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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  Most comfortable in its class - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Tyler N - February 17 - 7:55 pm

  Moving from a FWD Ford Focus 2012 to a 2017 AWD Rogue was a great decision! I tried the MX5, Escape, CRV and RAV4. The Rogue was by far the most comfortable and quiet. If youre someone that isnt concerned about 0 to 60 in 4 seconds and is looking for a vehicle that is fun to drive, comfortable, roomy and loaded with tech...this is your pick! The Rogue has the best tech features. the 7 inch display is nice at the SV level. Be sure to go with the Premium package and you get the best bang for your buck. You dont get the adjusting cruise control and lane assist (thats only on the SL) but you do get Blind Side Warning and full navigation. Im almost 2 months into driving this and Im still excited every time I get in. It handles excellent in the snow and the ambient sound in the cabin is almost non existent. I usually drive this in ECO mode and have been getting about 27 MPG which is lower than advertised but I feel as though that is always the case. Ive been getting about 30 on the highway. I bought the 6 year 100K warranty and should be in good shape, though Im not anticipating anything going wrong. I will continue to update!

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  GREAT, RELIABLE CAR - 1998 Nissan Sentra
  By sentrauser - February 14 - 1:03 pm

  I am original owner of a 1998 Nissan Sentra GXE and have put 180,000 miles on it over the past 11 years (I was 21). Back seat is tight, but have used this car going back and forth to school and work (45 minutes each way every day) for a long time and have hardley had any work done to it. Recently replaced the starter and alternator and the body needs help around the tires, but I DEFINITELY got my moneys worth and believe it would still last another few years if I got the rust fixed. Im sad to see it go, now that Im looking to trade it in for a bigger, more family-friendly vehicle. My husband even wishes he purchased a similar vehicle years ago instead of his fancy Chrysler Sebring.

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  Nissan has done it. Lookout toyota&chevy - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Chris Hansen - February 14 - 8:16 am

  We have loved our Nissan Armada. It has tons of room, tons of power, and drives excellent. We have had the typical front brake problem, but Nissan has a remedy for that problem. Some rattles, but the Dealer is working those out. Best big SUV on the Market. More power than TAHOE & SEQUOIA.

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  Surprising to drive! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Kei_Calibur - February 14 - 4:10 am

  Ever since I first drove this car for the test drive, Ive loved it. I like to drive fast and to be able to get around town when I need to, and this car is more than suitable for it. With plenty of power throughout the majority of the RPMs, it will not let you down. For tuners out there, it has a good aftermarket backing. To others, it comes with just about everything you will need. Im having a hard time wanting to replace the stock sound system. In fact, the only thing I would want to replace is the factory header due to the precat restricting the powerband. With the sound package, sunroof, 6-speed transaxle and the 17" rims, you really cant beat this car for the price.

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  03 SE-R, M3 for everyone - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Henryg - February 13 - 2:00 am

  I traded my 96 Caprice LT1 for the SE- R about four months ago. The complaints I have is poor gas milage on the hwy, its very close to the 96 Caprice with a V8 in it! The suspension keeps the car glued to the road and is smooth as long as the road is smooth. Driving over cracks and bumps in the road thats a completely different story. Lastly, the engine lacks power at higher (over 90mph) speeds. Overall the car is a blast to drive, comes fully loaded and the floor mats with the SE-R logo, 7 speaker sound system, rear heat and heated mirrors are included in the base price. This car would be sweet with rear wheel drive.

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  Surprised by quality issue - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By nj_driver - February 12 - 1:12 am

  I recently sold my 03 Maxima and bought the 2012 Altima 3.5. Good looking car on the inside and out. Ive had the car for 3 weeks and have driven 1,050 miles. 2 issues: 1.)According to the MPG information in the dashboard, Im only getting 25.6 miles per gallon. Since 70% of my miles have been on the highway, Im surprised at the low mpg. (my 03 maxima got 32mpg on the highway). 2.) When you first drive the car, it makes a gridning noise when shifting (at about 30 MPH). It only happens during the initial driving. After you pass 30 MPH, the sound doesnt happen again...until you turn the car off, start it again, and drive. The car is currently at the dealer to identify the problem.

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  Just what was expected - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Gregg - February 9 - 11:23 am

  Ive found the fit and finish to be good and the mpg to be a consistent 38 overall. Wanted a practical car that offered some style. Am pleased with the car after 5 months on ownership.

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  2000 Sentra Review - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By Gwenn - February 8 - 10:00 am

  Its a great option for those who are looking for a reliable, fun to drive car. Comparable to the Civic, but way cheaper! Totally worth its price.

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  2002 Spec-V - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By AaronR - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I was looking for street style car that i didnt have to buy all the accessories and install them myself and to have a quick engine. This was it. I looked at the Dodge Neon SRT-4 and decided to go with the import. I was not disapointed. After adding silver tint that was about all i had to add. The car has really nice accelaration with a ton of power. By the time i hit 3rd gear i was already hitting 80 !!

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  murano murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By sevendedlysins - February 8 - 10:00 am

  excellant to look at some flaws in design especially wipers a recall is in the works====== for shifter nut not tightened properly (on a $30000 car a bit perplexing also rain gets in the hatch area as well as the doors when existing. car looks good but there has to be improvements. almost sorry i didnt wait for second year model.