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 Luxury Ride! - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Lois - June 24 - 5:23 am

  After researching and test driving most of the crossover SUVs and Sedan AWD vehicles on the market, I found the Murano the best in both luxury feel, modern styling, and wanted options. Plenty of leg and head room for a tall person and awesome comfortable, heated, memory seats with lumbar. The nav system is easy to operate and fun to use. I love that I had a choice between XM or Sirius. The cruise is on the steering wheel and so easy to use. The back seats recline with a touch. I really love this vehicle!!!

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  this cars great 3.5 - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By ryan - June 23 - 2:30 pm

  love the car, no problems. the 3.5 has alot of power.leather, bose and fog light are a nice touch to the car. no problems so far after 1 year.

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  Awesome SUV - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Shellie - June 22 - 7:33 pm

  Look if you are worried about the price of gas dont even look at this suv. That is the only downfall I can find about this Fabulous Ride. Handles smooth, no noise, no rattles, feels sturdy and the best choice we have made in a purchase since learning how to drive 30 years ago. Been through 6 cars and suvs This is top of the line! I really wanted a TrailBlazer when we started our three months of research and shopping but the Amarda LE stole my heart. I think the $41200 was well spent. We have 25000 miles on this already and we have had it for 9 months. Nissan has found the problem with the rotors and are in the process of the recall and should be perfect after that.

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  Nice! - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By marioh - June 22 - 4:10 pm

  This is my first NEW truck! I love Nissan. The way it drives, the security I feel when Im driving it. This is my daily driver, and I dont mind putting miles on it. (OK mileage, and fun to drive). To and from work, and use it on the weekends to go places with the family. I love the fact that I can use it as a truck, or family vehicle. Work and play. Nice... Definitely a KEEPER!!!

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  Very few better cars - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Nissan Fan - June 22 - 2:50 pm

  Ive owned 2 1997 Nissan Maxima SEs. One had been in a wreck and had been repaired. (It stil drove like a champ though.) And the other was only two years old when we bought it. This car is the right car for someone who wants a dependable sedan, but also wants a sporty car. Maximas are known as "FDSC" Four door sports cars and they hold that name very well. I had it for a long tome and it didnt have any problems that werent recalls. The alternator has a recall on this model. Note to all considering the 1998-2002 Honda Accord: The trannys are TERRIBLE. Just look on this website at the consumer reviews and youll see what Im talking about. (although Honda does make a good car.)

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  awsome ride - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By bob - June 21 - 10:36 pm

  This car is the best. it is a nice sporty car for teen agers and for the teenagers at heart.

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  Fantastic, beautiful car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By tdomf - June 21 - 9:10 pm

  This car is a beautiful piece of machinery, has great pep and the price cant be beat

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  The best truck out! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Stephen - June 21 - 5:10 pm

  This is absolutely the best truck out now. It has more power and torque than most and will smoke a Hemi. I wish the would put a couple more paint layers on though. The steel in the bed is tough but a little thinner than most other trucks.

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  An Honest review - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By instinctive - June 21 - 9:18 am

  I heard reviews for the Juke for 2 weeks before i made a purchase, I just bought one today and im so happy i did. So here is what happened, I traded in a 1999 Honda Civic to get this puppy, Its just as good on gas as a older civic but it has was more powerful and spacious as well. I dont drive like a maniac but Ive pushed the pedal hard and i get 27.6mpg combine so its good, and on regular gas by the way. Im also not nearly a hardcore car reviewer Im just a normal 9-5 guy. See below

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  BestBuy for the money - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Jim - June 21 - 1:10 am

  Car is fun to drive, looks very stylish, priced very well, have had no problems since purchased in July.The car has never been back to the dealer for anything except for maintenance.There is plenty of storage space, and a pass through trunk to haul long and bulky items if needed.The 4 cyl engine is very peppy.