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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  What A Car! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Roger - April 13 - 6:53 am

  Once I have purchased a new vehicle, I have never taken a ride just to enjoy the car. Once I bought this car, I found myself taking a ride just for the sheer enjoyment! I purchased the SE 3.5 with the premium package. I have only owned this car for a week; however, this is (by far) the best car I have ever owned.

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  At 38,000 miles - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Ron - April 12 - 9:03 pm

  Purchased the SL CVT in Nov. 2007 and no problems except one wheel leaking air requiring weekly fill up. Tire sensor lets me know when to fill, but dealer cannot find or fix wheel leak. Totally reliable, no other fixes so far. Everything holding up well and no rattles yet. Car is garaged and kept clean in and out. Northwest weather is mild on vehicles. Tried Fit Corolla Civic and Scion but purchased Versa for smooth quiet ride and large passenger space. The Hondas were a better drivers car but too noisy and rougher riding. Mileage has averaged 30.2 to date. Suburban driving: 29mpg, High speed 70+ Hiway = only around 30 mpg. Worst city driving mileage was 26 mpg. Quiet at idle and hiway

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  Smart Alternative for many Highline Cars - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By I KNOW CARS - April 12 - 5:53 am

  The Altimas delicate feel and tight suspension makes for a sporty comfortable ride. There is no doubt in my mind Nissan makes the best performing engines. For the amount of money you spend, I would put the Altima against anything in its price range. You can tell that Nissan spends more money on research and development than any other car manufacturer. I put twenty thousand miles in the first year and my Altima still looks and performs as good as the first day I had it. Ive had no rattles, no nickel and dime problems like Ive seen in other cars and at sixty five miles an hour with nitrogen filled tires I feel like Im flying in air.

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  DONT BE FOOLED WITH THIS LEMON MODEL - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Sara - April 12 - 3:00 am

  I purchased this car 5 years ago, paid top dollar for the one year old car. It had all the options on it I was looking for as well as lots of room. This car has had several recalls, all of which have been repaired. However 2 years ago MAJOR probs started when my heat went out. Nissan had NO idea how to fix it. Then just this month my catalytic converted exploded, I replaced and a week later with more probs told it was TOTAL ENGINE FAILURE. At 130,000 highly maintained miles this should not be expected from a Nissan. But the Nissan reps I have spoken to, have said it was old and not surprising. I expected more out of a $24,000 car. I have driven Hondas much more. Will never buy another Nissan.

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  Awesome vehicle - 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Jeff C. - April 12 - 1:36 am

  My base Altima Hybrid is a fantastic car that feels like a $40,000 car. I just filled up the tank for the first time after 26 days and 615 miles of use. My first tankful worked out to 37.7 MPG. I feel great about saving money at each fill-up, the $2350 tax credit, and reducing my carbon dioxide emissions. The car is very smooth and quiet, especially in EV mode. Even with the base model, the radio is quite respectable with 18 presets, CD player, and auxiliary audio to plug in your iPod. The intelligent key is great, no more fumbling for keys. There is a good amount of information on the trip computer including MPG, hours of usage, range to empty, outside temperature.

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  No regrets, great styling - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By gg2k4se - April 10 - 10:36 pm

  My wife and I, 2 engineers, did a careful comparison. Most features are similar to Toyota/Honda but to our family of 5, the contemporary styling, roomy interior and fold down middle row made it an easy choice. Excellent engine, tranny, handling. For us, the skyroof option is better than roll down mid windows and fold down mid seats beat the split rear. Middle gauges are actually easier to see and Bose stereo is excellent. The 1st year model did have issues but nothing to make us regret purchase. Cold problem auto doors, leaky skyroof were fixed. Other recall issues were not a problem, but replaced anyway. Both brother-in-laws have purchased since us, we are now a 3 Quest family.

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  Absolute rattlebox- dont buy! - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By zookeeper711 - April 10 - 8:02 pm

  I traded in a 4Runner for my Murano just over a year ago and wish I hadnt! It didnt take long for the Murano to develop rattles. Seems like as soon as I figure out one rattle, another one starts. It has a very rough ride and it makes the rattles that much worse. The car does look nice and has some nice features, but those are the only positive things I can say about it. I was hoping for great gas mileage, but it has been a big disappointment. I get 19-20 mpg on the highway. My husband recently purchased a 2004 4Runner with a V6 for himself and so far, it gets better gas mileage, has a much smoother ride and has way more room. Do not buy a 2006 model!

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  sweet - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By joseph - April 10 - 2:20 pm

  This car is just fun to drive,has a great performance, stylish interior and exterior designs. It also provides a comfortable and smooth ride, excellent handling gets awesome mileage ,very reliable. In my opinion i would give this car a perfect ten but hey that just my opinion.

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  Great Value - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Bob - April 10 - 12:03 pm

  I have 3 teenage drivers and this car is perfect for them, and me too. I also like the fact that it is a humble car. No flash, no fuss. Those of us who bought them know we would have spent a lot more on the Corolla, Civic, Fit, etc and had a lot less interior room.

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  less impressed all the time - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By olddad - April 10 - 6:43 am

  I purchased my 2009 Altima 2.5 S in March. I previously was driving a 1998 Honda Accord. I have only driven about 1200 miles in this car so far. Fuel economy around town is about the same as my accord. I like driving this car around town. I dont think it compares to the Accord on the highway. The Accord drove itself, this car, I have to steer too much. I dont care for the way the Altima handles on the open road.