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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  Few annoying items - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Pambi714 - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Love the power, however we are getting a fluttering sound in the interior at certain speeds that sounds like air pressure. It stops if you crack open a window slightly. Also what really bothers me is at 3000 miles the brake rotors had to be cut because a pulsating pedal, and now at 6000 miles we are having problems again-I want the rotors replaced and not cut again-I believe they are defective and do not want to have to replace them at my cost.

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  Amazing! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Yee-Haa - May 21 - 10:00 am

  For me, it was between the Durango and the Armada...with the Durango being top dog for 6 months before...that was until I test drove both! No comparison, the Armada had it beat in spaciousness and interior styling. I was a little reluctant to go for a full- size SUV after owning a Blazer, but this is great!

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  WOW!!!!!!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By jmbudde - May 21 - 10:00 am

  WOW, if you are considering, stop considering and go out and get one. This truck is amazing, I have not had this much fun driving for a long time. THANKS Nissan for hitting a grandslam!!!!!!!!

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  Very Happy - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By PacificCoast - May 20 - 4:33 pm

  I bought a 2006 Nismo CC 4x4, fully loaded. It was used, with 10,000 miles. I had read before that people claim it drives like a sports car, and it really does. It is a blast to drive. I have also been very pleasantly surprised with how smooth the ride is, even on the worst freeways (and even with the Nismo package). It has lots of room in the back seat, and a roof that rises so that taller people can sit in the back seat without hitting their head. Transmission is smooth, power plentiful. Rockford fosgate sound system is terrific. This truck is tough, it looks great, and it drives nice. What more could one ask for? Fuel economy is not bad for a truck.

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  Just Awsome!! - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By VQPowerBaby - May 20 - 1:56 pm

  I have owned my Nissan Altima 3.5SE for over 2 years now, and have had nothing but FUN in this car. I test drove a 2.5 and a 3.5 at the dealership when I was buying and after experiencing the thrust and power of the 3.5 I had to have it. The car now has just over 50k miles on it, and have had NO PROBLEMS at all - that being said I have only ever used Mobile 1 Synthetic oil, and 91 Octane fuel and the car has purred without hiccup for me through the duration of ownership. I have taken multiple long distance road trips, and I really just cant get enough of the performance ride. Seriously no matter at what RPM or speed you are at there is plenty of power to spare-I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS CAR

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  The Best Max Ever - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By jerrymax - May 20 - 9:06 am

  I bought my 1997 Maxima GLE directly off a two year lease in October 1999. Its still a gorgeous car. Deep brown rosewood exterior, black leather interior, 7 spoke alloy wheels. Ive since put 119,000 miles on it for a total of 154k on the odometer and it runs like new. Very light for a car its size - just over 3000 lbs. It takes off like a rocket and seems to intuitively know when to downshift to passing gear. Handles like a sports car. Ive gotten out of some tight situations because its so nimble. Always starts, always gets me where I want to go. Ive had only minor problems. Biggest repair was replaced alternator. Best Maxima that Nissan ever built, in my opinion.

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  Great value!! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Ive - May 20 - 6:43 am

  The ride is excellent. Its fun to drive, a much better vehicle against its competitors, however Im doing 19 mpg in town, instead of 24. Ive not been driving fast so I can get the best gas mileage. But overall is a great car. I have been enjoying it very much!!

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  Great to Drive - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By FRONTIER LOVER - May 20 - 5:26 am

  I traded my 2000 Frontier for the 2005 model. After reading the Edmunds Reviews along with my experience with the 2000 there was no other choice. I looked at the Toyota Tundra and Tacoma, the Dodge Ram Series and those that GM had to offer, which confirmed my thoughts about the 2005 Frontier. I like the overall rugged looks of the exterior, the well laid out interior, its performance and roadability. I try to find reasons to get it out on the road and enjoy the drive. Best choice I ever made.

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  proud owner - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Natale - May 20 - 3:53 am

  The Nissan Frotier i hought was gonna be this bulky car i wouldnt be able to park on a busy city street but in reality it is so easy to drive, the smoothness of the ride is remarkable, going 0-60mph in 7.5 secs and on to 80 fairly quick for a truck. The off road capability is amazing,even though lacking the nismo performance on the Le it handles it own while enjoying the comforts of the leather seats.i brought it to the beach and didnt even need to air down or reverse to shift gears,i just drove in and on to the sand no problems no hesitation.Nissan outdid it self with the styling by creating a big tuff looking truck to match up with american trucks while maintaing its stylish import routes

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  Still Lovin It! Whoosh on! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Raven - May 19 - 1:53 pm

  Bought the 3.5 SE 10 weeks ago -- still a great ride! Do see the tire light when it gets cold but that seems to resolve when weather warms up again. Otherwise, no problems yet. Recommend you spring for the compass mirror with integrated garage opener -- available as an add-on from dealer.