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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  Finally Got My Wife in a Full-Size SUV - 2006 Nissan Armada
  By zluver - December 14 - 6:33 pm

  Wife had always been opposed to full- size SUVs until we test drove an Armada while getting our 350-Z serviced. A week later, we were driving in a red brawn SE w/ the tow and DVD packages. Invoice - $3K + TTL. Were sold on Nissan ride quality.

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  Love this crossover - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By DrD - December 14 - 4:36 am

  My wife drives the murano; whenever I get a chance to take it for a ride I do so with pleasure!!! Excellent acceleration, power and handling.

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  Grat Car!!! - 1996 Nissan Sentra
  By martyj16 - December 14 - 3:56 am

  I love my sentra. It gets fantastic mpg and has been very reliable. It has just had normal wear things need to be replaced even up to 170,000 miles!!!

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  No Regrets - Get One! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By AF - December 13 - 12:43 pm

  If you are in the market for a midsize truck, the Nismo Frontier should be your only consideration. It is FUN to drive and it looks great. The Tacoma pales in comparison to my Nismo. It has good low-end torque to get you off the line, the bedliner and bed extender provide plenty of utility, and the interior is surprisingly comfortable. I upgraded to the audio package and the stereo system sounds exceptionally well. I have no regrets in buying this truck and neither will you. Ive yet to meet someone that doesnt like my truck.

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  Great truck - 2007 Nissan Titan
  By rhwyo - December 13 - 11:36 am

  This is my first Nissan Truck but it wont be my last. I have owned several domestic full size 4wd trucks and they do not compare to the titan in terms of quality, performance, and value. I have logged 18,500 miles in less than a year and had zero problems of any kind. Zero trips to the dealer except for routine maintenance.

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  Outstanding Machine - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Tupdog12 - December 13 - 7:50 am

  This is one heck of an automobile. I purchased an 09 Maxima in May of 09 and put 18,000 miles on it in 6 months (all pleasure). My ego & love for this automobile got the best of me so I purchased a new 2010 Maxima equipped the same way (Nav & Sport pkg.)and even maintained the same white color. The performance is fantastic and despite other comments, I love the CVT. Boy!! It is smooth. The engine has just enough growl and fuel mileage is acceptable considering what you are driving.(22/23 overall) Based upon my experience with a 2009 Murano dual moonroof, I do not recommend the premium package (dual moonroof) until Nissan is able to develop a moonroof wind deflector. Too much wind noise.

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  My thoughts on the 2009 Murano SL - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Z-Man - December 13 - 6:20 am

  No problems in the first year/15,000 miles of ownership. Just returned from a 2610 mile road trip up the coast of California to Oregon and back home to San Diego with a 2 day stop in Yosemite. We traveled twisting mountain back roads, country 2 lane roads to freeways and have to say this is the best touring vehicle we have ever owned.

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  2000 Maxima SE - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Jeff - December 12 - 8:23 pm

  The only problem in owning a 2000 Nissan Maxima is that you will be spoiled horribly and unable to accept any sedan that doesnt have the combination of power and agility with the reliability of the Nissan name. One other area of concern - speeding tickets. The engine in this car loves to run, sort of like a young barely tame horse that wants to prove something every day! Make sure that you get a good radar detector to go with the automobile, or maybe a good attorney.

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  I Love It - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By Lex - December 12 - 8:00 pm

  I Love my new Niisan Xterra, It is so nice, rides so smoothly and looks like nothing else. I am so happy i got this and not the Toyota Rav 4, It is a ton better and has alot more quality!! Thanx

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  ahah - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By i26k - December 12 - 6:33 am

  this truck is excellent and i would recomend it to anyone who is tired of the same design and options that the american manufactures keep putting out