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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  2010 Sentra 2.0S - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By haveaclue - August 9 - 3:16 pm

  What a nice car, especially with the I- pod interface as standard. Rides nice/quiet on the road. Base price was down $600.00 from 2009 in the S line. Been driving GM cars for the last 20 years, purchased 10 Brand New, and with the new change they are not for me no longer, cmon a Colbalt more money then the Sentra. Way to go Nissan!

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  Best vehiclel Ive ever owned - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By MACK - August 9 - 10:06 am

  Nissan has hit a home run with the Murano. Comfort, handling, equipment, build quality...all excellent. Its one of the only vehicles Ive owned which makes me want to buy another one when the lease runs out on this.

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  New Pathfinder Owner - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By newpathyowner - August 8 - 4:33 am

  I was looking for a bigger suv than my 04 Suzuki XL-7 and so far Im glad I chose the Pathfinder. Ive only had it for a week, but no major complaints. It rides very well, hardly any road noise, a lot of power and it looks good. So far, so good, so very, very good!

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  Great little car! - 2009 Nissan Sentra
  By lily - August 7 - 4:23 am

  I love my Sentra! We looked at all of the competitors (Corolla, Elantra, Focus) and I found the Sentra to be the nicest and most comfortable. I love that it has the features of more expensive cars (leather, bluetooth, xm, etc), but it was less than $20000. Its fun to drive and great for in town and long trips. And the gas mileage is good too.

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  A Four-Wheeled Swiss Army Knife - 2010 Nissan Xterra
  By Paul - August 6 - 8:30 pm

  This is a great old-school SUV blending a sophisticated and smooth engine and transmission with an overbuilt frame (based on the frame used on the mammoth Nissan Titan pickup)and strong and straightforward suspension. Last week, my area was struck with a blizzard that left over 12" of snow on the ground, and the Xterra was virtually unstoppable. The ride is pretty firm, so drive before you buy, but if you want a solid, truly versatile all-weather vehicle large enough to handle 4 passengers and cargo, yet small enough to maneuver and park in an urban environment, look no further.

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  2007 Nissan Maxima - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By KC MAXIN 2 - August 6 - 10:36 am

  I love my Maxima, watch out because this car is fast, I have to push the accelerator with my toes because before you know it Im doing 100. This car looks good too, I get so many compliments and the color - Sonoma Sunset- Red, looks good on me. This car is so roomy inside and the trunk space is big also. I love everything about my Maxima.

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  350z track model - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By trackman - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased my new 350z and while I have not spent a great deal of time with it the time I have spent with my 350z has been simply amazing.I have owned all types of sports cars from the corvette to the bmw.But its the 350z that really stands out among the others.It is so much fun to drive.I drive it everywhere I go from the grocery store to work.I cannot think of any other car I have had this much fun in and enjoyed so much.It defintly best the bmw m3 in the fun factor.

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  mom43bz - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By mom43bz - August 6 - 10:00 am

  watch out for rear window switches abs light may not come on while it is malfunctioning

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  A pleasure to own - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By GeoM - August 6 - 10:00 am

  Bought it a week ago fully loaded. Really stylish and a joy to drive. Love the navigation system and all the features it has. Getting 25 mpg hwy and 18 local. Not bad for a vehicle this size and weight. Roomy and comfortable too.

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  Mikes Black Track ... - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By blackTrack - August 6 - 10:00 am

  This car is rock solid !!! Power through every gear. The mystique of this car rivals the exotics. Many people are amazed when uit arrives. Many are suprised by the price once they learn of it. I have "played" with the spectrum of cars from Camaro SSs to Porche 911s. This car can spank most of them, and hang with the rest.