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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  Big Power, Big Room and Big Style. - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By CSW - April 10 - 6:10 am

  Overall it is simply the most powerful, best looking and most roomy SUV in its class.....and that alone is saying a mouthful. Sure the interior is a little cheap, but you can’t have everything. Bold bodacious styling, all aluminum DOHC V8 that will dust a hemi, and a huge, roomy and comfortable interior. Nissan spent the money where it counts in my book. Compared to where GM, Ford, Toyota, etc., etc. spent their money....I would go with the Armada any day. With that said, I did have to replace the front brakes. I got online, found some slotted rotors and ceramic pads, and fixed the problem permanently myself for about $300. I didnt fool around with the dealers poor service.

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  Im a happy owner - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By soklorsee - April 10 - 2:00 am

  During the first year , there were lots of strange noises coming from dash and engine. I took it back to dealer and they fixed them all under warranty. Now the car drives very well and its actually fun to drive. Very smooth and adequate power. I will definitely get another nissan. The only thing about this car is the suspension is little too stiff. Would be a perfect car if equiped with a softer suspension.

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  wow!!! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By someone5544488 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  its amazing and very affordable! i want everyone to get one!! you will love it, im not joking

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  LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT. - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By LYNN CLEMENTS - April 10 - 2:00 am

  THE ONLY THING I WOULD ADD IS A HANDLE ABOVE THE WINDOW ON THE DRIVER SIDE. I GOT SPOILED ON PREVIOUS SUV HOLDLING ONTO THE HANDLE. ROOFRACK NEEDS TO BE AVAILABLE AS AN ADD ON LATER. BODY SIDE MOULDING WOULD BE A PLUS. THIS SUV IS DEFINITELY A HEAD TURNER. I HAVE HAD A JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, TOYOTA HIGHLANDER AND NISSIAN HAS PASSED THEM BOTH ON INTERIOR, QUIETNESS AND STYLE.

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  not bad - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By JWLM334 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  for a small car it handles pretty well. The stopping power is excellant as was demonstarted to me during the recent blizzard. The ride is a little bumpy and the shocks in this car make you feel every nook and cranny in the road. Im used to having a Pathfinder so Ive been spoiled by the best SUV made. Wish I had my Pathfinder back ;:(

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  Greatest Max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By sanjoseman - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Bought the 3.5 SE with auto trans and majestic blue exterior. Love the engine and trans combo (dual mode smoothness), performance that seems lethargic but is actually hot, terrific engine growl under hard acceleration, absolutely NO torque steer with auto trans (have not driven manual). I evaluated the GS400 (used), 2004 TL, G35 Coupe and sedan, ALTIMA V6 and the Maxima represents the best bang-for-buck overall. Recommend as a solid buy, although resale not its strength. I have received so many compliments and admiring glances from other motorists, including from wealthy drivers of euro high-end sedans and coupes.

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  Maxima 2004 Review - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Maxima Fan - April 10 - 2:00 am

  The power is great, sound sstem is excellent. Internal design is good

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  Jukin - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By tejaskinder - April 9 - 10:01 pm

  Purchased in October 2010. To date no issues with any mechanical systems. Rear window stopped working but self-healed. Average 25 mpgs almost all the time. Easy to park. Enough room for really only two adults in front and small ones in the back........Im 62" and have plenty of leg and head room, but would crush another adult behind me.....Not bad pricing for an AWD vechile with decent gas milage....

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  Best Car for the Money - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By MustDriveOn - April 9 - 9:00 pm

  I LOVE this car. I upgraded from a 2006 Sentra that I also got new off the lot. I researched cars for literally a year before finally deciding on this one. Other choices were the Honda Civic and Mitsubishi Lancer among others. Major upgrades on this car over the past Sentras. I love the sportier look of the SR with the underbody kit and the interior comfort. This car has EVERYTHING on it that I wanted, but my favorite feature is the CVT. Seamless driving means more power and faster pickup on the highway. Getting 30 mpg.

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  mistake - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By S AWD - April 9 - 12:20 pm

  Several features we like but the bouncy ride is very bad. Didnt drive enough prior to purchasing as certified used with 39m. CVT transmission is great as is the powerful 3.6l engine. The awd is good as is the dash controls. But again the ride is awful actually at highway speeds 65 to 70 can be dangerous when over bumps dut to bounce to right. If in left hand curve with bumps watchout! A definite dont buy ride is important.