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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  My first titan truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By A TITAN DRIVER - November 3 - 10:00 am

  I have bought a Nissan Titan SE King Cab with the Bench Popular Package and the Utility Bed Package . I paid 25,500 so after tax title and license it was 26,996. There is a lot of space inside this truck I can fit 3 kids in back with there child seats and have room to spare. There also is a lot of storage space inside example: overhead console, door panel, and the center console. I like the auxiliary plug that is intergraded into the stereo for my MP3 player The quality from the stereo is ok not the best. Also driving at night the light from the stereo is reflected to the back window and then to the rear view mirror which is annoying. But over all this truck is great.

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  Manliman - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Girliman - November 3 - 10:00 am

  MY FIRST FULL SIZE TRUCK! VERY POWERFULL AND RESPONSIVE. YOU CAN NOTICE 380/TORC. EXCELENT VISIBILITY OVER TRAFFIC. NEED TO FIND OUT WHAT RV TO USE, TRAILER OR 5TH WHEEL? BOX 5.5MIGHT BE TOO SHORT FOR 5TH WHEEL?

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  Get out of my way with the 3.5SR - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By az66bug - November 3 - 6:18 am

  We bought this brand new and always get a new car every 3 years - I can say this one we are keeping longer. Love this car, especially over the re-designed model that looks like a Camry. I was completely sold on the Acura TL but wasnt 100% happy with the bold body style change so decided to check out the Altima after I drove in my buddys 2010 3.5SR. This car saved me thousands compared to the Acura and besides the savings I love this powerful rocket. Have had it 3 years now and not in the least bit sick of it, will continue to enjoy my Altima for years to come (I hope).

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  Armada - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By Armada Owner - November 2 - 8:13 pm

  Great vehicle. The gas mileage is not the greatest, but you can feel every bit of the 300+ horse power.

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  This is one tough vehicle! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Holly Castro - November 1 - 11:53 pm

  I have been very pleased with the overall performance and most important, the safety/durability features this vehical offers. I was recenty rear-ended at a speed estimated 40 MPH. My Armada had minimal damage, however the vehicle that hit me had to be towed away w/significant damage. This is one tough truck!

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  happy - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By aaahomellc - November 1 - 5:33 am

  does every thing it claimed to do,very fun to drive,pulls 5th wheel very good. fuel milage is 7 mpg better than friends hemi and stays right with it or better in hills

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  Buy this car!!!! - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Vaughn - November 1 - 2:00 am

  I couldnt be happier with my car. Purchased a pearl white SR with camel interior. Just passed 1800 miles and its a pleasure to drive. The suspension is a little stiff due to it being a sport but thats something I knew going in. Has all of the bells and whistles of many vehicles above its class. With the dial comfortably located I rarely touch the screen. Power is very sufficient and road noise is virtually nonexistent. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone in the market for a sub 40k 4 door sedan that likes a little wow factor. Have been complimented many times so far. As far as the cons.....the camel leather wrapped steering wheel looks great but I can already tell its going to take a lot of care to keep looking clean and new. We tend to drive with our hands in the same location and I dont know how well its going to hold up over the years. The Bluetooth has acted up a few times when trying to connect my fiances Galaxy s6 but my iPhone 6 works perfect. No moonroof available on the SR I guess due to the center of gravity, but I feel like something could have been done to make it an option. Mpg is good on the highway but I have been averaging less than 20 in the city. (Premium fuel only). Other than that I absolutely love this car!

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  Too Sweet!!!!!!!!! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Reese - October 31 - 12:20 pm

  Nice sporty car for the money!! It looks great and drives great. Great acceleration, sporty, and decent fuel mileage. Very nice stereo from factory. If youre in the market for a awesome car that is affordable,sporty and that will turn heads then you have found it.

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  If the Nissan Maxima 2003 is safe? - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By nissan maxima - October 30 - 10:56 am

  i just love the way that my 2003 Nissan Maxima drives, handles, comfort,and all the special features of the interior as well as the outside. I like the color which is black exterior and gray interior. It is the very best car that I have had the pleasure of driving or owning and I couldnt be happier if it was a brand new car. I just love my car and wish just wish that I could one day own a new one if this one gives out on me. Thanks Nissan for such a jewel of a vehicle.

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  Best of The Compacts... By Far - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By sgtrock - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this truck after looking and test driving all the others except the Chevy. The others just did not measure up to the Frontier in most areas, especially in the 4WD ride quality. The XE Crew Cab, by far, was smoothest riding and the quietest running down the highway. The Ford Ranger and Toyota Tacoma sounded "Tinny" when shutting the doors , where as the Frontiers doors shut with a solid "thud". The 3.3 V6 engine is a very close second to the Toyota 3.4 V6. (Only because I like DOHC engines) The transmission is one of the best shifting out there.