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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  Basic Dependable Truck - 1998 Nissan Frontier
  By jctiger - October 2 - 1:33 am

  This was my first vehicle. I bought it with 104,000 miles and drove it for 5 years. After 150,000 it was still kicking with no problems until someone hit it parked at a football game. I would buy this truck again any day. The only problem that I ever had with it was when the alternator went out after 130,000 miles.

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  What a car! - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By BE2DMAX - October 2 - 1:16 am

  Bought this car new in December, 1999, 5-spd manual. Changed oil every 3,000 miles, maintained according to dealer and Nissan requirements. Did slip on maintenance a few times; but car never had issues as described by other owners. Car driven as daily commuter and for long trips, driving was a dream; "drove it like I stole it"! My baby is now hitting close to 10 years old and now having some issues. Tiny oil leak, bottom of engine somewhere leave a couple of drops every time I park and transmission getting whiny. But still runs as strong as day driven off show room floor.

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  not bad - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Dan - October 1 - 11:53 pm

  Been driving almost two years. VQ engine is smooth, powerful, and fun. My biggest complaint is the rear beam suspension. Used to drive a 99 mazda 626 (independent rear) and the tail felt less fishy and more planted than my Maxima. Tires are awful too. poor tires + beam susp make the perfomance subpar for a sports sedan. Build quality can be improved. After two years of driving on stiff suspension and poorly maintained roads, there are quite a few conspicuous interior rattles and creeks.

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  Better Than Expected! - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By wward - October 1 - 1:30 pm

  I own an auto repair business and was looking for a new personal truck. This truck is amazing. It sets the bar a lot higher for the other truck makers. Ride, performance, ease of service, etc.

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  Nissans Best Crossover - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By frenchman - October 1 - 12:00 pm

  If you test drive it, you will buy it. Its the best crossover for the money out there, period. It has great features, fun to drive, great price, and superb build quality. I have had the pleasure of buying and owning some 94 other vehicles in my lifetime and this is in the top five. My compliments to the factory engineering and design staff at Nissan. Nissan dealers have some great and fun vehicles to sell us.

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  Lemon Rogue - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By dcfc - October 1 - 1:13 am

  Car taken back to Nissan today. They were forced to take it back after it was titled Lemon by the BBB.Had 2 replacement transmissions by 5000 miles and still had same problems. Rogue also had air con replaced. Leaked transmission fluid, etc. See Forums on this site for further info.

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  super nice car - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By ofcourse1 - September 30 - 8:31 am

  I have had my Altima for a year now, and am 90% happy with it. The seats are pretty good, but after about 6-8 hours on the road, start to show their inadequacy. I have put over 26,000 miles in a year, and not had any issues. Very quiet, does well at high speeds, great a/c and heat, love the Bose and the keyless entry/start. Not perfect when it comes to tracking a straight line at high speed. Needs micro-corrections frequently, and the computer screen should have been recessed into the dash to avoid glare from the sun when the backup camera is in use. Would definitely buy another one.

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  Rocking Red Sports Car - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Red Rider - September 30 - 6:16 am

  Just picked this up on 11/4/06 and havent had the time to really put it thru the paces, but so far..... its an amazing machine to drive. Had to wait until it was found in Redline Enthusiast package, but well worth the wait... Traded up from a 2005 Altima SE-R and very glad I did !!!! I Loved That Car As Well !!! Mileage suffers a bit by comparison, but the extra performance balances out the extra $$ Overall, a very exciting vehicle to drive and likely the last one Ill ever need to get.... Go to your local Nissan dealer and check it out for yourself.... Youll be elated that you did...

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  Reality with MPG - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By jadecan - September 30 - 6:11 am

  I love my new Rogue! It drives so quiet and smooth compared to the Honda I had! I am hearing a lot of concerns about the Rogue not living up to the MPG. With any vehicle the MPG are based on a standard way of driving the vehicle. If you hit the highway and put your gas pedal to the floor and drive 75-80 every where you go, yes, you will be lucky to get 24-25 mpg- its a 4 cyl. engine that you are making work overtime. I believe the standards used for all vehicles for highway testing is 60-65 mph. With normal acceleration- no noise! I have been averaging about 30 mpg on the highway when doing the speed limit.

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  95 Maxima GLE - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By TP - September 30 - 4:13 am

  Very reliable, I have put approximately 120,000 miles on it and the repair cost has been reasonable if not low. Durable, saved me in an accident, great car that you can count on if you (or the previous owner) has taken car of it.