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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  Im lovin it! - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By PHF - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I really love my truck thus far- its only been 4 yrs! If I could change anything it would be the gas milage- not very good considering the trucks size but it is a six cyldr. Looks a lot better than the toyota and has an incredible resale value. the battery is due for a check up but other than that changing the oil is all Ive had to do. Highly recommend and will probably buy another.

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  Second time around - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Gumby - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Owned a 97 maxima SE, and after 181,085 miles, I got tired of looking at it. Never broke, great performance, just tired of shifting. Bought a used 2001 with low miles, and an automatic. Great car, great reliability.

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  Never Buy a Nissan Again - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By kevin from Rochester - October 16 - 10:00 am

  have had for almost 3 years now. Lots of recalls, interior road noise, gas from fuel tank sloshes around while cornering, turning radius is horrible, breaks went at 28 K. (not turable rotors so it cost me around $400). Slippery in the snow and when wet, interior fogging is the worst I have even experienced. Has been like an American car, will not buy a nissan again

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  2004 Nissan Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By lanyyfan - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Over all the performance and reliablity of the vehicle is outstanding. However, I have experience minor electrical problem with the sun roof and tire pressure gage sencer.

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  What more can you ask for. - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Firestorm61 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  The Quest is a Minivan which is when you think about it a TRUCK. I did not buy a car, this is not a Lexus and do not expect it to be one. Since May of 04 I have put 7600 miles on it. I drove to Disney from NJ with three child and my wife. We were all very comfortable and driving at 60mi hr got 30 miles to the gallon. .. Go above 75 and yes the milage drops. This van is fast, handles great and looks cool too. Everything works. A few rattles yes. Again this is a VAN and has huge panels of sheet metal. My friend had the Honda Odyssey. He said the Honda had more rattles than Ebenezers ghosts and the Quest had way more interor room. The standard safety items and awsome engine sold me.

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  Nissan has Vast "Cargo" Capacity - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By RPalmer - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Great ride. Most comfortable seating for more than 2 adults. middle seating group allows for long legged (and/or large passengers).

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  Car That Does It All - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By cferreira - October 16 - 10:00 am

  We have owned this car for 6 months and it has exceeded our expectations. Everytime we get we end up smiling because it is so much fun to drive. We struggled between picking a Toyota 4Runner, Highlander, Honda Pilot or Odessey, Chrysler Pacifica and an Audi A4 Wagon. We wanted comfort and space for the family, performance, all wheel drive and handling and luxury. This car delivers it all at a great price. Even with the steep discounts Chrysler just missed the mark with their granny crossover. Although the Pilot also had a third row seat it lacked the handling and fun of this Nissan product. This is my first Nissan and I will be purchasing more in the future given our experience.

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  Awsome Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Zachary Myers - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is a super truck. The only negative is it drinks gas.

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  FROM GM TO NISSAN - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By MARK BENKO - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I HAD A 1998 BUICK PARK AVE. ULTRA V6 SUPERCHARGED 240HP,LITTLE THINGS STARTED TO GO & AS GAS PRICES STARTED GOING UP! I MADE THE MOVE TO:(05 ALTIMA 2.5 S ) I LOVE IT! NO LOSS FOR POWER, NICE RIDE, GREAT STYLE 29 MILES PER GAL. HWY- 23 CITY. THIS CAR WILL STILL BE WITH ME LONG AFTER I PAY OFF THE LOAN! I HAVE TALKED TO OTHERS AND 200,000 MININUM ON AVERAGE. I SEEN A 2002 ALTIMA ON EBAY WITH 100,000 MILES 24 BIDS ON THIS CAR,IT SOLD FOR $8,000 NOW THATS VALUE! WE ALL NEED TO GET AWAY FROM THE TIM ALLEN ( TOOL TIME) MENTALITY rrrrr! YOU WILL LOVE THE CAR!! I SURE DO

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  Awesome Altima - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By Charboo - October 16 - 6:40 am

  I fell greatful to have purchased one of the last 2nd generation Altimas. Yes, the 2002s are nice but I really like the previous generations styling. This is one great car. Ride, handling, fuel economy, comfort, and durability all in one well-assembled package.