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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  Real SUV - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By 4x4Russ - August 11 - 7:36 am

  I have owned many different 4x4 SUVs (Trailduster, Suburban, Rodeo, Trooper) and have to say my 2002 Nissan Xterra is the best of the bunch. It provides a great balance between off road ability and highway comfort. Towing my boat is painless and my 96" longboard fits inside! I have put almost 50,000 miles on mine since without any problems.

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  Cant believe I waited this long - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By BaconRx7 - August 11 - 4:06 am

  I worked for Nissan from 03-05, and during that time owned a 04 Maxima SE with all the bells and whistles. Drove the Murano back then and fell in love, just had to wait till my lease was up, boy am I happy. Picked up a SL AWD, with touring package, all I can say is WOW. I’m a huge fan of the styling, amazed with the color display and reverse camera (didn’t know it had it till I picked it up). The ride is great; gas mileage so far is nearly identical to my maxima. And the Lumbar is so much better then the maxima. I’m still in the industry, working for a Cadillac dealer, so I get the chance to see and drive a lot of vehicles. Muranos the best!!

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  My 2013 Nissan Altima is not a year old yet and already have problems!!! Do not purchase this vehicle - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By nubiancici - August 10 - 6:21 pm

  I have tried my best to try to get Nissan to help me with a vibration problem that is occuring in my so called new car. I purchased this car June 1, 2013 and it was brand new. 6 Months later I am having issues. The had to change the left front strut which was causing my car to make a thumbing noise when I was driving slow. My car was perfectly fine till I got it back and then I noticed the vibration in my car that you can feel through the steering wheel. Nissan dealership in Lewisville Texas made me seem as if I was crazy. I strongly advice you to stay away from Nissan Altima until they figure out what is causing their vehicles to vibrate making the ride very uncomfortable.

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  Buy One Today - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By Georgie Porgie - August 10 - 3:03 am

  Would purchase another if the price is right. This is my second Altima had a 2007 which ex-wife still has.

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  Happy Customer - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By magicfan - August 9 - 6:08 pm

  Solid car so far. Purchased it on 12/31/11 and have put a little over 2000 miles on it. Averaging 26 mpg combined driving and a respectable 32 mpg on highway. As previous owner noted, it is simply styled on the inside (mine came without a radio) but very functional with good quality materials and comfortable seats. This is my first Altima. Im trying it based on the super great performance and reliability of my Nissan King cab pickup (1987 model) I owned for over 10 years and 225,000 miles. We like what we have seen so far from the Altima.

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  Squeaky Brakes and Lag in Bluetooth - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By jusiment - August 9 - 9:00 am

  On July 5, 2012, I drove to the dealership to discuss issues with the 2011 Juke I had purchased the year before. I didn’t know anything about the new 2013 Altima, but one of them was on the lot and I must say, it was LOVE at first sight. I traded in the Juke and I thought it would be a romance that lasted forever. Disappointment however set in quickly (as with the Juke). One month later, the BRAKE light came on. Shortly after that I started hearing the brakes squeak and most recently noticed that if I am on the cell phone and get in the car, there is a considerable lag time for the bluetooth to pick up the call. I have taken the car in 5 times and nothing has been fixed. Lemon.

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  Who could ask for anything more? - 2008 Nissan Armada
  By Ellis G. Sr. - August 9 - 6:20 am

  I purchased my Armada as a replacement family car. What a vehicle! This is the 8th Nissan Ive owned since my first in 1983 that I put 250,000 miles on with 0 problems aside from normal wear & tear. Nissan rivals any competitor in quality for less $$$. I priced a comparably equipped 08 Toyota Sequoia and literally $10,000.00 later, well you do the math. I own a 91 Toyota 4runner and I like it, thats what made me take a look at the Sequoia but for the money, I just couldnt justify purchasing it over the Armada. I think the Armada looks better as well. Excellent power, 9,000lbs towing, wonderful interior and instrumentation, roomy and very comfortable.

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  Happy in blue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By happy in blue - August 9 - 2:33 am

  I love my Rogue. I traded in my jeep with poor gas mileage. Im very happy I get an estimated city of 19 to 20 miles and highway I got 29 mile to the gallon. It feels great not to have to fill my tank every other day, I get by with at least 10 days. Wouldnt trade it for the world.

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  A winner - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By elvtars - August 8 - 5:10 pm

  Im what you could consider a hesitant buyer, someone who may spend a year researching and test driving vehicles before committing to buy. As a long- time Honda owner (I still own an Odyssey), the Accord was my initial favorite, but Ive researched and test drove most of the competition as well. These are all excellent cars. While I cannot claim that the Altima is the better car, it had enough features I liked to win me over. I owned it for almost 3 months now and I am still excited every morning when I get into it. Since the Accord was my initial choice, Im listing below the features of the Altima that won me over. What I liked in the competition is listed as suggested improvements.

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  Great Car for the MONEY - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By JohnB - August 8 - 1:10 pm

  I drive in excess of 100 miles daily and choose the Nissan Sentra 1.8 S for its styling, performance, and dependability vs. the cost of ownership. I am getting over 36 MPG with the automatic transmission. The car has good acceleration for its engine size and is a very comfortable ride. The Sentra 1.8 S package offers luxury items that are convienient without a huge expense; remote keyless entry, power windows/doors/mirrors - I was impressed with all the little features the car has. Alot of VALUE.