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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  Best Sedan on the Road - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By bbarber72701 - September 7 - 7:06 pm

  I really like the 10 Nissan Altima, after owning an 06 Altima. The body style has changed tremendously. Between the older design and new design, most improvements lie in the exterior, and dash. Youd be hard pressed to find changes in interior. Bought this for my wife 10 Altima around the beginning of the year and we both have fun driving it, weve had no problems with the car and it handles great and turns on a dime. Shes 51 and has great visibility in this vehicle. I would buy an altima again, my one complaint would be the hubcaps that come on the standard model. They are really crappy. If you can afford it definitely upgrade to the alloy wheels. Id give it a 9.8 out of 10.

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  The Bomb - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Ex-B-52 Driver - September 6 - 4:06 am

  As a pilot and a driving enthusiast I find the Z a perfect sports car. The suspension is tight and the handling is extremely responsive. I can max perform the car and still feel totally in control of all parameters. The engine performance is so very impressive providing a smooth torque curve and extremely quick response. The troaty sound of the exhaust system keeps you informed of the engines performance but most of all it just sounds great! I considered the BMW Z-4 but the styling of the 350 is better and the cost is $5,000.00 less with equal or better performance.

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  beats the hell out of my pathfinder - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By auger - September 6 - 2:00 am

  This truck is FUN! Ive had it for about 3 weeks and I love it.

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  most drive suv - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By farhad - September 6 - 2:00 am

  this truck is very capable and can do many things that is required of such suvs.

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  Armada Rules - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By supoman - September 6 - 2:00 am

  After shopping for weeks my wife and I narrowed our search to the Armada and the YukonXL/Suburban. Our first impression was a good one so we wanted to go back and drive the Yukon again. Then back to Nissan to take a spin in another Armade. Our conclusion. No comparison. The Armad Drives better. Handles better. More horsepower. More towing capacity. More legroom in 1st and 2nd rows. Way more features for the price of a basic Yukon with leather and a CD.

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  Loving the Murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By angelab39 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I have had no problems with the vehicle thus far. I was pleasantly surprised to see that my highway gas mileage was better than expected (sometimes over 26 mpg), but my city mileage in stop and go traffic runs about 14 mpg. That is really my only complaint, other than the cargo net which is virtually impossible to figure out. It is great in the snow without even putting snow tires on, and stops on a dime on ice. The heated leather seats are much worth the money, as is the generously sized sunroof. The Xenon headlights are phenomenal.

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  GREAT CAR FOR THE PRICE - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By sentra4me - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Previous vehicle was a 99 Escort. After a test drive of 04 Corolla and 04 Sentra, I went home with the Sentra. $2500 rebate and $2000 for trade = $11,000 purchase price. More things came standard on the Nissan versus the Corolla.The standard warranty time length is great, more solid ride and its easy to finance on your own.Im only a 20 yr old college student and this cars wonderful for the tight parking spots on campus and easy to zoom around in. It may not be as stylish outside as the Corolla, but interior wise its unbelievable. 6 places to store items, plus pockets on the doors. I WOULD SUGGEST IT TO ANYONE ON A BUDGET! Great car for the $$$

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  04 Maxima ~ - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By V-One - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I love it!

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  fun to drive a 2005 - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By maltima - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Ive wanted an Altima since the 2002 model debuted. So glad I waited till the 2005 model got here! I bought mine earlier this month. Notice how the former orange lights have changed. The two red lights on the rear show up beautifully against the polished pewter exterior. The seats are very comfortable, especially on a long drive. Love the radio/CD controls on the new Y shaped steering wheel. I like the redesigned hood and grill. I had been planning to make a good deal on an 04 Altima, but the new 05 hooked me.

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  saw it, wanted it, got it, LOVE IT! - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Muddie1 - September 5 - 5:56 pm

  Absolutely LOVE my new truck. Out of 100, I would say I am 99.9% happy. I wish Nissan could do a V-8 with better fuel economy! I love the spacious interior, big engine, overall exterior design, and the bed tracking system. I was deciding between a Chevy 1500 and I couldnt be happier w/ my decision.