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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  love this car - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By joe woz - December 26 - 10:00 am

  great car love the black color audio sounds great too. would like to see it with a v8.

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  Your dream car - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Phong Pham - December 26 - 10:00 am

  If you love driving cars or spend a lot of time driving, then the Murano is a top choice. The CVT transmisson is AWESOME. GREAT EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR DESIGN. Excellent ride, handling, power, comfort, and fuel economy.

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  Nothing More I could ask for! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Pipay V. C. - December 26 - 10:00 am

  First time I drove this van, I thought the engine wasnt running! I observed most people look at me like I was driving an out-of-this world vehicle! Ive seen the new Sienna & the 03 Odyssey but theyre still the same old looking minivan I grew tired with. This one drives like a compact car with its handling. And it looks like a quasi-SUV when you view it drom behind. When we got our old 2000Quest befor, I always thought that Nissan could do much more with that car, & true to that Nissan had done their homework I am grateful that they designed a car-like van for the discriminating...I actually expected it. And with my new Quest--I couldnt ask for more!

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  2008 frontier - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By john - December 25 - 3:10 pm

  Took my family of five on long trip, two of my boys are 6-2 180 pounds and with no complaints about room. Love the power, this truck pulls better than my v8 Chevy

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  Pretty Good Truck with, a Few Flaws - 2010 Nissan Titan
  By Mike - December 25 - 11:33 am

  Overall this is a very good truck, there are so many great things to say about the truck with only a few bad things to say. There are too many good things to talk about so ill just list of the bad. First and foremost, gas mileage could be better. People make excuses cuz its a big powerful truck, yadi yadi ya! Well the other manufactures have been able to produce powerful great running trucks with decent mpg. Why not nissan? Interior scratches easy for those with kids. Looks worn quickly. Seat material to include floor mats, and interior plastic could all be made more durable. A few fit and finish issues could be better and paint job is ok, but others are better.

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  2012 Nissan Sentra S (Auto) - 2012 Nissan Sentra
  By gary01 - December 25 - 8:20 am

  Great car for cheap money. The car feels solid and is very quiet. The car handles great with a smooth ride. The only downside is gas mileage, I get between 24 and 28 mpg. I got the same mileage with my V6 Honda Accord. I expected better mileage with a 4 cyl. engine.

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  2010 sentra a/c issues. - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By awii - December 24 - 12:50 pm

  Im happy with the cars performance ..how ever a/c is not cooling like it should.. it takes half hr to 45 minutes to reach to a medium cold..this is my third nissan, never had a/c problems with them..took it to nissan dealer to have this check and according to them nothing is wrong.. they said the a/c is withing nissan specs..im not convince.. prior to moving to nc i lived in fl and never experience a/c problems with my 2001 sentra and that is really hot weather.. I traded my 2001 nissan for this car. i wonder if Im the only one with this problem..i plan to take it back since Im not satisfied with the results..i would like to know if any one else has similar problem..

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  Nice SUV - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By squarehead - December 24 - 12:03 pm

  Lease return bought from a friend at buy out for 17730 what a great deal. 88000 km. extended warranty to 120000 km and 2 more years. Fuel sending unit screwed, replaced for free under extended warranty. Great service so far from Nissan. Super fun drive, way nicer than my 2007 jeep wrangler unlimited rubicon. Poor MPG a little better than the jeep. Way more power than the jeep but jeep better off road. No trani problems but will keep a eye on it with their still being extended warranty.

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  2010 Hybrid Altima for 13K below MSRP - 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Aman - December 24 - 10:40 am

  Bought fully equipped 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid (MSRP $34,940) for 13K below sticker price including Nissan rebate, dealer rebate and tax credit. Great price for the set of features with 198 hp hybrid vehicle. Ride is smooth and the gas/EV transition is seamless. Decent leg (44.1/35.8) and head (44.1/35.8) room. Lucky to be in one of the 8 states where Nissan Altima hybrid is currently available.

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  Just not what i was promised - 2013 Nissan Sentra
  By leogirli - December 24 - 8:39 am

  I bought this car a month ago and when I first bought, I loved it. Well after many tanks of gas and 13 trips to the dealership, (in one month I might add) I ended up getting rid of it. I live at a mile high so lower gas mileage is to be expected but I was getting the gas mileage of a gas guzzling SUV not a economy car. I bought the SV model sentra and was getting only 240 miles to a tank. Then it started idling rough. It would shake so hard my kids would notice when the passenger seat would shake. I ended up with a 2013 Altima and so far Im in love. I have only had the Alitma 24 hours and im hoping this car will be much better. Stay tuned.........