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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  Delivers on the Promise - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By techtch - April 27 - 10:00 am

  I read these reviews before buying this car and I have to say I was even more impressed after driving it. I have owned it since March 2003 and I love this car. Owned a 2000 Pathfinder prior and this Murano puts it to shame. The ride is smooth, fast and I love that CVT and the space in the back seat. I was debating between the Highlander and the Honda SUV but all the other SUVs are boring - this car is definitely COOL! Thanks Nissan

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  rocketship - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By ron tucci - April 27 - 10:00 am

  A fun car to drive, been driving hi performance sports car for years. 1967 427 vet, 68 shelby kr500, 1975 pantera gts, era 427 ac cobra when it came to buyinf a family car I wanted something different. I found it in the 04 maxima. I am looking forward to driving this car for alot of years. Nissian did its home work. I am constantly being stopped on the road by people who love the look of this car.

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  Great value - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Above - April 27 - 10:00 am

  After looking at the G35, Passat, Acura, etc. we settled on the 2004 Maxima. Got what we wanted for 30K out the door. So far very happy with performance, ride, general quality. Our first Nissan, hope it lives up to past relibility.

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  Awesome! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By idok - April 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned a number of performance, performance/luxury, and luxury cars over the years, none of them could touch my 2004 Maxima SE. This car is really something special. I like it more and more with each trip.

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  awesome! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By bb000 - April 27 - 10:00 am

  great car with great performance!

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  rockin lil car - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By danielsan - April 27 - 8:33 am

  i love it. so far so good. i was going to get a fit, but then i test drove the versa, and its a much better deal for the price.

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  Great car with a lot of space and power. - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By michael147 - April 27 - 12:51 am

  I bought a 2005 armada and liked it so much I bought another one in 2007. The 2005 still had the break problem of the previous 2004 year but it has been corrected by making the rotors stronger. It has a lot of pick up and a lot of room. I have had this 2nd one for almost 3 years and 40k miles and have not had any problems but for the back door latch sticking. The only thing I wish was better is the gas mileage which is at 11 miles per gallon in the city. The 2005 got 13 miles with the same type of travel. Not sure what the difference is. Highway is between 16 and 17 miles per gallon.

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  Migrating from Sports Sedan to Minivan - 2008 Nissan Quest
  By Chris Garr - April 26 - 4:20 pm

  I went from driving a 5 speed Turbo VW Passat to this Quest. Overall Im happy with it, but I do miss driving a sports sedan. We considered the Odyssey, Quest, and Sienna. The Quest was the best value that particular month and weve had 4 great Nissans before. The acceleration, steering, and braking are great. Tons of power regardless of its size. Very comfortable to drive. The interior is great, and I think the exterior offers the best styling in the minivan category. The cabin is a bit too noisy. I think its weird to have only one power sliding door. I love being able to make all the seats flat wihtout having to remove any.

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  Best car I ever owned!!!!!! - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By BHOW - April 26 - 2:46 pm

  My 01 pathfinder was the best investment I ever made. My kids and wife love the comfort. Ive had this car for 8 years now, and the only problem with it was the spoiler had to be replaced in 07. Otherwise, it was the best car EVER!!!!!!! It has a lot of pep in the engine. It acts like a truck, practically is a truck, but the amount of power in the engine makes it act like a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti. This is a great choice for a family car. Extremely comfortable, reliability is great, and my only complaint is gas mileage.

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  I shoulda just bought a used car - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Vicky - April 26 - 4:10 am

  If I woulda known that it wouldve given me the hassle that it has, I wouldve bought a used car and saved myself a few extra Gs.Luckily, almost everything has been under warranty, but the hassle of having to take days off work and having a rental was just a lot. I bought it in 01/2007. In 03/2007 the 6 cd changer busted, I had to get it replaced and guess what, my CDs were never returned. about a year later, my transmission blew. I was out on a rental for a wk. Then there was a recall on airbags and brake hose a few months later. Then the battery was dying. Had it checked twice and both times I was told it was fine. Now the battery is dead completely. I missed 3 days of work and am fed up Nissan