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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  good car , could be better. - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By shishou - July 10 - 10:00 am

  had alot of problem with the car since i bought it, very comfortable car but it has it share of problem, my car as 14.000 miles and i already change my tire evendought the dealer said that they rotated the tires. my gear change handle already broke, and the dashboard was peeling and was replace.

• 

  The best one Ive owned - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By gqclothier - July 10 - 10:00 am

  My wife is disaballed, and this is the 2nd Quest ive gotten for her. She loved the 1st, and her only regrets were it didnt have power doors and a power passenger seat so it would be easier for her to get in. There were concerns about the way the seat configurations had to be done and the weight of the seats. All of these concerns were met and then some. I would like to thank the design folks at Nissan for listening to those of us who buy and drive the cars they make. It was truly worth the wait.

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  Cool as a Fan - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By DaRhonda - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Love this SUV. It is great in handling and quite enjoyable to drive.

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  been waiting for years - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By TSweat - July 10 - 10:00 am

  With very very few exceptions, this truck has exceeded my expectations like no other vehicle ever has. The POWER is unbelievable! I drove every half-ton truck available and none came close on paper or the feeling you get from mashing the gas pedal. The ROOM will fit anyone. Im 64"...300 pounds and this truck has more space than I need. It is very spacious and convenient. OVERALL...this is a very fun and family friendly truck. I have taken several long trips with lots of gear and always get there with a smile on our faces. I was slightly surprised by the low gas mileage and the RF stereo system is not comparable to a BOSE system.

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  This car is a TANK! GXE FWD 4 door Manual - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By mary - July 10 - 8:59 am

  Bought this 1996 used in 1999 w/36K Miles. 2016 has 173K. Best car ever! Always had regular maintenance. Great gas mileage for its age, $25 to fill tank at current prices. Drives great in rain/snow, interior/exterior has held up really well. Replaced the windshield once in 2012, takes road debris really well. Stick/clutch lasts a long time, on my second Clutch. Has great heat/AC. Replaced radio so it is now Bluetooth w/CD & USB. Ill miss this cars reliability. If you are looking for a reliable used car, this is a great option if the car was well maintained.

• 

  Murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Allen Arndt - July 10 - 2:06 am

  Our Murano is operated in very harsh enviroment in Minnesota and just keeps running perfectly. Maintenance is easy and i put new brake pads on at 60k miles. The finish is standing uo very well considering tree branch contact. Compared to my friends Lexus it rides better and we the CVT. I will buy one again unless they make changes that detract from its current performance. I almost forgot my wife hit in a parking lot in the left rear and bumper was damaged. I pulled it out by hand and it popped in shape and only minor scratches. I fix that problem in the spring. We feel very good about our murano and I feel its refined enough almost anyone taste.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Fix - July 9 - 7:27 pm

  The comfortable and quiet ride of the Altima compared to my previous vehicle is outstanding. There was also a huge difference in the clarity of the Bluetooth vs. my previous vehicle. I talk to my sister every day during our daily commutes to work, and she immediately noticed the difference! I am hearing impaired and the improvement of the quiet ride and Bluetooth has greatly improved my quality of life on the road!

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  JUST PURCHASED ALTIMA - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By healeyman - July 9 - 2:03 pm

  was looking for a new car. on way to lexus dealer ,,, stopped in to look at maxima, and pathfinder. once saw altima, drove it and bought it... less than 2000 miles. everthing works, got the top model.... very nice and all controls are very well thought out... i hope it holds up being a new model and everything, love it! saved thousands over the lexus, if as well built as wifes 1991 300zx, then it will be a great car...

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  Awsome,no problems - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Fartell Cluggins - July 9 - 11:44 am

  Idk what people are saying about charging issues, mines fine and I love the car. Leather, sunroof, bose, dial climate control (as was my 96.5 regal gs but at least nissan caught up) no problems, stiff,sporty suspension was a pleasant surprise,

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  Love my maxima - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By chiller - July 9 - 8:43 am

  There are so many things I love about this car. Ive owned many different makes and models over the years, but this is my favorite car. It looks great, drives great, and is super comfortable. One of my favorite features - a heated steering wheel. (I live in the Midwest.) Ive had just regular maintenance and no mechanical issues at all. I usually trade my vehicles in after three years, but Im actually thinking of keeping this one for awhile. Well, maybe Ill trade it for a new Maxima. I would like remote start.