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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  NEW ARMADA IS THE DEAL OF THE DAY! - 2017 Nissan Armada
  By CAR-GUY - January 31 - 10:41 pm

  We were looking for a BIG SUV for awhile. Looked at both new and used GMC Denali, Escalade, VW Touareg, AUDI Q5 and QX80. Some of the prices are just outrageous. Saw this Executive Driven (had 4,000 miles on it) Armada Platinum and was totally impressed in the fit and finish as well as the ride. The interior is really high-end. Exterior color - Copper Red - VERY rich metallic. You do not think you are sitting in a NISSAN and my wife compared it to the quality of an Audi, Escalade, and Denali. No difference than the QX-80 except in price AND gas requirement (same engine - 390HP (regular) for the Armada, 410HP (Premium) for the QX-80). Traded in a 2008 Mazda CX-7 that needed Premium gas (averaged about19MPG vs, the ARMADA at 16.2MPH w/ regular). When you compare SUVs needing Premium instead of Regular, the ARMADA is actually cheaper to run than the smaller CX-7 was. Same goes for ANY SUVs you compare it with. For only 20HP more, the QX-80 needs to burn premium. You will NOT notice a 20HP difference. SO, it is not worth the added $28,000 sticker price (or 60-80 cent price difference in gas grades). List sticker on the Platinum was a little over $63,000. Same loaded QX-80 $91,000+. Denalis and Escalades cost even more money and I do not see paying the premium for them. As the title says, it is The Deal of the Day. Rides well and I am impressed with the pick-up and interior quality on it (other car is a Bentley Flying Spur). If you need the extra towing capacity (8500 pounds), everything is standard - so bigger brakepads, heavier suspension, etc. come with it. If you dont tow, you still get the added heavy-duty parts.(no optional Tow package - everything is standard and that should add to resale value later when you sell). ALSO - got the extended warranty from NISSAN to go to 10 year, 120,000 miles. If you are going to keep the SUV for awhile, this is a great investment. It covers everything - except the usual wear-and-tear items - tires, etc. (it is transferable - again, think added resale value). To me, great package - and we usually keep our cars a long time. Had several Nissans before this (2 300ZXs, Axxess, and Maxima) This truck is based on the NISSAN Patrol which is sold internationally and used by the UN Peacekeeping Forces. (solid). Although built in Japan, the V8 engine is built in Tennessee (American-made), so you ARE buying best of both worlds. If you are looking to buy the most you can for your money - this is it! Unless you need to say you are driving an Infiniti QX-80 to impress your friends AND pay a lot more at the gas pump.

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  Gotta love it - 2010 Nissan Frontier
  By markie59 - January 31 - 3:40 pm

  Only had it three weeks and its such fun that every night, we all find an excuse to go out on an errand or to get ice cream. Id describe the driving experience in more detail, but can barely pry the keys out of my wifes hand. Cool enough that our seventeen year old covets it. Love it love it love it

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  Very Satisfied - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Bob - January 31 - 2:06 pm

  Have 1000 miles on it and am well satisfied. Have driven full size trucks for years. This is my first compact truck and I love it. Size is perfect. Performance is excellent. Looked at Toyota, Colorado, Ranger. This is the best of the bunch.

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  nothing but problems. - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By shotgun1496 - January 31 - 7:19 am

  bought this car from carmax. the stereo skips non stop, had to change the starter three times, dash lights went out, had to have the ignition switch replaced twice. hard to start the car, often time you have to shut the engine off and back on, because the car just wont go above 20, steering is difficult, and im 6ft so the car isnt the most roomy, the riding comfort is the only good thing. overall bad car.

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  Issues of 2004 Roadster - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Genevieve Poston - January 31 - 4:43 am

  I had been a 300Z owner for over 12 years and was excited when the first Roadster became available. I purchased one of the first ones on the market. I now have 22,000 miles on my Roadster, still not driving in rain or winter days. However, am now experiencing issues with the leather seats showing excessive wear and the blue convertible top is coming apart and gas lid not opening on 1st or 2nd try being issues with Nissan about repairing these items under warranty. Have been declined on repair of the leather seats but after 6 months of negotiating, possibly will get the top and gas lid repaired. Beginning to feel the thrill of the ride is not worth the hassle.

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  Great Maxima - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By CChafin - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 7 cars, usually Toyotas but this is by far the best Ive had. Very solid and reliable. I would recommend a Maxima to anyone. Great to drive (and I came from an RX-7) and a terriffic value. Get one.

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  Maxima wins me over again - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By MaximaMa - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Last vehicle 96 Maxima. B4 choosing I test drove several other cars in its class & almost bought Subaru Legacy for practical (traction on snowy roads) reasons, but was 2 depresd thinking about giving up my 96 Maxima, so only solution was 2 buy another 1. NO REGRETS! Just as smoooth as can b! I dont know why Edmunds sd the SE had a rough ride?? Feels like Im driving a luxury car. Awesome sporty-looking car,love looks of head&tail lights. Nice looking interior dash&waterfall console. Cortland NYs Royal Nissans sales team were wonderful!

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  Maxima is the Perfect car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By DanielM. - January 31 - 2:00 am

  Great Car. 255 HP and only $27,000, Amazing. The car gets looks, cause of its great 17 inch rims, and its wonderful headlights. The interior is professional and the Sound system is amazing. I Played the Lion Kings Circle of life in there and Whoa, I felt so moved. Got Great pep. And The TCF system, Perfect for stupid drivers, it honestly fixes every stupid move you make.

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  The car for those that like to drive - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By JMKLF - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I looked at this car along with the Protege, Cavalier and Focus. After driving them all, this car was by far the best choice. It is FAST and FUN. It has room for my family (two car seats) and still puts a smile on my face when driving. The seats are supportive and well bolstered. The R/F stereo is exceptional (although not world-class). I got leather put in on all seats and inserts and would highly recommend this. My only complaint is that reverse is located on the right side of the shifter (off of 5th/6th) and there is only a detente to push through to get there. You can end up there in spirited up and downshifts (at high speed).

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  One Impressive Hybrid - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Russsnvic - January 31 - 2:00 am

  We purchased the zMurano after test driving the MDX,Pathfinder, Envoy, and the Mercedes SUV.Hands down the Murano excelled in comfort, space, and overall performance. The Price was right, but would have paid much more for this beauty.