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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  Close Compant - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By roy_h - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I considered the Audi A4, Volvo S60,Acura Tl and chose the Nissan Maxima SL (all 04s ). While the Audi perhaps had the best interior material quality of this group I chose the Maxima SL for its large interior compared to the others. Performance with the TL was essentially the same and cost was within $ 700. comparably equipped.I also liked the styling whereas the TL seemed a bit too boy racer and was similar in looks to its smaller brethern. The SL Maxima also uses regular gas and has more torque than the TL. (must be because its higher compression ratio).

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  Awesome - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Likechatting - March 28 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love the attention I get when driving this car......it is HOT!!

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  Lotta car for the money - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By desertman - March 28 - 10:00 am

  Traded-in my 2003 Xterra (worst vehicle Ive ever owned!). Couldnt be happier with the Altima. Actually looking for reasons to drive somewhere. Fantastic engine, great looks, love the audio controls on the steering wheel, good mileage for a 250hp hot rod. Handles like a sports car with the best V6 made by anyone.

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  Fun to drive - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Happy in SC - March 28 - 9:53 am

  After driving a Pacifica for 3 1/2 years, this is a real treat. The four cylinder engine is quite peppy and really can get up an go when needed. Its nice to have better gas mileage and still have a comfortable car. We are amazed at the roomy interior, didnt feel like a downsize at all. Only thing missing is auto lights on this model. Have had other Nissan products and like the way they drive and hold up. Havent had to spend a lot of dollars other than normal maintenance on them. Expect the same on the Rogue. Try one, youll like it.

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  Outstanding vehicle! - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By T Gibson - March 27 - 11:43 pm

  Ive owned my Murano for about nine months and have minimal complaints! It is the S AWD version and dont have all the bells, but performance is unbeatable in its class. I see a lot of people say they dont get gas mileage, but I get a solid 28 to 29 mpg on the hwy doing 60 to 65 mph. It will decline significantly from 65 to 80 as with any vehicle. Average 18 to 20 mpg in town. Rides very solid but not uncomfortable. Never had a maintenance issue with it. Would recommend it to anyone! By the way, Im pretty sure all models back seats recline by pulling the tabs where the seat meets the back. I know mine does and I have a pretty basic model.

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  Best Car In Its Class - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Dan Brown - March 27 - 3:46 pm

  I have done alot of research on this car and it was well worth it. This car is the best looking in its class,has the most power in its class.The interior design is very nice,easy to get to everything. The seats are very comfortable(like the heated seats). Most important thing is my wife loves it.(I surprised her with it)

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  So far, so good - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Steve - March 27 - 2:28 pm

  The Rogue was originally on my short list back in October 2014. Back then, I ended up buying a 2015 Mazda CX5 Grand Touring. Fast forward to March 2016, I regretted it. My transmission died and needed to be completely replaced after just 24,000 miles. I decided I wanted to get out of the Mazda at that time. So, I looked at the Rogue again. So, a lot of the pros will also mention things that I already like a lot better than the CX5 for those who are also considering that one over the Rogue. Pros: -The entertainment system is much faster than the Mazda. My iPhone 6 paired with the Nissan very quickly and downloaded my address book in about 5 seconds. The Mazda always had delays with the entertainment system whether it was Bluetooth to switching from FM radio to XM radio. I dont know why but it was just slow. -Its very comfortable -For those who like moonroofs, I upgraded to the SL Premium Package which included the panoramic moonroof and its amazing how much natural light gets into the vehicle now. If you have kids, my kids seem to love it since the moonroof extends over their seats. -The rear seats can be slid forwards and backwards adding extra cargo room in the back. -The LED headlights seem to illuminate the road better than the Mazdas LED headlights did. -Both the Mazda CX5 Grand Touring and the Rogue SL have Bose speakers. The Bose speakers seem significantly better in the Rogue than in the CX5. Cons: -An all weather cargo trunk tray is not available. They dont make one because the trunk can technically have shelves (You can lift up the floor coverings to uncover additional cargo space that goes about 6-10" down extending the entire area of the trunk). This is also obviously a pro as well because it adds extra functionality but I also like to have an all weather cargo tray when I go to get garbage such as mulch to put in the back. -The blind spot warning system is nice but I find that the volume is low and apparently there is no way to adjust it. The one thing I liked about the Mazda better was the blind spot warning system because the volume was both louder and the indicator itself was in the side mirror making it more easily visible. In the Rogue, the indicator light is inside the vehicle near the side mirrors where there is usually a speaker in many cars. All in all, I think there is a better value in the Rogue and Im happy with it although from what I understand, there have been minor changes to the 2016 CX5 versus the 2015 CX5 that I had.

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  Wanted One Forever - 2010 Nissan Armada
  By Karen - March 27 - 11:56 am

  I have been looking at the Armada for some time but could never find the right one. The guilt of paying so much was hard to take also. Finally our local dealership got the perfect one I had been waiting for. Sticker $52,250. I got it out the door for $44,000 (tax, tag, title, extended warranty). I love it and have no regrets. I am only 52" and was concerned it would be big for me but I feel perfectly at home driving it. I have not curb checked once! The memory seating is great also. Now I dont fuss about my husband resetting everything.

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  Fun fun fun - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Lisa - March 27 - 2:40 am

  Switching from a Yukon, it has been hard getting used to being the little girl on the road again, but this is the car to do it with! I drive a lot and I am getting 30 mpg average! Sporty, no longer look like the soccer mom, and fun to drive. Couldnt be happier with my choice. Kids are 13 (big and tall) and 10 (short and sweet) and fit just fine. No road noise, no wind noise, very well built car and 4cyl has plenty of strength, this coming from an 8 cyl girl (for over 10 years)! I have the basic, no bluetooth, no nav... and dont miss it a bit.

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  Fun car 2 - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By legalgrl06 - March 26 - 2:40 am

  This is my second review. I traded in my 2003 Murano for the 2006 Murano. Love it even better. There are more safety features than you can imagine. The engine is a break-away engine, 8-10 airbags, windows and sunroof will not shut if something like fingers, head, etc. is in the way, backup camera and doors will not lock if the keys are in the car. New smart key is nice for when you have your hands full (the car will recognize you-no keys needed to open doors or start car). This car is alot for your money!