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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  One of the best values out there! - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By usmcbigguns - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I drive this car very hard and have not had a problem with my max. Bought an extended warranty with the car, big mistake, it was a waste of money. Only items that need replacement were belts (85k)brake pads(35k and 75k) and the battery(87k). The pick-up this car has is amazing considering the engine output. Handles well and the transmission is relatively smooth.

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  Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Shaan - September 22 - 10:00 am

  This car is great.It is fun to drive my only complaint is that my brakes are making a squeeking on occasion but otherwise this car is great. It has more standard horsepower than any full size vehicle under 30$cdn. Thank you for your time Shaan

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  Dream Vehicle is now a Reality - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Daddygirl - September 21 - 10:53 pm

  I LOVE the 09 Murano. This is my first vehicle that I have purchased on my own. I love the way it drives, looks, the back up camera and the truck in general. I wish I couldve gotten the dual panel moonroof. Regardless this is the best vehicle Nissan has created. GOOD JOB

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  Best Truck Ever Made - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By robert - September 21 - 3:20 am

  The drive is solid. The power is excellent and it is very quiet and comfortable inside. I compared it to the Toyota tacoma and the Ford ranger. It was obvious to me that there were very large quality differences. The Frontier was a much nicer vehicle then the other two makes that I compared it with. Also the value of the dollar for similar features beat the Toyota. Buy this truck if you want to be completely satisfied with your decision.

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  FUN! - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Karen - September 20 - 9:56 pm

  After driving a minivan for 10 years, I was ready for something different and the Murano is it. It is truly fun to drive, very maneuverable, has quick acceleration, and did I say fun to drive? The Bose sound system is excellent and the sunroof is a pleasure. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for something besides the Lexus/Infiniti/Volvo pack of mid- size SUVs.

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  2006 titan - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Bjp - September 20 - 5:10 pm

  2006 titan 4wd/LE. have truck for 1 month and 1000 miles. Love performance. Gas mileage on first tank was 13.5mpg mostly city. 16.5 on hwy at 75 mph with only 700 miles on engine. Will use the bed extender on next trip and see gas milage with tailgate down. So far, the EPA estimate is fairly accurate. Ill see what the truck gets when I get the engine broken in and some miles on it. If one has ideas for increased mpg. Let me know. Did alot of research and I think the Titan is the best truck on market. Will reevaluate at 10,000 miles.

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  Excellent car, 144,000 miles - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Andrew - September 20 - 7:40 am

  Bought this car in Dec 01 when new styling came out. 3.5 engine very powerful. Only had minor issues (light bulb for miles display went out early on) some recalls initially. Again nothing major. At 144K, windshield wipers stopped working and I spent $200 to get fixed. Now it is leaking antifreeze and given I need new tires and new battery I decided to trade it in. Definitely worked out well for me though.

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  Worth the Wait - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Prlauren - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I had it Factory ordered. Took 4 months but it was worth the wait! Horsepower, all I have to say is WOW! Ofroad package sport utility package and tow package is a must! Absolutely love it!

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  The Very Best - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By harryfleis - September 19 - 10:00 am

  I have never enjoyed driving a car as much as this.

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  No regrats!! - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Chrika in MI - September 18 - 8:00 pm

  Love my new Murano SL AWD. Being from Mich driving in snow was a big consideration for buying a new car and this handles great. It feels like a well planted/solid car when you drive it. Interior is roomy and stylish. Great for kids.