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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  Great Small Family CrossOver SUV - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By lovingmyrogue - July 9 - 10:44 pm

  Great car! Looks good and feels good. I did extensive research before purchasing this car. The Rav4 and the CRV was also on the top of my list. But having driven them all, my wife and I feel that the build quality of the Rogue was much better than the others. The interior of the CR-V and the Rav4 feel very plastic like. The other major motivation was the warranties.

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  The Titan - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By The Titan - July 9 - 9:23 pm

  Ive kept an eye on the Titan since they came out in 04. Test drove all the trucks available and still decided on the Titan. Couldnt be happier with my decision. Its been one year and love it as much as the day I drove it off the lot. I take it on 400 mile non-stop trips and have no comfort issues. Even make it on a tank of gas as long as I stay below 75. At 75 or above, I have to fill up along the way. My wife loves to drive it as well.

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  Great Car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Satisfied - July 9 - 9:23 pm

  We bought our car almost as soon as they went on sale. We chose over the Camry and Accord because of its style and driving characteristics. We have had a great experience and after nearly 4 years it still feels like a new car. Great performance from the 4cyl and auto trans. We would definitely buy another one but we dont have to because our 2002 is still so great.

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  Excellent - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By DEBBIE ANN - July 9 - 7:00 pm

  The Muranos stylish exterior makes it the all around SUV. Beautiful on the town. Rugged & sporty for soccer & adventures. The interior is remarkably spacious. We had two mini vans prior to our Murano. I thought the loss of space and comfort, that our Grand Caravan provided, would be the price wed pay to finally get out of the van and into sophisticated style. Surprisingly, our family of 5 found comfort, with more than adaquate (personal) space. (No "Ew,hes touching me!" fights) The kids even prefer our Murano over our 2005 Dodge Magnum!! >**Not a single problem with my Murano in our 9 months together! Great performance. Fine handling.An absolute BLAST to drive!!!

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  Nice and with good features - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By Param - July 9 - 12:43 am

  I Purchased 2007 Nissan Quest SE (Smoke color with gray leather interior) recently from Fairfax Nissan. This minivan is loaded with cool features, very comfortable ride. Yet to test the fuel economy on this. Dual screen DVD is a plus and 10 speaker Bose system with 6 CD changer and MP3 playback is sweet. Automatic seat adjustments and heated seat options are well thought of. The tech package includes Bluetooth connectivity to the cell phone. Unfortunately, my cell phone is Audiovox and it is not listed as its compatible phones. So, yet to test this feature. Overall, very satified with the car. The second row fold away is good option, but doesnt completely folds flat.

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  Replaced 92 - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Wildflush - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Finally getting rid of my old 92 SE Patfinder with 148k miles. Loved my Pathfinder and had to stay brand loyal. Bought a used 01 LE and what a difference. The only thing I miss is the 4 wheel disc on the 92. The new one handles very well and I now have power on demand. More cargo room and extra compartments. Also a safer SUV with 4-airbags. Only issue so far is rear windows labor up and down. Needs lube on rubber window runners.

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  Awesome - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Sarafina - July 8 - 2:00 am

  SO great, I highly recommend for any new drivers like m!

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  A dream to Mod - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By He2 - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car in on Jan 16, 2004 and traded in a 2002 SE-R Automatic. I took all my mods off the 02 and had them put on the 04 at delivery. (Stillen Cat back exhaust, Nismo CAI, Nismo Header, Nismo Cams) The mods are endless on the web. The car is now a few steps ahead of the SI or such. You really do not need to mod the car if you want to go fast but it sure is fun to do.

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  Got the Looks! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Vincent N. - July 8 - 2:00 am

  WOW! Awesome truck. Constantly getting the looks from other drivers. Couldnt be more satisfied! Got a good deal for under $28K w/a few options (K03,W01,T01,X94,L92,B10), before tax and license. Highly recommend anyone in the market for a full-sized truck to test drive the Titan. I sat in and test drove F-150 5.4L, Ram QuadCab, and Tundra D-cab w/ wife, and 2 kids w/ car seats. Titan won all our hearts.

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  Its a Blast - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Happy Guy - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I dont really like American brand. I also have the Toyota (Seqouia)which I also like it but when I went to see the Tundra, it was too simple to me compared to the Titan. (Features wised) and eventhough the Titan has a much bigger engined, fuel consuption, both will about the same. Even my wife that really againts on having a truck like this one also.