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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  My Nissan Murano - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By William Berry - August 24 - 11:43 pm

  Great Car, fun to drive, a wonderful vehicle for a 50+ year old. So comfortable and easy to get into and out of!!!

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  Recommend Quest 2000 - 2000 Nissan Quest
  By Amy Michele - August 24 - 9:20 pm

  This is a very reliabe and practical minivan. Very comfortable seats, and comfortable to drive. Take care of it and it will take care of you.

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  redneckpapa`s new toy - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By dale c. - August 24 - 6:13 pm

  most awesome truck i have ever been in, and i have been in a lot of domestics that can not come close to this beast! NISSAN hit a grandslam.

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  The sentra base xe model - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By SENTRAROB - August 24 - 3:56 pm

  Its a great car. Fun to drive low maintenance and a great preformer. I love it and for a base model, it sure has a lot of pick up and power.

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  First Pickup - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By DEH - August 24 - 1:30 pm

  This is my first pickup and I must say that I am exceptionally pleased with all aspects of this truck. As a previous Nissan owner I have been familiar with the product but again, this was an outstanding value and product.

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  260000 - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By themazemaker - August 24 - 2:35 am

  My wife bought her xterra brand new in 2000. have had some minor issues with it till it hit 250000 and had to have the tranny rebuilt. Must say that is awsume. having an overheating issue now and trying to track it down. usually when the Air is on it overheats but have not had any other issues to speak of. Love this Vehicle. Will buy another someday when this one goes to the car graveyard lol. it didnt give me an option for saying its an Automatic just manual.

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  Nice car for the money - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By nice_guy - August 22 - 8:10 pm

  I bought this car, everything is good with this car. I got a bluetooth and the audio package and the alloy wheels but not a spoiler, It looks simply sexy. I spend more time in my car than in the room.

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  Nissan Juke Gas mileage - 2012 Nissan Juke
  By tsdissel - August 22 - 6:13 am

  Im not sure why all the fluctuation of gas mileage,but my 2011 nissan juke sv is getting 29 mpg on the highway. I do run on cruise control to get the best gas. In the city i hot rod and yes only get 23 mpg. I mostly run in normal,but i am very pleased with the performance. Overall I love this car, it does what i want it to and then some. I bought this car to drive and it has exceeded my expectations.

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  Best Damn Car Built. - 1996 Nissan 300ZX
  By Z-animal - August 22 - 2:00 am

  This is the greatest sports machine ever. The smooth looks mixed with the amazing power, i couldn;t ask for more.

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  the best value in a sport car period. - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By saviorofsoul aka sos - August 22 - 2:00 am

  this car in one word is awesome. anyone who dissagreeds needs to race me and find out.