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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  Awsome - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Jakelamczy - October 27 - 10:00 am

  THis is one of the best minivans ever. It has a very comfortable ride and is quiet. The engine and five speed automatic transmission work smoothly togetther. I love this car.

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  Best Minivan with style ... - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By laavram - October 27 - 10:00 am

  This minivan drives great and gives a feel of an SUV with lots of room, room and fun to drive ...

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  excellent - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By moonbaby916 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  This is the most comfortable, fast, reliable, and a great Design.Fun to drive and very comfortable for long trips. very economic.

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  Great Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By dewey - October 27 - 10:00 am

  This car is very quick for a 4 door sedan. Cruising at 100 mph+ is effortless. Suspension is very positive, perhaps to much so, for those with a feel for a very smooth ride. Turning radius is large, likely do to heavy duty cv joints to handle increased power. Power tilt and telescope with 2 person memory, (included in this memory is seat and mirrors), is a nice feature. CD storage is a joke-cant store or remove CDs while transmission is in park position. 4 heated seats and steering wheel makes for comfortable ride on cold mornings. Appearance very cool.

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  Great car -- but RUST - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By MaxRI - October 26 - 8:16 pm

  I have an SE 5-spd with leather. Great car! V6 w/manual is great, interior feels better than many current mid-size sedans. Awesome Bose stereo system. The issue: RUST. Car was in MA/RI its whole life, with many rust-related problems lately: cosmetic, engine issues (clamp rusted - radiator hose came off on road) to now major frame damage ($$$$). Engine and interior still great, though. If you live in Phoenix a 1995 Max would be a great, cheap way to get a fun and well-built car. But 95 is just too old here with snow/salt; mine is being sold.

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  My 350Z - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Chip - October 26 - 12:23 pm

  Bought this car in March and LOVE it. It is very fun to drive, handles very well, and is FAST (shes seen 135 and wanted to go more!). The lines and intimidating body style makes this car a looker!

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  If I just would know this upfront - 2016 Nissan Sentra
  By Rafael - October 26 - 9:09 am

  This vehicle has serious transmission issues, only a year with It and already transmission problema are popping up. The finishing also is poor. Not sure what is the sound on the trunk, but very antique way of closing and opening (check the trunk inside). Also the door handler are very weak easy to break (driver side already getting loose).

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  excelent truck for fun ride.. - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By fahri - October 26 - 4:13 am

  thats the first time im having brand new truck in my life. I love to drive it around. plus its fun inside outside everything just perfect..

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  Altima 2.5 S 4dr 4cyl CVT - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By BRAD - October 26 - 3:26 am

  I research all mid size sedans. Loved the infiniti G35. I think the Altima is just as good for thousands less. Thought I needed the 3.5 but the 2.5I was so impressive it was all I needed. Had the car for 1 week went on a 12 hour round trip and go 32-34 mpg driving 70 to 80 mph. Have always been a cloth person but I was glad to go with the leather. Always been a jeep person but I love this Altima. Its my first.

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  Excellent Car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By oc344 - October 25 - 3:26 am

  This car is great. No mechanical issues over the three years I have owned the car. I bought it used with 31K miles and have put over 60K miles. Oil change and brakes and tires over the three years. Excellent design inside and out. Very fast with great pick up from dead stop. Takes corners like its on rails. Going to buy a 2007 Altima in a couple of days.