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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  Not perfect but close - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By R Woods - August 2 - 9:00 pm

  Im in sales and purchased my car in oct of 05 and have put 33,000 miles on it and it has done great for me. Other than a squeak in the hood and the fact the bottom plastic panel inside the door is scratched from my shoes it has held up. Gas mileage has averaged 28.6 and I drive it hard. I can put 700 miles a day in it and feel fresh when Im done driving. Other improvements are offer cloth seats not just leather, the air conditioning system is too loud and when I first got the Altima I thought my turn signals at night were on but it was the glare of off the crome rings around the dash board.

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  nissan altama - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By joe byars - August 2 - 3:36 pm

  my experience with this car has been excellent. i most like the style and the way it is built and its features

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  Great Sedan - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Kelly - August 1 - 12:26 pm

  I just got my 2007 Altima in January and so far Im impressed. The interior and exterior is revamped from the older models and is really nice.

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  The Nissan A32 ROCKS!! - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By minhv2029 - August 1 - 6:56 am

  I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS CAR!! I have had this wonderful piece of work for nearly 3 years, and it has not let me down. The drive was very comfortable and smooth. Recently, I modified the suspension for improved handling, the ride of course is a little stiffer, but if one wants more stability and safety, comfort has to be sacrificed. Technically that is what the Maxima is: a sports sedan. Its meant to be driven like a sports car!! No one should have any disappointments with the car. Granted, some of the parts may need to be replaced, but thats expected for a 12 year old car. As long as one keeps up with the proper maintenance and takes good care of the maxima, it should last.

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  Maxima, the Hidden Gem - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Chuck - August 1 - 3:43 am

  Purchased the SV with Tech and Premium Packages in April 2010. This car has it all for so much less than the premium nameplates. The ride is outstanding, acceleration is great, handling superb. The best part is that no one knows! I love the fact that I see very few Maximas on the road. Has every feature that you could want; Nav, Bose, Heated(and cooled) seats, the list goes on. This car is a great value for the money..The deals available at Nissan dealers were unreal..

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  Update to previous review - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Female Road Warrior - July 31 - 3:40 pm

  I have already reviewed this vehicle but I wanted to write a follow up. Since purchasing my Rogue S w/360 pkg in April, I have put 13,000 miles on it! I have loved driving every single mile! I am in outside sales and practically live in this car, driving 3 states. It is very comfortable for long drives and I can pile 4 suitcases of samples along with various other binders and misc all in in the cargo area. This keep my backseat clear of items,etc. AWD is awesome in torrential rain! I felt very safe after a 3 hour drive in that rain! Once you set your mirrors correctly, visibility is not that big of an issue. I love the smooth ride and its get up and GO! Love love this Rogue

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  Awesome SUV! - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By edwardtx - July 31 - 10:00 am

  All I have got to say is that this is an awesome SUV! Bought this car 4 years ago and my wife and I still love it. Nothing like the Acura MDX that we have, but this is the next best SUV besides the MDX!

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  Extreamly Satisified - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Ms. Kay - July 31 - 10:00 am

  I was somewhat reluctant - couldnt decide between the Maxima or the Acura. Well I bought the Maxima and have absolutely no regrets. The car has great gas mileage which is a plus for me as I drive sixty miles a day. I have had the car for a month now and havent heard one noise I have read about on other reviews. Its a fun car to drive and has enough power to pass quickly on the road. I highly recommend the Maxima GLE for anyone who wants comfort, power, reliability and an fantastic interior.

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  DESIGNED JUST 4 ME - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By FLORIDA/PATRICK - July 31 - 10:00 am

  WE DROVE A G35,SAAB9.3,IS300,ACCORD,JAG AN OWN A PASSAT GLX AND THIS CAR BEATS THEM ALL.FLORIDA IS HOT,FLAT & SUNNY. OUR MAX SE LOVES THE FAST CROSS/STATE ROADS, THE ENGINE EASILY DRIFTS INTO THE 130s, WHILE THE 18"WHEELS FELL GLUED DOWN. WHEN A BOAT & TRAILER CROSSED THE MEDIAN,THE NISSAN TECHNO MAGIC,NEVER LET IT SKID,SLIP, DIP OR LOSE ANY CONTROL. THE SKYVIEW, STEREO & LEATHER IS LOVED. THE TRUNK FITS OUR SCUBA GEAR AND OUR FRIENDS LOVE THE BACK SEAT. THE AC IS FROSTY EVEN IN THE MID 90s.IM 52 AND THE JOYFUL EXPERIENCE AND VALUE IS UNBEATABLE. ITS A 30K"Z"FOR FOUR AND A LOVE, SECOND ONLY TO MY WIFE.

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  Impressed with 2005 Murano SL - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Murano - July 31 - 5:00 am

  This is an impressive performer and a must-have vehicle for those who are interested in a mid-sized SUV. This one of the nicest Nissans that I have had the privilege to own and I plan to take good care of this gem. I hope to learn more about the many new features that this car has to offer. Now is the time for all prospective buyers to take the plunge, as the sales are on and take advantage now.