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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  Dream Car - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By tami - December 15 - 9:56 pm

  Great gas mileage, fun to drive, sporty yet roomy, love the sunroof and to be able to swith from automatic to maual if I chose. I just love this car.

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  Based on one test drive - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By VHF - December 15 - 1:36 pm

  In the market for a new truck to replace 5.2 L Dakota. Tried new Dakota and Tundra to rule out Titan 5.6L 4x4. Cant rule it out even if it is larger than needed. Its a truck...believe me!

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  Cars the way they should be - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By Wifes car - December 15 - 10:43 am

  After reading the reviews of others I thought I should add my two cents. I currently have 183,000 miles on my Nissan Altima and planning to go at least another until 250,000 before giving it to my niece. The car has been trouble free just change the oil and brakes along with tires and keep driving it. Wanted to put this out to other folks with less miles so they know their cars still have a long way to go, keep on trucking. Don

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  Awesome Car!! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Da Hoff - December 15 - 8:30 am

  Personally I purchased the SV Premium Package less than a week ago, and I am very pleased with the car. This car rides smooth, is great on corners, good power, body styling. I really like the CVT. Great buy!!

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  Awesome Car - 2014 Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet
  By mistakall - December 15 - 4:25 am

  I purchased my vehicle about 4 days ago and I am loving every minute of it. It defenitly turns heads and I get compliments galore. I luv riding with my top down enjoying the breeze and openess getting plenty of Florida sunshine on me. I got all the bells and whistles so far my favorite is the bluetooth audio streaming now I can listen to all my favorite songs....lol...I got a great deal on my vehicle through my insurance company I saved over $10,000.00 no kidding so this was a steal for me. I wanted to purchase this on my 50th bday but couldnt afford it but now im the happiest ive ever been in a vehicle.

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  A solid package - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Scott McLaughlin - December 14 - 8:26 am

  A thoughtful redesign since my 2003 model Crew Cab 4x4. Interior space is vastly improved, particularly in the rear seat area. Adults can actually ride comfortably in this space. Both engine power and fuel economy are greatly improved, thanks to the all new 4.0 V6 and 5-speed A/T.

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  the best creation of nissan - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By rosa - December 13 - 10:20 pm

  This is the perfect SUV for any kind of weather. Very comfortable! Great on trips. The perfect car for a family!

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  Great Car - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By ddemlong - December 13 - 8:36 pm

  I was out looking for a new family car after selling my sports car from my little girl being born. I looked at several other brands but also at the Sentra. I found the Altima to be big enough on the inside for the large rear facing car seat we had trouble fitting in other vehicles. The steering response on the vehicle is great, I get an average of combined 26 mpg. The car feels peppy for the 4cyl and the CVT is very smooth. Interior materials seem of good quality and buttons and knobs are conveniently placed. Standard all disc brakes and ABS is a nice feature and the safety features cant be beat. Great 5 star safety ratings. Its the highest in its class. I also really like the exterior looks.

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  best large SUV for the $$ - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By pc - December 13 - 5:40 pm

  Prior to buying this, I was actually pretty set on the 07 Yukon, however there were certain features on the Armada that won me over. 1. Interior space - this vehicle has more room in the drivers cockpit the the GMC. Also, 2nd row has a lot of legroom. 2. 3rd row seats - I cant understand why GM has not gone to a fold flat 3rd row - I just leave the seats down until needed. 3. Ride quality is great - independent rear suspension does make a nice difference. Also has excellent ground clearance. I am one of those people that actually needs and uses the 4 wheel drive on an SUV. While the LE comes with street tires, it does have excellent manners off road. Traction control works great.

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  a poor mans BMW - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Ravi Viswanathan - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I was one of the very few who bought this car when it was available from Oct02. I compared this car against Acura 3.2 TL Maxima 2002 and decided that this car is the one for me. When I test drove the car I was amazed @ the pick-up and handling.I have driven BMW 3&5, Mercedes c-320, Cadiilac CTS, Acura 3.2 TL, Audi 4.5. This car for the price you pay, offers about 80% the performance of these cars @ about 55% of their price. My friend who bought an Audi 4.2 for about 55000 dollars had this much to say. "My car is twice as costly as this Altima, but it does not give twice as much performance as this".