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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  It is what it is and I love it!!! - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By major2829 - September 2 - 12:20 am

  This is a great car - for its class. If you want bigger/more bells & whistles/luxuries, get the Murano. I love the way it looks, the way it drives and handles. I dont find this car to be noisy. The ride is smooth and effortless. Many people complain about blindspot issue - after the buy the car. All of this can be noticed during a decent test drive!

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  Dream Car - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Tracy Galloway - September 2 - 12:00 am

  Best vehicle I have ever owned for performance, fun, and overall highway comfort. Nissan has a real winner in the 350Z and it is beginning to show with the numbers of 350s on the road these days!

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  Cals 350 - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By CEL - September 1 - 10:00 am

  Four months and 11,000 miles later, I am still enjoying this car. I get looks and compliments where ever I go. I finally, removed those useless cupholders from under my elbow, and Im using the box for storage. I use the passenger. My 2nd pet peeve, is the dipstick. You have to be a mechanical engineer to get it in correctly.

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  Happy... - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Happy...for now - September 1 - 10:00 am

  I have not had any significant problems with my 01 Sentra SE. It is a great car to drive. It is smooth sailing when on the highway at 70. It is quiet...(I like that so I can really tell if there is anything that doesnt sound right). I am happy with it but I know that cars dont last forever, so I am wondering when something is going to break and how much it is going to cost...

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  Spec-V - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By VIC - September 1 - 10:00 am

  If you like fun to drive compact sports cars this is your car!! Power is good, especially for the price range. Handling is amazing once again especially for the price range. 6 speed tranny is somewhat clunky but once you get used to it, it works well. Compared to other cars in this price range nothing comes close.

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  2004 Nissan Quest Rocks! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By jeremiahgreen - September 1 - 10:00 am

  This van is the best van available. One drive and you will agree. Nissan as usual outperforms, and outclasses all others.

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  This is the future minivan - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Jaren - September 1 - 10:00 am

  This is the future of minivans as we know it. The styling is new and cool. It gets rid of the stereotypical minivan.

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  2005 Se king cab: Glad i bought it - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By M Henley - August 31 - 5:26 pm

  Cant say enough about this vehicle. Have owned both Chevy and Ford trucks and after owning it for just one month, its head and shoulders above both. It has pleanty of power, interior room and a ride thats smooth as silk. I have the King Cab version ( extended cab) and the interior room and seat comfort were put to the test recently. Two 17 year olds, both 6 feet tall, in the back seat for 3 hours each way. The guys said the seating was ok, but 3 hours was the limit for the back seat. Those 3 hours were pure enjoyment for the driver. Great drivers seat (captain), driving position and very smooth ride.

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  Best Deal - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By ashes - August 31 - 3:16 pm

  I have had this car for just about 2 months now and I LOVE IT. The gas mileage is great, I am averaging about 31 with 50% city/50% highway. It is roomier than any other compact car I have had, I get more compliments on the design as well. I looked at several others in the same class, but always came back to the sentra and it has not let me down.

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  So far so good... - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Maximagirl48 - August 31 - 6:20 am

  I have had this car for only a week now, but very impressed! I traded in a 2002 Max which I loved. I am falling in love all over again with the 2008! The CVT needs time to get used to but nonetheless shifting is a smooth transition. I have had no problem with the car staying in line. I love all the bells & whistles such as the heated seats & steering wheel, HID lights, Bluetooth, compass, large roomy trunk & interior, information center, & plug-in capability. It appears to like the mid-grade gas as opposed to the regular (much smoother). Havent tried the premium in it yet. Luxury & sport at a reasonable price-you cant beat that! As I get more miles on this I will update with fuel mileage.