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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  Great Car - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Craig C - March 4 - 7:56 pm

  The Altima coupe is a great car. It is a very attractive car from all angles and the ride lives up to the looks. The 2.5 engine produces enough power for quick accelerations and passing on the highway. The interior is well thought out and the quality of materials used is top notch. With the premium package, I have the same features, Bluetooth, leather, heated seats, power driver seat, sunroof, steering wheel controls, Bose stereo system and XM radio that my friend has in his BMW 3 series which cost $20,000 more. The overall build quality is very good on the car both inside and out. The rear seats are not huge but are large enough for two adults to sit comfortably for shorter trips.

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  2000 Nissan Maxima poor acceleration - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Bob Kat - March 4 - 5:00 pm

  This car wouldnt go 50 mph. Just dogged out. I changed plugs hoping for a fouled plug. no such luck. frightened to death of going to Nissan dealer after being slammed for ignition coil packs. $2000.00 I proceeded to local Autozone and asked Manager Dave of any possible symptoms. I had a bottle of typical injector cleaner. He told me to put the other back and buy Lucas fuel injector cleaner so I did. I drove down the local I 90 thruway 50 miles. This stuff had this 230 horse Maxima screaming again. I could not believe it. Everybody, before to start replacing all kinds of hopeful parts, spend $5.99. You might have the same luck. Again Lucas Fuel Injector cleanr. This stuff works. Big savings!

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  Front passenger airbag problem - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By BZL - March 4 - 4:33 pm

  The front passenger air bag off indicator comes on and off while driving. My girlfriend weighs 98 lbs. The dealer and Nissan are unable to solve the issue. On four other Mazimas that we test drove we found that in only my car the airbag off indicator comes on and off. On other cars it is always off meaning the airbag will deploy in case of an accident. In my car the airbag may or may not deploy in case of an accident. This is a passenger safety issue. Nissan tells me that my girlfriend is too light and needs to sit properly on the front seat.They have asked me to have her ride in the back seat on my car.I am having a hard time getting this safety issue resolved with Nissan.

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  Outstanding & efficient midsize sedan - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Hoosierman - March 4 - 1:40 pm

  Never thought about Altima when I first started shopping, but it was best deal in solid midsized with leather. Great all-around car. Smooth, quiet, comfortable, efficient, and sporty. CVT sounds different, but combo of mpg and acceleration is unmatched in its class.

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  Great choice for around town use by family. - 2014 Nissan Leaf
  By Abhinav - March 4 - 10:48 am

  This vehicle is proving itself to work very well for the specific purpose we had in mind - to be used to get around our town, school PUDOs, sport, groceries ... all family oriented activity. Charging is really easy as we have a lot of options in the town we live in as well as at home. The range is even good enough for us to use it for short trips to nearby trailheads when were out hiking. The vehicle drives well, is compact so its very easy to park, and the interior is simple and comfortable. Plenty of storage in the back. ECO mode is our normal use case while we switch this off when we need a quick burst of speed. Were shortly going to be charging the vehicle from the new solar array on our house - so its a nice and complete scenario there!

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  RELIABLE CAR, MINOR MECHANICAL PROBLEMS - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Hector27 - March 4 - 10:00 am

  my experience with this vehicle so far has being very good. no major mechanical problems; except for a "Bad COIL" that caused the check engine light to appear in the instrument panel. transmition feels very smooth no problems there. noise ratio outside to inside very good.

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  2001 Nissan Frontier Crew Cab - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By mbfuller - March 4 - 10:00 am

  This truck not only looks "hot", it is! I love the front end design, and receive compliments on its look wherever I go, mostly from men. Old and young, they love the look of my Frontier Crew Cab pickup, black in color. The chrome looks especially good. While not a large pickup, it is perfect for smaller loads, such as gardening tools and plants, furniture, and even groceries are handy with the extender folded inside neatly!

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  love my van - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By dianne - March 4 - 10:00 am

  This has been the best purchase i have ever made. It is roomy enough for my grandchildren and my two poodles everywhere i go. The features are very neat and easy to work. I like that the seats go down to floor level. Even i get to enjoy the dvd player if someone else is driving. Theres enough luggage room since the back compartment drops down about 1foot. Even once the grandchildren are gone i will always go with a van. and as long as Nissan continues to make them as great as this one, i will continue to purchase them. Thanks Nissan

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  Murano tops Lexus - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Phil Cunningham - March 4 - 10:00 am

  Weve owned our Murano now for 1 month and enjoy it every time one or both take it for a drive. The CVT is quiet, powerful, and it does not give you the usual sensation of acceleration. With dual air temp controls, my wife can keep her side warm while I can keep mine cool. I highly recommend the undercoat package and the rock guard clearcoat for the front of the vehicle. The Murano looks like the Lexus, except with better lines and the muffler does not stick out the back.

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  Why doesnt Nissan advertise this SUV - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Toledosfinest - March 4 - 10:00 am

  So far, best vehicle I have owned. I traded in my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee and have been pleasantly surprised. My White SE AWD is the best looking vehicle on the road. I get complements every day. Yes the ride is FIRM, but livable. The BOSE is the best. Gas milage for the 2000 miles I have driven has been around 18 city, 21 hwy, and the transmission is smooth.