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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  2005 Nissan - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Jo - September 27 - 6:30 pm

  Ive owned this truck for 2 years now with 19,555 miles,bought new. Been an excellent truck for 2 years, no problems at all.Bought the basic XE with the 4cyl,stick with bedliner and bed caps, XE preferred package, and floor mats. Listed for 18090.00,paid 14500.Truck averages about 22 mpg,and is very comfortable to drive and handles well. Does fine on the highway, runs at 85 MPH with no problem and seems to be willing to offer more.This is my 3rd Nissan,but by far the best I have ever owned. Ive waited 2 years to really judge the vehicle and I couldnt be happier

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  Fun in the Sun - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By Glen Jones - September 27 - 4:56 pm

  This will probably be my last new car purchase and wanted something fun to drive, preferably a stick, with a good sound system, moon roof and a color that wont get lost in a parking lot with all the other white, black, silver and red cars! Had SpecV a month and love the acceleration, gas mileage and sporty look and feel. Was disappointed to have a single CD player only option available . . . wanted to put a load in the system and cruise. Bottom line: for the money, a lotta car!

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  Fantastic Car For The Money! - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By tim fogle - September 27 - 10:42 am

  Great deals out there on these cars if you find the right dealer. Really a lot of car for the money.

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  Fun To Drive NISMO - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By Rocketman67 - September 27 - 4:43 am

  I brought this truck to replace my 95 GMC KC Sonoma 4x4 V6 5sp. I had about 115k miles of pretty trouble free miles. The biggest annoyance was the drive train noise when rowing the gears. Their was a LOT of gear backlash. When I took it to the dealer they said it was NORMAL and I should dampen the noise with using the clutch more........yea right! The shifter looked like it came out of a school bus or something. Gas mileage was 18-19 in the city and about 21-22 highway which wasnt too bad. I was going to to replace the Sonoma with the new Colorado/Canyon until I heard that GM in all their (stupid) infinite wisdom decided to put an I5 instead of a V6 or I6. So I bought a Frontier.

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  Amazing car! - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Abhi - September 27 - 4:36 am

  Amazing car as compared to others in the same class/category. Very smooth & comfortable ride. I am the first time Nissan buyer, but I am impressed.

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  Car Saved My Life - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By savedlife - September 27 - 1:26 am

  Sadly I only owned this car for 2 months. I had an accident and flipped on a very dangerous road where I lived. People who passed by thought the driver would have died, but I only had a bruise on my knee. The roll ability was great and the cabin stayed intact (no denting in from the top or sides). I feel very lucky to be alive and believe the safety features on this Xterra are why.

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  My rogue with love - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Anatoly - September 26 - 5:38 am

  Has all options you need and ask for. Significantly more reasonable value for your money than lexus and other fancy brands

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  Great car - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By rz cinti - September 25 - 7:16 am

  Had it for 2 weeks/ great ride quality and handling. more than adequate power for the highway, decent but not great mileage 28-29, 80% highway driving; easy to use functional layout; useful features bluetooth, rear camera, XM. CVT great and very smooth, engine a little coarse with acceleration. trip computer fun and very accurate.

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  Little Red GLE - 1996 Nissan Sentra
  By emjay - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Veh purchased in 12/2002 with 64K miles. I have driven about 18K miles in a year. Only had a tune up and breaks done. Vehicle not too comfortable for taller people and seats too firm for long trips

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  Mustang killa - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By DT2003 - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Great car, cant get a better value. Handles like its glued to the road. 255 HP!!! floor it and watch the reactions of people faces in the car behind u. unbeleiveable!!!