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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  Amazing - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Kendal Henry - November 15 - 8:46 am

  The reason I purchased my Altima was because my wife wanted a bigger car. Owned a Honda Civic, which I loved great on gas. Just not roomy enough. I like the styling. Very roomy for my wife and my 2 daughters. The 4 cyl @ 175hp is amazing. Owned a Nissan Maxima before, so I know about Nissan performance. Enjoying every minute of it. Interior styling while not great is comfortable. Some slight exterior noise, a little noisy when accelerating.

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  Fun with a few rough edges - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By 2005 Maxima Owner - November 15 - 5:56 am

  The spacious interior, good looks, horsepower attracted me to this car. After 60 days it still wows me! I had a little buyers remorse having not chosen an Acura Tl... so i went back to take a second look at the TL last week. Glad I got the Maxima.

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  Fast and Dependable - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Mike - November 14 - 11:43 pm

  Bought vehicle used with 36K on it. Now have 126K on it and still drives great. Replaced brakes and tires. Aside from regular maintenance, thats all Ive ever had to do to it. Has never left me stranded. Still accelerates like a champ and hugs the road. No complaints at all here. Looking forward to turning over 200K.

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  First time pickup owner - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By T - November 13 - 1:43 pm

  Had a 05 Escape Limited... the Frontier exceeds all that vehicle in all areas. Muscular look, excellent quality... I love it!

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  Great Re-design! - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By reverendbiker - November 13 - 9:30 am

  This is the finest truck I have ever owned (7 previous) and has a level of refinement that it amazing. Acceleration and handling are first-rate, as are the interior design and ergonomics. Fuel economy is good for a truck (17/21 actual). I usually dont like to buy a first-year vehicle, but it looks like Nissan has done their homework on this one.

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  Nice little car - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By RCarroll - November 13 - 5:20 am

  I bought this car because I was getting killed at the pump by my Nissan Titan. I love being able to drive by the gas stations instead of stopping to fill up. the car looks great, runs great, and am getting over 28 mpg. I plan to have this car in my stable till it craps out, which by the quality of it; I may crap out first. Its one peppy 4 banger!!

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  I love my new 2.5S Altima coupe! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By D CARDOZA - November 13 - 3:36 am

  Ive owned my fully loaded Altima coupe for 6 months and so far: it has been a great experience. The interior styling is classy and the dash layout makes using all its features easy to use. As far as the exterior goes: this car is a head turner. Beautiful to look at. Ive gone on several trips of over 2 hours and find the seats to be perfectly comfortable - for two people. Also, the gas tank holds about 18 gallons so there are fewer refueling stops than youd expect. Especially considering it has power to take off and still has less fuel consumption than any V6. I test drove the Accord, Camry, and Mustang and in my opinion: you get the most out of your hard earned money with the Altima.

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  Outstanding!!!! - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Murano Lover - November 12 - 7:33 pm

  It is the best thing that Ive EVER driven. Stylish, mooth handling, corners well. Lots of bells & whistles. Why would anyone waste their time with the Lexus SUV if they could be driving this! I absolutely love it!!!!

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  Second Pathfinder - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Yoe - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Pathfinder.The first was 1997,XE, I really miss it. MY third Nissan just sold a Maxima 1982 93000.00 miles no problems.I am happy with it.Cd player ate a cd, dealer installed new one after having this vehicle for 2.5 years.Check engine light a problem took 5 tries to fix.

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  Worth every penny - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By quidam - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This is a wonderful vehicle with lots of room and great exterior styling.