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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  ZZoooming the best deal - 2009 Nissan 370Z
  By Big Sky Blue - December 3 - 4:36 am

  A true sports car. Ive owned a couple Corvettes and Z28s but none tracked as straight and true as this car. Steering is tight but confident and nothing matches the brakes of the Z car! Ride quality is stiff for the Sport model, but one certainly does not wallow in the seat through turns. Interior layout and quality are excellent. Love the no-key ignition and locking system. In late summer temps of 80s to low 90s and running air conditioning, oil temp gauge never went above 240! By eliminating Styrofoam filler behind seats where Touring models add speakers...1 1/2 cu. feet of more cargo space was found. Amazing how much stuff can be loaded in this small car! Agree with Oldguy-soft paint!

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  A Solid Choice - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Rick - December 1 - 8:40 pm

  I purchased the Rogue with all the bells and whistles. It has a smooth quiet ride in the city. It could be a little more quiet on the highways, due to noise leaks in the aft. If your looking for a stylish compact SUV this is a good option. You get all, if not most of the features you find on similar vehicles. However, the price is thousands less.

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  350z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By dragracer - December 1 - 10:00 am

  IT IS the best car I every bought . I used to own a 300zx THE 350z is miles ahead of it and all the competition!!!!

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  WOW - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Zhappy - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Z for seven months now and there hasnt been a day yet that I havent been excited to get into it and drive it. It is an extremely fun and exciting vehicle. It handles great and the body style is so cutting edge it turns heads constantly going down the highway. Its the best vehicle I have ever owned!

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  Why I will never get rid of my 350Z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Christina Davis - December 1 - 10:00 am

  What a joy it has been to own this car! My husband bought it for me for Christmas and its definitely the best car Ive ever owned. We did comparsion shopping, looked at the Lexus 2 door, the Audi TT and the Mercedes, but this has been the best decision weve made. The sleek style of the car along with the engine make it a pleasure to drive! I cant wait for the convertible to come out later this year!

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  350Z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By BKOZ - December 1 - 10:00 am

  The Z has a ton of torque and killer looks. Two regular golf bags fit with a bit of room left for soft sided luggage or duffles. Averaging 18+ mpg in stop and go suburban driving and a heavy foot. Zero problems and no defects so far. If you are looking for a great two seater, look no further.

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  Thanks for the memories - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By THAESQ1 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  My first car was a 1978 280Z, just before they went to the ZX... I was seventeen and it was heaven. Now, at 35, I have a NEW 350Z, and I feel like that seventeen year old again. And the ladies look at me more now than when I actaully had good looks...

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  350z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By diannak - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Love this car, I have owned porches, hondas, acuras and an old 280zx this car is an adventure to drive and the brakes are excellent. Happy Nissan came back with such a great product.

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  PERFORMANCE AND HANDLING - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By AMANI - December 1 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR IS A FUN CAR TO DRIVE, WHERE FROM THE MINUTE YOU SIT IN THE DRIVERS AND TURN THE IGNITION AND START DRIVING, YOU FEEL LIKE THIS IS YOUR COCKPIT AND ALLL THE INSTRUMENTS ARE FACING YOU AND THE SOLID HANDLING AND THE TREMONDEOUS PICKUP THIS CAR GIVES YOU IS NOTHING BUT A THRILL. THIS CAR IS MORE FUN THAN ANY ROLLERCOASTER OUT THERE.

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  350Z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Tom Veda - December 1 - 10:00 am

  For the price, this is the best sports car on the road.