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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  Whole lota truck in a little package!!!! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Blekaxe - January 28 - 2:53 pm

  Best truck I have ever had period! Gas mileage is the only complaint, but makes up for that with power. The RF stereo in this baby rocks!

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  Great Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By joshsDad - January 28 - 12:20 pm

  This is an awesome truck! Fun to drive and great performance from the new 4.0 V6. Back seat is almost comfortable for a large adult but I donÂ’t know if I would want to be back there for a long trip. Only one complaint: The only way I can unlock my doors is from the drivers side door. No unlocking mechanism on the passenger side. The truck has power door locks but no Key Fob remotes to unlock them and this is not a dealer oversight. And here is the kicker all you need to have keyless entry is the Key Fob Remote. What was Nissan thinking? The put the receiver for the keyless entry in the truck but did not include the Keyless remote. You can buy the remotes from Nissan for $137.50 each.

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  You get your monies worth - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By T-REX - January 27 - 7:33 am

  The Nissian Murano is the smoothiest, SUV I have ever driven and I have driven a garden varity over the years. The body styling turns heads everywhere you go, the interior leather is the most comfortable I have Sat in and I have Sat in the finest,as a matter of fact I have a s80 turbo Volvo in the drive way as we speak and a benz both with leather, the volvo comes close. The rest of the interior could be a little more stylish but very duriable and of good quality. the controls are luminated with flair the sound is an awesome 6 disc in dash BOSE. The ride is like none I have expeirenced before and if you have never felt a CVT transmission, Thats just it you wont it glides,Handling is silk

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  Just what I wanted - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Dianaraven - January 27 - 12:00 am

  I gave up my hand-me-down 1996 Maxima and bought a 2009 Altima, with the leather and Bluetooth. It handles amazingly well and is very comfortable. I look forward to driving it every day. The CVT is smooth and the engine has a lot of power compared to some other 4cyl cars. The keyless entry and push button start is great for those women who have to usually dig for their keys. The interior is spacious and well organized. I love this car and am so glad I purchased it.

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  Me & My Max - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Papa1947 - January 26 - 5:16 pm

  Just got back from a two week, 2500 mile vacation in my Maxima. What an absolute pleasure this car is. Loaded with all the "bells & whistles" and then some, she performed every task I threw at her. From Interstate driving to finding my way through small towns, the GPS was invaluable, the dual climate control very much appreciated, and the entertainment system was incredible. The power drivers seat allowed me to change up positions to help with driver fatigue, and the 300 hp engine provided all the power we needed for passing and high speed Interstate driving.

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  95,000 trouble free miles - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By kartdad805 - January 26 - 11:33 am

  We purchased our Pathfinder new in 12/05. We currently have 97000 trouble free miles on it. I has never been to the dealership except for routine maintenance. I am fairly confident that it will be reliable well over 2000,000 miles. I tows my sons kart trailer (6 x 12) with no problem... averaged 16.5 MPG towing over 1000 miles (good mix of flat and mountain terrain). It handles surprisingly well for a SUV. The Bose stereo is great. The 3rd row seats comes in handy for my 10-year kids (twins) and their friends. Great all-around SUV... good combination of performance, quality, features and size (not too big or small).

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  Are you as confused as I am? - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By DebZ - January 26 - 12:53 am

  Im confused by some of the reviews Ive read. I bought my 2002 Altima brand new and have not had one problem with it. Sure, there were a couple recalls, which were promptly and correctly fixed so it was no big deal. This car has been 100% reliable and a joy to drive. It looks like a much more expensive car (I was first attracted to it because it looks like a Lexus, without the hefty pricetag) and handles like a dream. My lease is up in a few months, and Im seriously thinking of getting another. Sorry some of you dont like yours, you must have been taken for a "ride".

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  Great Car - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Ade Soudan - January 25 - 2:50 pm

  Ive had to cars in my life. My 2 car ownership history spans from 1994 to present (2008). I had a 1988 Acura legend that I bought in 94 with 60000 miles. I got the 98 Max in Nov 99 with 30k in mileage. Im at 253k now in June 08. No major issues. Periodic tune-ups and regular oil, trans fluid and coolant changes. A great car.

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  Altima Hybrid better than Camry Hybrid - 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By vsimeonov - January 25 - 5:06 am

  The 2010 Altima Hybrid drives like a real car (198 hp tend to do that) without the hybrid sluggishness or hesitation. I also test drove a 2010 Camry Hybrid and was disappointed. Its sluggish acceleration, noticeable interaction between the gasoline and electric motor and cheap interior doomed a purchase I was sold on by my research. Toyota has been slipping for about 5 years now but this was a surprise. Then I decided to try the 2010 Altima Hybrid, loved it and bought it. The two cars have identical hybrid technology, except the electric motor and batteries are Nissans. The Altimas 2.5L engine is also superior to the aging 2.4L of the Camry. I gave the Altima a chance and it simply won out.

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  max1 - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By dom - January 25 - 2:00 am

  alot of options for the money the powerful engine and outstanding handling are what stand out the most in this well crafted machine