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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  Unhappy - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Graeme - March 22 - 9:30 pm

  Two years ago I moved up to the foot hills of Saramento and ever since it has been overheating. No one has been able to solve it dealer or private machanic. Heavy on gas and has NO power. Body very tinny.

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  My 95 Maxima! - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By AshFromHBG - March 22 - 7:26 pm

  I bought this car about 1 1/2 yrs ago and have had a few issues. I had to replace the alternator a little after buying it which was sort of expected. I replaced some "knock sensor" which was about $450.00 and I now need to replace an EGR solenoid. I know that will be costly as well. I bought the car for $6500.00 and have put much money into it. It is all paid off and now I am having these knock sensor, EGR issues. Also, I need struts. They say the suspension is bad on the car (probably front and back) I would not trade this car for anything else though. I love it. I will need to replace the speakers and the stereo as the Bose CD player died and the speakers are beginning to crack.

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  DLF Z Review - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By DLaFave - March 22 - 1:30 pm

  This car has been a great, fun car. It is superb with its handling and the performance is also above average. It is also quite an attention grabber. The whole package makes it a great car to own.

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  Great - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Gigi - March 22 - 10:46 am

  A pleasure to drive. Great on a long trip , very comfortable. Great transmission. Cannot tell when it shifts. Needs a little more oompf on take off . Wish came with a v8.

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  Decent Car - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By Decent Car - March 22 - 6:40 am

  I generally look at a number of things prior to buying a new car. The Versa was the best combination of price and features that I found. The Versa transmission (6 speed) is smooth and easy to use. The final drive ratio should be about 300 rpm lower at 70 mph. I am not sure what possessed Nissan when they designed this. I agree, the center armrest is needed. I ordered one in and added it myself. I am getting mileage from 31 -38. I am a conserative steady drive. Nice car in general, doesnt attract attention.

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  Good Car - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By Max Man - March 21 - 6:16 pm

  Have recently purchased the 2007 Maxima SE. Before that had a 2005 Altima SE. The Maxima offers great features with a smooth transmission (CVT). Very comfortable car to drive as I put on a lot of KM per year. Nice finishing touches inside Maxima logo inside evry door chrome acents. Drove a few luxury sedans G35 TL and pricing and options on the Maxima SE matched others and own 2 other Nissans 1986 300ZX turbo (my fun summer car) and 2005 Xterra.

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  Wish I could start over - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Denise - March 21 - 11:43 am

  Bought new in 2005 and after 3 years was angry about purchase. How many recalls can one vehicle have?? So many interior rattles that I cant hear myself think. Squeaking brakes dont help much. When the exterior door handle FELL OFF, after 5 years ownership,I gave in. I thought Id pass this expensive vehicle on to my daughter, but love her too much.

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  giddy-Up - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By dUdE - March 21 - 10:00 am

  been looking around for a car like this one...my first car was a honda accord ex v6...(which is very common)...i wanted a car that no one really had around the area...and im glad that i went with this choice...my other option was a bmw 328i which i dreamed for...but im happy with my choice right now...it does me good...gives me what i wanted in a vehicle...i bought this vehicle used...its in great condition with 50,000 miles already on it and still rising...

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  Excellent - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Setshot - March 21 - 10:00 am

  Had this car for nearly six years now. Never once had a problem with it. Would highly recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  the best - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By loverboy - March 21 - 10:00 am

  the best suv that you can have