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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  Impressive! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By terstruck - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Only had a few days but am already convinced that this is the best truck for the money in this class. I paid 31000 and got the Big Tow pkg as well as the floor mats, splashguards and the bed extender. Just an all around sweet ride for the money. Seems like Nissan covered most of the bases when they designed this truck. Would like to see a place to put change and I can see that the oil filter is not going to be easy to reach because it is under the skid plate. Not my problem though since my dealer included three years of oil changes. If you are looking for a truck in this class, you cant go wrong with the Titan!

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  MY OPINION - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By FRANK TAKACS - July 22 - 10:00 am

  IN MY OPINION, THIS NISSAN SE CREW CAB 4WD TRUCK OUTPREFORMS THE 99 CHEV. SILVERADO Z71 FWD THAT I USED TO OWN. THE GAS MILEAGE COULD BE BETTER (APPROX. 15-17 MPG) BUT THE SACRAFICE IS MADE UP FOR IN THE POWER DIFFERENCE.I HAVE OWNED 4WD TRUCKS FOR YEARS FORDS INCLUDED. THIS ONE IS THE BEST SO FAR.

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  4 door sports car - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By mattyboy - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I have most other imports and find the maxima se, as good for less $$$$$$$$$$$$$. I should have followed my fathers lead to Maximas years ago. Bravo to Nissan on the 05 Maxima.

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  A Z car for all ages! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By nissan350Z - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I have own two Corvettes and 2 Mustangs and this 350Z is a one of a kind. It has speed, handling and all the other bells and whistles that I like. I love the 5 spd manual shifting it is a lot of fun. One thing you have to get use to is all the looks you get from other people. Rides a little hard, but you get use to that after a while.

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  great - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By lloydgermyn - July 22 - 10:00 am

  great auto good looks fast and really gets up and goes

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  fastest stress reliever - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By jsquires - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I can drive 5 hours and it feels like 5 minutes.

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  Nissan Maxima Excellent Buy ! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Jahara751 - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Nissan Maxima for a year now and think I could not have made a wiser choice. This is my first brand new car and the decision was a tough one. I finally decided to settle on one because my Sister had purchased one brand new in 1997 and still owns it and has little maintainance other than whats typical. I can not tell you the number of compliments I still receive on it! I have made trips back and forth from my new home here in Dallas to Atlanta, Georgia and to Shreveport Louisana and its the most comfortable trips Ive ever made. Luxury at a great cost! I would recommend it to anyone!

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  My New Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By lark - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Weve had Nissans since 1993 and have been totally satisfied with them. On the road, my new 2005 Altima is getting 31.5 miles per gallon.

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  great car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By dream - July 22 - 10:00 am

  had it for about 2 weeks now, and glad i bought it. fun to drive, a very smooth ride, great pick up power, just an all round great car. i look foward to driving my car.

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  Initial Purchase - 2012 Nissan Leaf
  By black2green - July 22 - 9:13 am

  The vehicle is every thing that I expected from the research that I did. I would rate it higher but I have only had the vehicle for a week so I still want to evaluate the car more before I determine whether there should be an excellent rating or not. Thus far I am continuing to see the advantages of having a EV. I notice many other people driving smaller gas vehicles and it is there second or third vehicle and I wonder why they have not gone EV.