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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  Livin the X Life! - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By MountainSeeker - August 8 - 6:20 pm

  I own both a 2004 & 2007 Xterra SE 4X4. Nissan corrected all the deficiencies of the first generation (1999-2004) in the second generation (2005+). The second generation is the ONE! What a truck - I love it! The Xterra is still a specialty vehicle - its a truck. If you want a suburban cruiser, seek elsewhere. If you want mpg, pass on by. If you want to sit high on the road, go off-road on a whim, and seek adventure, then the Xterra is for you. Nissan makes the Versa & Altima if you want mpg. You cant have all the Xterra offers and expect it to sip gas.

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  Car has some problems - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By chris713 - August 8 - 6:10 am

  The car is decent for the money but comes with some problems. Car wont start on the first try sometimes. Sometimes it starts, then dies. Drives fine though. CD player wont eject my CD. Gas mileage not up to expectations.

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  03 Frontier Crew Cab 4WD SB - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By henrysc - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This truck is a solid performer on and off road. Have not towed with it yet, but expect it will do fine. Will probably add 3" lift kit and performance exhaust.

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  Go Frontier!!!!!! - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By monzee - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I have thouroughly enjoyed my nissan frontier since I have had it I have done nothing more than have regular oil changes and replaced one brake bulb very low maintence

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  255hp and 6spd - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By burnout - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The most car I could find for the money. If you want a powerful sedan with a manual transmission and great reliability this might be it.

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  Armada Mania - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By magonda - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Big but drives as if you are driving a small SUV. Very manuvarable, lots of power and Zip and I do mean Zip. Nissan used a very common sense aproach when desinging the interior accessories. I love it. Best vehical I have ever owned.

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  Disappointing - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Terrible Gas Mileage - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I traded in my 03 Murano for an 04 Maxima SL! What a difference. The design of the Murano was what sold me on the vehicle; the lousy gas mileage and horror stories re:front end problems made me trade for a Maxima after one cross-country trip. Two dealers confirmed that there were numerous complaints about the Muranos gas mileage; I think the "new" transmission was a key factor. The best mileage I ever got with the Murano was 17; with the Maxima, I never get less than 22 and up to 32mpg.

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  Dont let them fix it! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By brandon11111111 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Yeah, it sounds strange, but dont take your car in forthe "cold weather shutdown" recall. They will install a screen that is capable of blocking ice crystals from getting to the fuel pump. Since that was done to our car, the car has shut down 3 times in any weather! Basically the accelerator stops working. Its as if you put your car in neutral, but if you try to use your accelerator, nothing happens. Doesnt even rev. I know this has happened to several Altimas because the dealership couldnt figure out what was wrong and called Nissan who said they have no idea, but that these complaints are coming in heavy.

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  Good car - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By iamyoohoo - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought it a few months ago.. test drove the toyota corolla which is like a cub compared to this car .. dont know why this is so underrated compared to the corolla and the civic

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  Sporty and Cute - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By janna - August 8 - 2:00 am

  After test driving several other vehicles I was happy to find a car that was fun to drive. The transmition ran well at take off and engaged well while going in other gears. (so others I had tried didnt do as well) I like the little extras like standard 6 cd player.The brakes work great. This is a great buy for the money. Not to forget its reliability.