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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  Best Mini-Van by Far - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By dlsturdevant - June 30 - 3:13 pm

  We liked everything about this rig better than the competitors. We havent been disapointed one bit. My wife loves the admiring looks we get from other mini-van owners and the incredible responsiveness of the engine. This thing drives like a sports car.

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  Transmissions are the downfall - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Charles Abourezk - June 30 - 10:33 am

  A great car other than the transmissions. I have had to have the transmission replaced twice while under warranty and now Nissan has extended the warranty on the transmission in recognition of this. Nissan of North Americas customer service is terrible. The second time it went out it cost me about $1900 out of pocket as I was on vacation at the time and had to leave it in another state for over one month. They refused to pay anything for this and I was on my own. Advise against buying this otherwise sweet car because of that experience. I would have been a loyal Nissan person forever if not for this experience.

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  Best Car I Ever HAd - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Bam Bam - June 30 - 8:33 am

  I bought this car about two years ago and it is still fun to drive. The suspension is sporty and it really shocks people at the "get up and go" it has. I put on an nismo exhaust and cold air intake and it sounds aggressive and just down right mean. Plus it really helps with the mpg, i love the keyless entry and the push button start. I would 100% advice people to look in to this car. I looked at the camry and accord i just didnt feel the same amount of excitement i do from my altima. All around great car

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  Love This Car/Suv - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By Mike Thomas - June 30 - 12:20 am

  We have had our Murano for only one week. I have only driven it about 300 miles. The little I have driven it I relly love it. I can definitely tell the Nissan quallity. Vehicle rides very smooth and is very quiet. Automatic AWD is great. The CVT transmission really gives the vehicle a smooth and quiet ride. Cant feel the trans shift at all. So far my all around gas mileage is about 20 mpg. Also feel very safe driving this vehicle.

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  My Fun Truck - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Larry E. Olson - June 29 - 7:23 pm

  With exception performance and with just 500 miles on the new engine I traveled to the West Coast with a trailer to purchase and haul back 4 Cushman motorcycles. Driving through snow cover mountain passes, windy valleys and heavy rains the Titan preformed exceptionally well. I was totally pleased with its handling and towing capabilities. I had severe head winds on the return trip and still the Titan was able to make the trip and surpassed all my expectations. I was so pleased that I stopped into Gateway Nissan and shared with the dealership personnel copies of the recent article in Popular Mechanics (Mar 2007), all the good comments I received and my trip experiences. The truck is awesome!

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  Wish I hadnt and wont again. - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Auburn - June 29 - 2:33 pm

  It is not a well-built vehicle. Cheap plastic inside breaks, CD player kaput at 40k, washer fluid reservoir cracked and leaks out, fuel-sending unit/gauge out at 45k (Nissan hasnt included 05 in the recall of 06 and 08s -thanks for nothing- even though they know its a defect), and now a problem with my transmission at 71k. Cant seem to get a specific diagnosis yet but I can guess what it is ---radiator leaking into the trans? Nissan hasnt paid for the fuel s.u. or recalled the defective part(s) leading to the trans failure. This was my 3rd Nissan. Time to trade and never buy Nissan again.

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  Excellent Car at Any Price - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Craig - June 29 - 9:10 am

  I purchased my Altima last April 2007 and have over 9000 miles on the car. I considered the 3.5L model, but chose the extra MPG I could get with the 2.5L. There is adequate power with the 2.5 and I have never been underpowered in any situation. The select shift component is nice when having to accelerate without pushing the gas pedal to the floor to have the engine respond. The handling is great. The Altima kept my wife out an accident last week when an elderly woman pulled out in front of her on a highway. The car continued to handle while the ABS was working. Eyewitnesses asked about the car because they couldnt believe it. Strongly suggest buying one. Get the convenience package.

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  Updated from 09/06 (Bought 05/06) - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By new_to_nissan - June 28 - 12:53 pm

  Few months back put 1200 miles in one trip. This car did not disappoint me for a minute. With 175 hp pick and smooth highway ride, my family felt secure while taking a ride on this car. Honda Accord 2000 as my first car and ended up buying Altima because of wreck. I still love Honda cars but every day when I drive this car, it seems to me that this car is asking me to challenge its ride and handling. Nissan had done well to earn the confidence of drivers like me, mid 30Â’s young dads who drive responsibly. If you are responsible driver and occasionally drive 5mph or 10 mph over the limit, I will suggest this car. So far it is trouble free.

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  Simply Remarkable - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Ryan G - June 28 - 7:33 am

  I was looking for a Honda but the resell value was too high so I purchased the Maxima and I have not regretted it since. With nearly 150,000 miles the engine still sounds new and it performs incredibly well. Incidental maintenance becomes an issue as the car gets older i.e. alternator, cylinder, plugs, but major failures seem near impossible. If you have a choice this is the best pre-owned car value on the road!

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  Good car - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By Jack - June 28 - 3:36 am

  Love the smoothness of the driving, bluetooth works nicely in conjunction with all your music features. Love the intellikey. Got 37 mpg driving at 60 mph. No need to go at high speeds. Let others waste their gas.