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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  Killer Truck - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Hucker Jon - March 17 - 11:53 pm

  Did my homework on this truck. I was considering the Tacoma but when it came down to it, the Frontier was a much better value than the Toyota. You get more bang for your buck, more available options, and a better selection of exterior paint. I got the storm gray with charcoal cloth interior. This truck is a beauty, much better looking than the Tacoma! The Utili-track channel system and factory applied bedliner are much nicer and sturdier than the Tacomas as well. Toyota has cheap plastic tiedown cleats while Nissans are aluminum and has five channels in bed. The powertrain is real smooth and powerful and the interior is smart and comfy. Great truck for adventure sports guys!

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  Tons of fun to drive!! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By PORZ - March 16 - 10:40 pm

  This car is a hoot to drive, its great in turns, accelerates like an F-16 and is decent on gas, considering its a rocket. Original Bridgestones were disappointing, new Yokahamas make it handle much better. Car does have a lot of road noise. Ive had it since new and have had no problems and still enjoy getting in it & driving! A cool car.

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  Wow - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By jimmyd - March 16 - 9:20 pm

  One nice car for under $36,000. Drives like a much more expensive car. Nissan put together a winner.

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  Lovin My First New Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By J.B. - March 16 - 1:20 pm

  Car is great!! Very affordable and did not have to deplete my budget. Handles very well. Plenty of leg room front and back. I originally wanted the majestic blue, but ended up with the coral sand. This color is just as good because doesnt show up dirt that bad and can camouflage scratches/nicks as compared to dark colors. I got the Convenience Plus Package w/ mine which inc. sunroof. Love it!! Floor Mats have the Altima Named in them for an added touch. Coral sand also has wood grain inside to give it more appeal and it definitely works!!

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  Good Value - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Truck - March 15 - 12:10 pm

  Just bought my 08 Nissan King Cab w/4.0L V6 and only have 100 miles on it. So far I love the vehicle although its too early to tell about the gas mileage which is rated 14 city/19 hwy. which is pretty poor. However, the price when compared to the Tacoma with the same features is much lower for the Nissan even though the quality is right up there with Toyota.

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  Great Sports Car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Jack - March 14 - 11:23 pm

  This is a true sports car. On the interstate this car is like a rocket! People stop me to talk about my Z and tell me how they would love to own one. This is the car that I have always wanted. I have had my 2004 1/2 touring model Z for 3 years and I have never had one problem with it other than trying to keep my speed down on the highways. If you have to commute at least enjoy the drive.

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  Best car I have owned - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Mikes - March 14 - 10:00 am

  This was my first Nissan, had a couple of Acuras, both good cars but the Max has been very reliable. The car looks good after 162,000 miles, drivers seat shows some wear, but overall, car has been good. Alternator was replaced at 90,000 and then I was reimbursed the $700 since it was a later recall item. One minor oil leak now, about $200 to fix. Car has been hard on tires and/or alignment, or is it me pushing it......great car on the Interstate

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  EXCELLENT CAR!!! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Pinkyknaw - March 14 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I have had 3 cars in the past and this is by far the best one weve had. Its comfortable, the rides smooth, its the perfect size for my family. Its just great.

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  The - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By EYALYLU - March 14 - 10:00 am

  Fun Fun Fun...what a ride. When it was time to replace our Chevy Suburban we pondered maybe a mid size suv will do,my wife insisted on an suv, ..."im not a minivan mom" she said,i asked her to drive it and give it a chance,5 min into the test drive she turned to me and said.."howcome weve never test drove a minivan"? as i was waiting for a no no she said "I LIKE IT A LOT", Haleluyah.The reasons for choosing the Quest over the Odyssey or Sienna are many but mainly the bold styling(looks alot like an suv),the interior looks like an airplane,and the room in second to none.

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  great - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By brent123456 - March 14 - 10:00 am

  best car ive driven for the price i paid . well done nisaan