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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  Good, but Not Great - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By The Professor - October 14 - 6:36 pm

  We chose the Altima after looking at both the Prius and Camry hybrids. Glad we made the choice. Car rides smoothly and is quiet. Mileage is great for a car of this size if youre easy on the pedal. Consistently get 33 - 36 mpg all around. Extremely disappointed with the Technology Package. Definitely not worth it. The Nav system often suggests longer and less direct routes. Our little $150 Garmin does a much better job. The built-in Blue Tooth is virtually useless for dialing out calls. My little $30 ear piece does a better job. Sound system is great. The fiber-glass bumpers are cheaply made and easily damaged. I backed into a curb at less than 3 mph and cracked the rear bumper.

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  Not like the others! - 2015 Nissan Rogue
  By englddriver1 - October 14 - 2:02 am

  Love this car! Went from an 10 Inf M35X to this and glad I did. I know some hate the CVT but this CVT is much better than other cars. Honda has the best CVT and our MPG is around 31 Mixed highway and backroads.

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  Great Car, Classic winner - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By kbwoman - October 13 - 6:00 pm

  Just love the car. Fun and Hot!

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  Florida ride - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By angie - October 13 - 3:06 pm

  I have owned quite a few cars and trucks, but when I purchased this, I fell in love. Everyone says always trade before the miles get too large, but I dont have any desire to trade in. I will probably drive it till it falls apart, and an 80% chance of getting the exact make and model in the future. I love the feeling of being up high and seeing out, I love the interior. For the year of my vehicle, I am glad to say there are no paint discrepancies or rust. Everything in mine is still original, and it has never been touched up or painted.

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  Its a jewel for its price! - 2015 Nissan Leaf
  By Pedram - October 13 - 11:46 am

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  Nothing Better - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Aricb - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Buy far the best car running. Than compare the car for the amount it cost, there is nothing close to it. I enjoy it everyday going to work.

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  Sr20de --- 2.0 - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Rcat143 - October 13 - 10:00 am

  All it needs now is a turbo and the car will rock.. The performance is awesome great handling and good interior design. Se models are the best there is for sentras could care less about spec v and the rest. I havent gotten any problems with my car except when a small rock hit my windshield when I was behind a rig.

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  Nissan Quest SE - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By RazorthunderX - October 13 - 10:00 am

  First off, MSRP is high but if you shop around and find a good deal I highly recommend this vehicle. I paid $1000 over invoice in OCT 03. I am extremely happy with this vehcile because of all the thought and features built into this vehicle. I highly recommend the SE edition over the S and SL edition becuase of the increased 17 inch tires, BOSE sterio, and sky-view interior. I am not pleased with the anti-pinch technology built into the sliding doors or the second DVD screen. However in order to get the GPS, you have to get the dual DVD. Over all pleased.

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  The Greatest Ever!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Hery - October 13 - 10:00 am

  This has been the greatest car that Nissan has ever built, I also owned the new Altima they are bothe the best thing that has ever happened to NISSAN.

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  Update Of Nissan Makes a Great Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Abstractor - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I really like the Nissan line. This is my 2nd Maxima, I have owned a Stanza and a Infiniti J30. The car handles well and is fun to drive.