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 Value - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Paul Wilmarth - May 24 - 10:00 am

  We bought ours and have really enjoyed it. It has great acceleration and can pass other cars on the highway easily when we need to. It gets around 24 mpg in the city and about 28 mpg on the highway. I did my research and I think Nissan has a better product than the comparable Toyota. Not to mention that you have to buy Toyotas part-by-part. Very irritating and costly "package" deals.

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  powerful engine and smooth and quick shifting - 2016 Nissan Quest
  By Ivonne Vazquez - May 24 - 3:13 am

  I am very happy with my purchase! I am not a minivan person but I cant find a good excuse to get a different vehicle, very good acceleration, good gas mileage for its size and practicality. Sometimes I forget that I am driving a minivan and drive like in a sporty vehicle because it handles very well.

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  A wonderful friend - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Wendy - May 23 - 8:16 pm

  I bought this car in 2001 because (1) the old Sentra died and (2)the test drive of Honda Accord and Toyota Camry at that time were not too good. This car has been so reliable, comfort, and it moves as expected. When stop at up- hill, it does not slid down even tiny bit. When speed up, it picks up right within half second. I have more children now and need a van to carry them but I cant find another good car to replace this dear one!

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  Couldnt be more pleased - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By xterrajess - May 23 - 2:46 pm

  This is the best vehicle. So incredibly reliable. Some fun facts: - In 7 years of ownership, Ive never taken it to the shop for anything other than the regular oil change and tire rotation. - Front 2 seats are very comfortable. I get many comments on this. - Steering wheel offers some resistance when turning but is OK. - Stylish - Decent gas mileage for the year and type of vehicle - Lots of trunk space, tons when the back seats are down. I can fit a corner piece of furniture in the back standing upright in this thing. - Dont have to slam the doors for them to close - Nice blinker sound - Replacements parts (from minor fender benders & whatnot) are pretty cheap

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  Its a Z...what else is there to know? - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By shabba - May 23 - 8:36 am

  Since 2003, Ive wanted one of these so it was my time to do it this month. Im quite happy I did. I own several Zs (and have owned many) so I can say this car has the Z soul. I didnt need to compare it to other cars (TT, Boxster, S2k) though I have driven them and they all have their strengths. The Z remains a pure and exciting sports car that has a soul and a personality. A fine purchase that I am proud of.

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  Love it!! - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Bella - May 22 - 9:30 pm

  Well, its been a week and I love this car! Went from a Grand Cherokee and the difference is huge... butter soft leather, seat comfort, quiet ride, happy back seat passengers, great bose radio, and hands-free calls are just a few highlights. A tad tough to back up due to some blind spots but Im sure Ill adjust. Could not be happier with my car!

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  New Max 07 - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Laen Irgaak - May 22 - 11:06 am

  Ride is extremely smooth with the new CVT. Interior is refined and comfortable and electronics and comfort improvements over previous year model made this purchase well worth it.

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  I downsized - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Buddy - May 22 - 5:30 am

  Surprised at the handling and perkiness. Previous car was a Cadillac Sedan De Ville. The Versa is not as comfortable as the caddy but is more fun to drive. Very responsive, easy to park, twice the gas mileage

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  Great Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By vuch - May 22 - 4:16 am

  I have a Crew Cab SE. This is a great truck to drive. Plenty of power, good interior space. I think it is the best looking mid-size truck on the market. The Utili-track and factory spray in bedliner are great also. I have a noise in the engine that is on a technical service bulletin hopefully it will be fixed the next time I bring the truck in. If you are in the market for a truck take the Frontier out for a test drive...you wont be disapointed.

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  New Sentra is Great!! - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Bunny Monster - May 22 - 1:50 am

  I didnt like that they changed the style of the Sentra, but after driving the new CVT transmission I was hooked! It is smooth driving and extremely powerful for a 4-cylinder engine. On top of that, the new intelligent key is very convenient. I never have to take my key out of my purse!