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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  what a truck!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By titan man - July 15 - 2:00 am

  most fun vehicle Ive ever had. We have a ranch and the 4wd is excellent. havent got stuck yet. great ground clearance. 5 speed automatic is outstanding and matches the engine perfectly. Super Power. People come up to me all the time just to look at the truck. Its an eye catcher. And a Nissan engine, they last forever. I have a maxima with 300,000 miles and know how durable their engines are. Buy it if youre in the market.

• 

  Titan04 - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By 7forever - July 15 - 2:00 am

  good,good,good, really good, good ,good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good, good

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  I wish it worked - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By WolfD - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Bought it on a Sunday, back at the shop on Monday, Tuesday, and ever since (2 weeks and counting) with no resolution in sight. Random dash lights coming on; Nissan engineers cant resolve and Nissanusa Consumer Affairs wont say what theyre going to do. During the brief time I was able to drive it it seemed great. Too bad all the miles are to and from the shop.

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  Love it - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By i800bev - July 15 - 2:00 am

  I love this truck. It has lots of interior room, is very quiet and has lots of power.

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  This truck kicks ass!! - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By swilson - July 15 - 2:00 am

  This truck kicks ass!! Great in the snow, mud and rain. Comfort for long legs unlike the Toyota 4Runners cramped cockpit. Great heater onboard for those freezing cold mornings. Very responsive and easy to drive. The turning radius was a very pleasant surprise. Extremely happy with the purchase of this solid vehicle.

• 

  New Owner - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Chris1221 - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had the car for a few weeks, but in that time, I have fallen in love with this car. Its stylish,fast, and fun to drive.

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  My new Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Steven Szabo - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Excellent Space Design and overall Value! traded in my 1993 Maxima and have the same interior space with 15 more horses under the hood! The only downside is I have the 2.5 S model which is not as powerful immediately when stepping on the gas. I get about 24 miles to the gallon city and 32 miles highway! Good job Nissan!

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  Best truck for the $$ - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Dave - July 14 - 9:36 pm

  Having owned this truck for 9 months, I feel it is definitely the best truck I have ever owned (previously GMC, Ford). At the time I purchased Some other trucks may boast a little more HP or more backseat leg room but I am more than satisfied with the power, seldom haul NBA centers in my backseat, and paid about $9000 less than a comparably priced 07 Tundra would sell for. In 8000 miles, I have not had the truck in for any service other than oil changes. It has just been flawless so far.

• 

  Best Of Best - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Dale - July 14 - 6:53 pm

  Ive had 38 new vehicles in my 35 years of marriage. Had most SUV out there. After having my Murano 3 years now, which is a long time for me to have the same car, Im going to buy another shortly...Ya I like it that much. With overall factors considered the Murano cant be beat, plan & sinple!!!

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  Nothing special, just a good little car - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By Micha B - July 14 - 3:46 pm