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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  Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Loup - May 21 - 4:10 pm

  After 30000 miles in a Frontier, having a bigger truck with way more HP is a great thing. This truck is comfortable, yet has a lot of muscle for hauling big loads. I wish Id bought it sooner.

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  Had it 18 months and for around 10,000 miles - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By raaraa - May 21 - 2:10 pm

  This is my first car, bought it when I was in college in Arizona in 2010 for 3.5k with a 109k on it. My research said the car was worth it, and it has been so far. Had one minor issue with leaking water pump. But, the car is so easy to work on that I changed it myself and a few other things as well. Excellent performance in Arizona heat. Now the car is in Michigan, had it shipped here. Well worth it. Thermostat is giving me some trouble but she is resilient. It took her some time but she has adopted to the cold very well. The light wait does make it skid from time to time on ice, so watch out. But do not regret my decision not to buy a new car. This car has served me well and I love it!

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  Hmmmmm...lets wait and see - 2000 Nissan Quest
  By Vanmom - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Now that we are coming up on 30K I am surprised about all the little things we have had to deal with. The entertainment system has been replaced and looks like it will need it again. We have needed to replace 2 cup holders and other latches, etc. Also, I consistently get 15-18 mpg (that is worse than my 94 Plymouth Grand Voyager got!). For the $24,000 price tag, I have expected more. So, well wait and see. We havent had any trouble yet with engine, etc.

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  Reliable!! - 2000 Nissan Quest
  By Casto Family - May 21 - 10:00 am

  This Van has been a reliable vehicle for us. We have over 148,000 miles on it and it still runs wonderful.

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  My little charcoal GXE - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By Hraefn - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I needed a car in a hurry when my eight-year old Mazda blew up, so I looked at everything available. I found a really great clearance deal on a 2000 GXE, compared power/ weight/price ratios with Mazda, Toyota, and Honda, and bought bought the Nissan. Once I got used to the someone wimpy 5-speed shifter, I fell in love with the car.

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  1st nissan - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By jazzyk - May 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Nissan (Sentra SE with performance pkg) and I have been very happy with it. It is cute and VERY fun to drive, and has lots of great features that just arent available on the competition. I looked seriously at the Civic as my last car was an Accord that I absolutely loved - but the Civic just couldnt hold a candle to the Sentra. Now that was before the Si came out - so maybe now it does, I dont know. The only caveat I have is the paint. It chips if you even look at it wrong. I will probably be repainting the whole car in the next year because of this. But other than that I love it!

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  2002 Spec-v - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Red_Spec-v - May 21 - 10:00 am

  The new spec-v The only extremely bad point which makes me wish i didn`t buy the car My car has now 4965 miles on it and i and many other owners have numerouse paint chips on the front of our cars and even the roof nissan refuses to repaint the hood blaming the consumer for it`s poor paint quality , my car in peticular has bad paint a very well resoected autobody shop has tried to get a consistent reading on paint thickness and can find none so if you don`t mind your cars front,sides,roof having no paint \, however with the poor paint the car will have no resale value in my oppinion don`t buy the car i`m planning on selling mine

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  2002 Maxima GLE - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Briannj - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Fantastic to Drive. This is my second Maxima. Larger than an accord, better looking than a camry. Cant beat the value!!

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  Satisfied Customer - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By scdiva - May 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Nissan Maxima SE. I bought the same color, same interior, same everything except I had a 99 SEL and bought a 2002. I like the improvments in the styling. Although I like the styling of the Infiniti G35 much better. This one sits more comfortably than my 99. I am a loyal Nissan owner.

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  Only car ive purchased twice - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Poppy - May 20 - 11:33 pm

  Just turned in our 2003 Murano for a 2006 Glacier Pearl. Just when you thought they couldnt improve it, WOW!! Color Display, chrome accents, awesome dash. Looked at new Tribecca, check out the fuel tank, Murano goes 150 miles more on a tankful. More features than BMW X3 & Jeep Cherokee for the cash. Why pay $10,000 more for a Lexus, hey i still have a son in college. Never had a work snow day with the AWD and 3 Northeast winters, Murano always got me back and forth to work and actually had fun doing it.