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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  Great Car - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By irish27 - August 11 - 11:06 am

  Very enjoyable car to drive. Quick, corners well, Premium Package adds lots of luxury touches. Looks amazing and you do not see thousands of them on the road. I cannot believe Edmunds likes the Accord Coupe better, my family and I saw one the other day and nobody liked the looks of it at all.

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  Awesome machine - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Tom - August 11 - 6:53 am

  This has to be one of the best cars out there! Its quick, comfortable, and very very nice looking. Awesome car and not expensive

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  awesome ride - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By puttzz - August 10 - 3:40 am

  this vehicle is a great family suv,it has lots of room for the kids an my tall husband.its very comfortable to drive.it has great get up an go. the armada is a great looking vehicle inside an out. its one of the most comfortable vehicles i have ever owned.

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  Livin the X Life! - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By MountainSeeker - August 8 - 6:20 pm

  I own both a 2004 & 2007 Xterra SE 4X4. Nissan corrected all the deficiencies of the first generation (1999-2004) in the second generation (2005+). The second generation is the ONE! What a truck - I love it! The Xterra is still a specialty vehicle - its a truck. If you want a suburban cruiser, seek elsewhere. If you want mpg, pass on by. If you want to sit high on the road, go off-road on a whim, and seek adventure, then the Xterra is for you. Nissan makes the Versa & Altima if you want mpg. You cant have all the Xterra offers and expect it to sip gas.

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  03 Frontier Crew Cab 4WD SB - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By henrysc - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This truck is a solid performer on and off road. Have not towed with it yet, but expect it will do fine. Will probably add 3" lift kit and performance exhaust.

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  Armada Mania - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By magonda - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Big but drives as if you are driving a small SUV. Very manuvarable, lots of power and Zip and I do mean Zip. Nissan used a very common sense aproach when desinging the interior accessories. I love it. Best vehical I have ever owned.

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  Sporty and Cute - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By janna - August 8 - 2:00 am

  After test driving several other vehicles I was happy to find a car that was fun to drive. The transmition ran well at take off and engaged well while going in other gears. (so others I had tried didnt do as well) I like the little extras like standard 6 cd player.The brakes work great. This is a great buy for the money. Not to forget its reliability.

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  what a great ride - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By kds000 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  the bestvan i have ever owned

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  Fun Vehicle! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Mowdat - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Just had this vehicle 10 days, and I love it! Great looking, attracts looks everywhere. Contrary to what I have read, the CVT is awesome. Smooth, powerful. It amazes my friends. Had satellite radio installed, also awesome, works through the dash monitor. Gas mileage 22+ in mixed driving. Very quiet.

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  Love it - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By gary Bell - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Drives like a european sedan, works like an SUV. Sexy styling in and out, Drives very smooth. I love the CVT and engine combination.