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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  great car bad paint - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By mike b - January 1 - 12:27 pm

  We love this car. have bought 4 new Nissans over the years. Thought I finally found the maker to make me happy. Have had great luck but hear it comes dont know if it happens down south but I have 20,000 miles on it and its rusting around the crome strip on trunk. Coworker has the same problem on his 13 with 40,000 on it dealer said to bad that it would only be covered if under 36,000 miles. I will get it fixed under warranty when I take it in but it will come but in a year. Dealer knows about all of it for its happening to all of them. Nissan needs to step up but we know it will not happen. oh well Ill try a Toy or Acura next time. Not a good way to retain new car buyers.

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  Fun Little Car - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By capman - January 1 - 7:30 am

  Like most of the reviews, the sound system and 6-disc in dash cd player are awesome! The front bucket seats are comfortable. The SE version has the Firehawk tires that are very expensive to replace. The cup holders are poorly located.I kick off the cd player at least once a week when putting down my soda.Ive had the car 7 months so far and Im still enjoying it. Drove from Maine (where I live to NYC) and the trip went smoothly. Wondering how the car will drive in the snow?

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  So Impressed! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Big Boy - January 1 - 4:26 am

  I bought this 2004 Nissan Armada in 2003. I have 35,000 miles on the odo. currentlty. Let me add I havent had a problem with the suv since I purchased it! Looks nice, pulls my 7,000 snowmobile trailer nice, and hugs the road fairly for such a tank.

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  Cash for Clunkers Buy - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By Dave Shane - December 31 - 6:06 pm

  I got the Versa Sedan 1.6 with 5 speed manual transmission and A/C with ABS through the "Cash for Clunkers" program. I wanted the least expensive car out there that had A/C and that an adult could fit into. Ive owned Nissans before and I know they make a better product. This car is made for practical adults. It has plenty of safety features and a lot of interior room. The truck is very roomy for vacation travel. For the kid in me, I do enjoy winding it up and going through the gears. It isnt a speed demon but I can get through traffic with ease if Im running late.

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  Silver NISMO - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By 66Roadster - December 31 - 10:50 am

  I have been driving my NISMO Crew Cab 2X4 for 3000 miles and it is a pure joy! The power is great, first class transmission, the suspension is nice and tight, the looks are right on, and quality is perfect. Nissan did a great job building a truck for all the "truck" reasons and not a cross- over or pretending to be a car. This thing is solid as a rock, has room for the family, can pull/drag anything, and run with sports cars. What else would anyone want in a truck?

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  2011 Rogue Review - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By James McKinney - December 31 - 10:06 am

  Ive had my Rogue for 4 years. I just turned 73K without a problem. The vehicle drives just as well now as the day I bought it. I have had several vehicles in my lifetime and I rate this car/SUV near the top of the list. I use the vehicle to commute to work and have taken it on a few vacations without a hitch. My wife liked the Rogue so well that I bought her a 2012 model. It has plenty of power and the CVT is very smooth. You cannot tell that the vehicle is shifting like you do with a regular automatic transmission. There is plenty of room inside. I am 5 11" tall. It may not suit someone much taller though. Plenty of room to haul groceries, etc. Cruise control and A/C work well.

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  Love It - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By Crystal - December 30 - 11:50 pm

  So far i had this van for about two months now. Its a fast van speend,comfort and everything. I love to drive it at night the dashbroad is so bright. This is better then any car i had before.

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  200K and still strong - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By kwkemp1 - December 30 - 6:16 pm

  Bought this new in 2004 and have never had an issue with mechanical aspects. Only 3 issues have been: driverside visor broke at 160K, plastic handles to lower 2nd row seats broke at about 120K, and radio cuts on and off. Other than these minor issues. Also this car does an amazing job in the snow as it does not slide.

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  Maxine takes me for a ride!!! - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By nismohack - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Maxine loves to get up and go all of the time, and no exceptions. She is so reliable and will drive in any weather. Front-wheel drive and plenty of power to back it up with, this is the best car I have ever bought, and a good investment. She has 113000 miles and is just being broken in.

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  Nissan builds quality - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Luinsan - December 30 - 10:00 am

  This Nissan is tops in quality inside and out. The performance ranks high with its new transmission and car like handling. Passengers of all sizes will appreciate its room and comfort. We compared a lot of SUVs and the Nissan Murano bested them all.