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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  Xterra - 2006 Nissan Xterra
  By Ralph - August 23 - 10:06 pm

  Very good to drive much like a car. A little stiff on bumps. Very roomy for sitting front and back. The Xterra is not for a big family, not enough storage room inside. A very fun SUV for two or three people.

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  Quality like made in china - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By harut_1973 - August 23 - 9:25 pm

  No reliability!!!! This car is piece of junk. The paint peels off all around the car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Even in cracks of lights where you can not reach. Not from physical damage. I went to Nissan dealer for windshield pillar paint peeled off, they said it might by from physical damage. Second time the paint peeled off in crack of back light of Quarter panel, they accept that this is warranty issue but they need 2-3 day for fixing it... and no providing car.... I have problem with door window, but I do not want even call them, they will need 5 days for repair it and I will need to rent a car. Cheaper will be to pay for fix. Even contacting global Nissan do not helped. Do not but this c

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  tires - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By JessieM - August 23 - 2:13 pm

  My tires keep going bad and front end alignment keeps having to be fixed.Its a good little car,but i cant afford to keep putting tires on it.

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  Nice car for the money - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By nice_guy - August 22 - 8:10 pm

  I bought this car, everything is good with this car. I got a bluetooth and the audio package and the alloy wheels but not a spoiler, It looks simply sexy. I spend more time in my car than in the room.

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  Nissan Juke Gas mileage - 2012 Nissan Juke
  By tsdissel - August 22 - 6:13 am

  Im not sure why all the fluctuation of gas mileage,but my 2011 nissan juke sv is getting 29 mpg on the highway. I do run on cruise control to get the best gas. In the city i hot rod and yes only get 23 mpg. I mostly run in normal,but i am very pleased with the performance. Overall I love this car, it does what i want it to and then some. I bought this car to drive and it has exceeded my expectations.

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  Best Damn Car Built. - 1996 Nissan 300ZX
  By Z-animal - August 22 - 2:00 am

  This is the greatest sports machine ever. The smooth looks mixed with the amazing power, i couldn;t ask for more.

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  the best value in a sport car period. - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By saviorofsoul aka sos - August 22 - 2:00 am

  this car in one word is awesome. anyone who dissagreeds needs to race me and find out.

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  Takes a licking, keeps on ticking! - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By brownmanintexas - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Truck purchased new in 2-99; traded in a buzzy bouncy crappy 98 regular cab Toyota Tacoma. What an upgrade! I love this truck. It has the 4 cylinder engine; as such acceleration is not comparable to gas guzzling V8s. BUT, go west of Kerr County where a 75 MPH speed limit is common. 85MPH in 5th with 24 MPG is no problem with this high revving 16 valve engine. Engine is exceptionally smooth and quiet at speed. Throw away the OEM Firestones and OEM shocks. Buy 4 Bridgestone AT Revos tires and Gabriel Max-Control shocks. Then, enjoy this inexpensive and extraordinary tough little truck. I do.

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  Buy This Car!!! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By psychgirl - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I wanted this car for the longest time, and when I test drove it, it was everything I expected and more! I fell in love with it immediately and just had to have it! If you want a nice sized sedan that stands out from the crowd, the Altima is for you. The color of mine is Mystic Emerald, and it looks so beautiful when its clean and is forgiving when dirty. Seats are comfortable, drives quietly and smoothly, great 6-speaker factory stereo, power everything is standard. I think I will own Nissan Altimas forever!!!

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  My Xterra - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By Kaykamaka - August 22 - 2:00 am

  I love my Xterra, but am thinking of trading it in for a new car after our recent ice storm. I know that all cars have problems on ice, but I could not even get traction in my driveway. I felt very unsafe in it even after the roads cleared a little. The noise from the road is bothersome while on highway. Should come equipped with rainguards on the window. Basic interior, awesome exterior. Really sporty and fun to drive. Hard to clean interior for messy drivers (like me).