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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  Much improved, But - 2013 Nissan Leaf
  By 2john - May 29 - 5:06 pm

  A lovely new advancement in the 2013. The 6.6 charger really make a big difference, I can charge my mostly empty car in 3hours. I love SL sylings, leather, Bose sound system, and intelligent door locks. A great ride. But little, if any, improvements in range a real disappointment..Edmonds needs to test the 2013 range... And I volunteer my new leaf for the test. JohnL

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  this car is just good - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By mike g - May 29 - 12:00 am

  i have the se model which is very sporty and fun to drive with a 5 speed, great cornering, decent acceleration. those OEM Bridgestones are terrible in snow and rain. dont get a black interior if you have a light fur dog

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  Awesome - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By JoeU - May 28 - 8:46 pm

  The length of my ownership with this car has proved to be an enjoyable one. I am a car enthusiast and I love to drive, and at times drive with gusto. This car is a blast to drive, the acceleration is quick and the handling superb. Build quality is amazing, I barely have one rattle anywhere. I cant find one problem with this car to date.

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  Pathfinder - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By RFR - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Good solid car drives like a car not a truck.

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  1997 Nissan Maxima GLE - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Steven Miller - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I would highly recommend a used Maxima as I only have good things to says about my 97. Its still quick, gets good fuel mileage for its class and as a tall person, theres plenty of room.

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  Best car I have owned - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Nick LS - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Best car I every owned except for a 240Z , but this 2003 Maxima would leave the old Z in its dust. Only two complaints. Wide turning circle and harsh ride from original 17" Bridgestone Potenza tires. A great car for all driving conditions.

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  Very Nice - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By RMK - May 28 - 10:00 am

  Cars are luck. I had a car that was full of problems. But after i sold the car it didnt have any trouble. The car had trouble starting so i called that guy whom i sold it too. He said the card didnt have any trouble after he bought it. it all luck.

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  altma rocks! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By DIXSONVA - May 28 - 10:00 am

  We love our Altma on the, we drove it from Va. to Ga. and enjoyed every moment of it. We cant wait until the price of gas changes so we can do it again.

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  my first new sentra - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By deborah cox - May 28 - 10:00 am

  my new car is great!!! It drives and handles like a luxury car. This is my 3rd nissan and I would not hesitate for a second to get another one.

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  nissan murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By nicoleh - May 28 - 10:00 am

  i love the truck, and i have absolutley no regrets