm

  The Nissan 350Z is just amazing.After having this car for a little over a year, the more I drive the better the performance. This car just feels good while drivng because of its supurb handling. Theres not another car in its class that has the stylings of the the 350Z. Its a head turner with the power to back it up. zoom zoom zoom

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  3.5L SL with Nav 2005 - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Soundviewrob - February 9 - 6:43 pm

  Great car - love the ride and the power. Distinctive styling and comfortable for 4 adults. Rear view mirror vibrates when the Bose Bass is putting out. Makes the view behind you blurry.

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  All I Asked For - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Warteman - February 9 - 4:13 pm

  We could not have asked for more out of the car. It has not been back to the dealer, except for re-call items and tires. My only complaint were the tires and they had to be replaced within two weeks, because they were not round and could not be balanced. I travel alot of highway miles and we average 25 highway all the time and 21 local.

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  Road noise - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By on the road not - February 8 - 10:33 pm

  This is my first Nissan after driving Camrys for longet than I care to think. Was shocked on my first outing on an interstate because I thought the car coming up on my drivers side was going to hit me-my mistake...just all the road noise coming through the door. Not as quiet as a Camry for highway driving but not noticable at all if you do as much city driving as this one gets.