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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  Improve the CVT - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Rob - March 26 - 12:56 am

  We loved the car at first. Have had numerous mechanical issues, sluggish cvt (still a problem, dealer indicated that we should change our 35 years of driving approach) hard starting, rpm to low at 40 mpg, all 4 tires were defective and needed to be replaced. Service to fix was slow at best. Very disappointing. No follow up from Nissan after purchase, regarding purchase experience and performance of the Versa.

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  Loving it! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Joy - March 25 - 3:53 pm

  My husband and I are preparing for our first child so we needed a family car. I still have my Mitz 3000GT but you cant drive kids around it that. Anyway, my husband is 65 and he loves the room the car offers. He does not feel boxed in at all. I like that fact that it handles like my 3000 but gives me more room. We were debating between this car and the Chrylser 300 but for the price and features the Maxima came out on top. Great car!!!!!!

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  Great Car - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Lori - March 25 - 6:10 am

  I have owned numerous cars in the past from luxury to high performance. This car is the best car I have EVER owned. I have never, not once, had any mechanical failure or difficulty in regards to the engine. The only problems that I had were initially, when I bought the car, the right rear window mechanism broke 2 times in 2 weeks. It was replaced both times.

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  Very Pleased - 2017 Nissan Armada
  By Robert - March 25 - 4:12 am

  Great looking SUV with a great ride. Acceleration is very fast...and it runs very quite on the road. Of the large SUVs, to me it is the sharpest looking. Also, for all the amenities you get in the Platinum Armada, value wise it is pretty good. I have had it two months...and overall very satisfied. I got the bucket seats in the middle row...and it is fantastic for the kids.

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  2009 Sentra S - 2009 Nissan Sentra
  By A.S. - March 25 - 3:53 am

  This is a good car and there are good cash back recession incentives. But here is why I think consumer reports lists owners to be less than satisfied. When switching vent from defrost to vent or floor, the A/C automatically activates. This cannot be deprogramed to function like a normal car. Routinely end up driving with A/C on in the winter. Ill adapt, but its frustrating. Back seat seat belt connector very rigid, difficult for kids to buckle w/ booster seat. Not great maneuverability in parking lots. Fuel mileage in city is much less than estimated - highway is good.

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  Durable SUV - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By JC - March 24 - 9:40 pm

  I bought the Xterra after months of research and comparisons with FJ Cruiser and Jeeps. I liked the Xterras features the best and Im glad that I purchased it. Nissan has provided a highly functional and cost effective SUV. I have found that the driver displays and features are well thought out for use and durability. It has been an easy vehicle to drive in city traffic. I recently drove it in 4WD during a heavy snow storm and found that it is a solid performer in poor weather conditions. Powerful headlights provide great visibility at night. Best SUV for the money.

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  timing chain - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By retha - March 24 - 7:00 pm

  I love my Nissan, and it fits my family really well.It is really beautiful and everyone that sees it tells me what a nice vehicle it is.It has a smooth ride and is very comfortable.

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  Best 1/2 ton available today - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By JP - March 24 - 12:23 pm

  Ive had mine for about a year now and bought it after driving everything in its class. The power sold me...one test drive was all it took. Its been an excellent tow vehicle and has been trouble free.

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  Made the right choice - 2007 Nissan Armada
  By lovin my nissan - March 24 - 6:50 am

  I bought this car after doing extensive research. After a lot of test drives and time, I bought the armada. It is a great car. Plenty of room for all of my kids (3) with room for 3 friends in addition. I got a great deal on the car. If this gives you an idea of how smooth the ride is - I drove 2 miles down a dirt road and had forgotten to get 2 screws off the bumper. After arriving at the destiniation, they were still there!! I love it, the kids love it, my husband loves it and people ask me what kind of car it is all of the time. it has been turning heads left and right! I will buy a Nissan again - without a doubt!

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  Great Performance, Great Styling - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Mike - March 24 - 6:26 am

  So far have 9000 miles on it and it has been trouble free. Very fun to drive. Auto shift will not upshift or downshift automatically like on so many other cars, so its a lot fun. Dealership located the color and equipment model that I wanted and had it in two days, and expierience was very good overall.