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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  Sexy Beast - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By qbkila99 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Great alternative to a traditional SUV. Gives you the car like ride with all the features and benefits of a SUV. Nice gas mileage for a 245hp vehicle. I have seen people mistake my Murano for a Porsche Cayenne. Kind of cool to see heads turn around town.

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  Exellent SUV/crossover - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By rafalgo - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Exellent fuel economy(as for SUV) adjustable Xenon headlights ,spacious (to somebody who dont need 7 seats) powerful engine

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  My First New Car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By CFMesq - August 3 - 2:00 am

  You could imagine my anxiety, I had never before purchased a car. Much less a Brand New Car. Originally, I was in love with the Camry. I new I wanted a reliable sedan that, if I chose I could drive for the next 10 years without a problem. The car my wife and I shared, a 95 Nissan Pathfinder was still in excellent condition, and never had any mechanical problems. Thats when I test drove the 2003 Altima, and that was all it took. Other than the front panel, which I think looks cheap and can use some work, I was in love with the car. I would recommend it to anyone, and have.

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  Awesome Ride - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By shinner69 - August 2 - 8:56 pm

  Recently purchased a new Xterra after trading in my 2005 Mustang. The Mustang was ok, just too small. The Xterra has a ton of room to carry all your stuff and is just as fun to drive. The power of the engine is awesome and it handles very well on the road. My only complaint is the fuel economy...I am only averaging about 15 mpg in the city. Other than that, great car. My girlfriend has a 2002 with aver 150,000 miles and she has never has any major problems.

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  Great for my "mid life crisis" - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Cindy Smith - August 2 - 12:43 am

  Im in my final years of toting my teens around to soccer etc., but Im still having a blast driving this SUV. I teach high-school, and the kids think I have a neat car. It keeps me young!! Its almost paid for, and I plan to keep it awhile. Ive taken several long trips and it is very comfortable for everyone.

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  Best truck ever owned - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Al D - August 1 - 10:03 pm

  I am using Mobil One oil and getting 15 miles city and 19 on Hwy. Very powerful engine. Plenty of room inside and full of extras like bluetooth that work like a charm. Controls are handy and great sound system. I like the bed utility system and spray on bedliner that is not even offered on domestic trucks, shame on them.

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  Love it - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Hirt - August 1 - 6:23 pm

  This was my first brand new car and I love it. Smooth, comfortable ride. Looks great, handles well, big and versatile enough to haul plenty of gear but luxurious enough to look great while doing it. I actually get 22 mpg by doing mostly highway driving, but accelerating slower than I used to - its actually made me a better driver - the mpg declines sharply over 70 mph. This car has everything I was looking for. It handles like a nice car, rides high, smooth, comfortable interior, great extras. I cant say enough.

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  2006 Titan - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By nortini - August 1 - 2:50 pm

  We traded our 2003 Toyota Tundra for the Titan. While the dependability of the Tundra was excellent, the Titan has a more luxurious interior and the ride is much smoother. Not much mileage on the Titan a yet , but no problems to date.

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  I like this vehicle very much - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Thomas J. Russo - August 1 - 2:33 pm

  the vehicle is very unique and has a very good performance as well as very functional. I like its looks as well as its price value.

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  Poor mans Mercedes - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Jackcosteau - August 1 - 12:20 pm

  Incredible performance and quality for cheap price. The CVT allows for amazing highway acrobatics , literally leaving every one behind passed 60. the acceleration is not heart stopping but so smooth passengers cant notice wen u step on it to top speed. The handling is very responsive and rigid. great ride