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 it! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By ava33 - February 17 - 10:00 am

  Total comfort & total style! The first picture a saw of the Murano I knew it was the SUV for me. However, I did test drive many different vehicles before choosing the Murano. None comparied.This vehicle handles the road "like a hug"!

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  Dream Car - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By ssavick - February 17 - 10:00 am

  We love our new Murando, It is fun to drive, it is comfortable (we are tall people, there is plenty of head and leg room). The quality is superb, there is no road noice inside car, you can listen to radio or CDs without the competion from wind noices. The car is easy to get in and out, especially important for older people with health problems.

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  MINVAN LIKE NO OTHER! Thumbs up 2 Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By ARNEL C. - February 17 - 10:00 am

  This Van is simply awesome! Admired the 5 skyview sunroofs & auto doors with pinch technology. Looks very much like an SUV on some angles yet drives nimbly & smoothly like a car, with great mileage too! Pick-up power is just like a sports car but is super quiet. Design is not boring & elicits stares on the road or park lot even from drivers of stylish, newer SUVs. A few SUV drivers couldnt resist approaching me about it. Standard quip: "Man, thats a great lookin car you have, good choice! Passersby gives me a thumbs up sign... Kudos to Nissan quality and innovation!

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  A Bargain - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Rich T. - February 16 - 7:43 pm

  I got the "S" Model with the 360 degree package. It gives you $2,000 worth of extras for $1,000 (privacy glass, alloy rims, backup camera, spoiler, etc). Im glad I opted for the 360 package. The bare "S" model is spartan. I still miss things like an outside temperature indicator and a drivers seat that adjusts upwards. Both are available with the "SL" Model. The base "SL" model is just a few bucks more than a "S" Model with the 360 package. However, most "SL" Models have other options and thats when the price starts to rise. Ive put 4,000 miles on mine and love it. The CVT is excellent. Smooth as glass. Fairly good mileage. Lots of pep, feels like a 6 cylinder. And a Bargain!

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  05 Frontier Crew Cab SE 2WD V6 Auto - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Rob - February 15 - 11:06 am

  After 18 months and 21000 miles, I can honestly say I love this vehicle! Powerful engine, smooth ride, just dosent feel like a truck. I have driven my truck on several long trips and it cruises effortlessly at 80-85 mph, very quiet and comfortable. Ive owned Toyotas, Hondas, Mazdas and a VW, and can say that so far, this is my favorite. Im very impressed with the build quality of this truck too, especially the engine/transmission and fit and finish. I would definitely recommend that anyone looking at a mid-size truck to do yourself a favor and check out the Frontier!

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  Great car! - 2013 Nissan Sentra
  By Lawanda Renee - February 15 - 3:20 am

  I love my Nissan Sentra its a great car. No problems wrong with it

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  Just Bought the Ride of My Life - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By D-MINES - February 14 - 4:26 pm

  Just traded my 04 FX45 for my first Z, and love my outcome! Couldnt have made a better decision. The exterior rocks and the comments and wow factor from others is much more than the FX. The exhaust amazing. The stock stereo/speakers are a lot to get used to after having a Bose system. Probably have to replace as it looks and sounds low quality. The red exterior rocks. Im loving my Zed!!!

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  Traded Nitro for Xterra SE - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By nickstnick - February 13 - 5:26 pm

  Heres one for ya... bought Nitro 6 mo ago, never happy for a number of reasons. Xterra has excellent body fit, more acceleration smooth engine, good front seat legroom and overall is a better built vehicle smooth as a gravy sandwich. It sits higher, has similar gas mileage and low range transfer. Roof rack is a plus. I am much happier with this beautiful SE Xterra.

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  Maximum Mobility - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By William Johnson - February 13 - 10:06 am

  I love my 2016 Maxima!

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  Altima Valus (Ultimate Value) - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Claude McDowell - February 13 - 3:06 am

  We had a used 94 Altima SE for 3 years, enjoyed the car and had good resale value. We now have the 02 Altima SE. My wife and I believe it is truly the sexiest auto on the road.The V6 deserves its acclaim. Power and decent MPG (21.6). I love to drive it. It meets our expectations and more.