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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  pleased with van - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Bob - November 22 - 5:53 pm

  the air cond. has had two leaks in pipe going along the chassis to the rear. both times it was repaired and now for the third time the dealer indicates I will pay since I am out of warranty. I say not fair. We will see what happens. otherwise a great good looking & running van.

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  Sold on Nissan - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Nissan Man - November 21 - 10:06 pm

  I did about 6 months of serious truck research on the mid size models. I narrowed it down between Toyota and Nissan. Toyota was about $5000, more, had spongy brakes, and low seat position. Nissan offered a $5000 cheaper truck, better seating position ( I have a 34 inch inseam). Engine and transmission are super smooth and I like the gentle rumble of the engine when it starts. All controls (AC/radio) are easy to reach and I like the big knobs and well illuminated dash for night driving. Nissan has pulled away from Toyota and made a better truck. The frame is rigid, spray on bedliner as well as utilitrak and the bed extender make for a great package. The SE power package perfect.

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  Best bang 4 the buck - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By J. Rivera - November 20 - 10:26 pm

  Impressive. I have the one with the Interlagos Fire paint. Looks are great as well as performance. I test dove the G35, the S2000 and RX-8, but for the money this is a best buy. Who cares about limited room? Very easy to customize too. No need to look in another direction if looking for a sports car. Two big thumbs up!!! P.S. Nice exhaust note!! Bravo.....

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  FIve years, never an issue - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By RustyNC - November 20 - 12:03 am

  We love this car. Never a problem. The highway ride comfort and noise are the only improvement it needs. Very good in the snow.

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  Good Car Tip - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Shawn Wolfe - November 19 - 5:13 am

  I like the car. A good tip is buy a Clear Film Bra for the front. The paint is not thick at all and chips easy. So invest in a clear bra. They are about 500 dollars but it is definitely worth it.

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  Great not so little car. - 2013 Nissan Sentra
  By mckennycoy - November 19 - 3:34 am

  Bought this car last week have read all the reviews and feel they are not all realistic ! I find the car to be an exceptional value , very distinguished looks, huge cab and trunk , and comfortable seats . The Car feels like a midsize car I traded in a Kia Optima and if feels about the same size . Performance of this car so far has been more than adequate for me and my needs. You cant expect to get great gas mileage and have a race car too! I am getting excellent fuel economy, nice ride , very little road noise ,and handles nicely with no surprises . I have the base stereo system and find it to be more than adequate for my needs .

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  Its Fun to Drive! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Grandpa - November 18 - 11:20 pm

  Forget that it has a backseat, itll never get used, even if you wanted to. Backing up is helped with a back up monitoring system. Besides that, its a blast to drive and gets good gas mileage.

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  love my truck! - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By monsoon - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I love this truck! I am a traveling nurse who loves the outdoors. this truck has worked out great for me. I have not had problems at all and the price was reasonable.

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  I LOVE MY MURANO - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By H. Nicholson - November 18 - 10:00 am

  THE VEHICLE SELLS ITSELF

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  Love my Alti - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Auntlollipop - November 18 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. It is a beautiful car, and very nice ride. Smooth and quiet. It does have is quirks, but so do I.