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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  1997 Nissan Satisfaction - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By Mel J. - April 21 - 10:00 am

  trouble free durable body and paint durable mechanically durable interior make up

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  2000 Altima - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By fire88283 - April 21 - 10:00 am

  All in all Nissan manufactures vehicles that are made to drive everyday in every situation. The 2000 Altima is a well made car with some designs that could have been made better. The only major complaint that I have with the vehicle is the Air Conditioning. The AC works well but seriously takes power from the engine. Also when I need the power, the engine struggles and cuts out while accelerating because of the AC. Other then that the features on our car is well. On my Altima I added a remote starter system, which required another key (Keys are chipped), and once I had the new key made the system works great.

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  Gutless Gashog - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Katie4444 - April 21 - 10:00 am

  This car is a piece. It gets horrible gas milage. For example I drove from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles and filled up 6 Times fully. My fiance Drove his pontiac gran prix the same distance and filled up twice. This car is also a GUTLESS WONDER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You pull out any where with good distance and within seconds the car you pulled out in front of is on your tail thinking your an old person when really your a 19 year old driving a big ol piece of junk. I will never buy another one of theese or recommend it to anyone. Sadly I would rather have any Jeep even though they were ranked the worst car ever built!!!!!!!!

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  Fun to Own and Drive - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Coolman - April 21 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle attracts a lot of admirers where ever I take it. It a fun vehicle to drive although uneven pavement can make the ride bouncy. On a recent trip I averaged 20.1 miles/gallon, which is less than I expected. (I have driven Maximas for the past 12 years - I hope the Murano is as reliable as the Maximas were.)I seriously considered a Honda Pilot, but, to me, the Murano has more comfortable seats, more legroom for rear passengers, and a much zipper engine. When sitting side by side, the Murano sure outclassed the Pilot. The Pilot is rather bland all around.

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  Happy New Honda Owner!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By mastercaster - April 21 - 10:00 am

  Purchased the 2.5s 5spd. in 11-2002. aside from the several recalls, we had to have the oxygen sensor,camshaft sensor and fuel cap replaced. that was after it left my wife stranded. died 2 times in the middle of driving. had to be towed to the dealer for repair. nissan was not pleasant to deal with at all! wouldnt recommend nissan at all. should have listened to my gut when i bought it, and gone with the HONDA then. just bought a 03 Accord EX 5spd. LOVE it!! there is absolutely no comparison between the two. the accord is like climbing into a lexus after the nissan! really! every single aspect of the honda is better in my eyes, wallet and piece of mind!

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  Tough act to follow - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By john - April 21 - 1:30 am

  Im really impressed,this is my first nissan, really a bold look, powerful, and really fun to drive, very comfortable!! I have always been a ford man but their is no comparison,im a nissan man now.

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  not comfortable for long distance trips - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Gwen - April 21 - 1:20 am

  I bought an Altima with cloth seats and I just want to note that driving in this vehicle for more than 45 minutes can really make your back and tailbone start hurting. I drive an hour each way to work sometimes more and I just cant wait to get out of the car. For short trips, the cars great! It is a beautiful car, if comfort is what youre looking for, Id look elsewhere.

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  great bang for the buck - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By brendt - April 20 - 4:16 pm

  This car brings back the idea of driving back. "fun". I waited for awhile to get this car and I love it

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  A real work horse - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By Mike ward - April 20 - 3:56 pm

  This truck takes anything I this in it or at it and takes it like a champ! 10 years and 165000 miles and Ive only replaced the battery, the tires, the brakes, and the belt. It doesnt get great milage, but better than its true compition, the 3/4 ton series.

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  Very Pleased - 2007 Nissan 350Z
  By Dr.P - April 20 - 10:43 am

  I owned a 2004 350Z and traded for a 2007. I am very impressed with the upgraded interior and the solid engine performance. I had looked at other sports cars (e.g. porsche, corvette) and feel very good about this choice. This is perhaps the best sports car in terms of cost and performance.