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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  I Love This Truck - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By Gary - August 10 - 2:40 am

  Ive had my Frontier a year, now. If I had it do again, I would still buy this truck. I looked at the Dakota and the Tacoma, and wasnt very impressed. First, I liked the look of the Frontier. But, when I drove one, that was it. The power, felt like a V-8. Too me, it was just what I wanted in a truck.

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  Enjoy the Ride! - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Nate240-Z - August 9 - 9:20 pm

  I LOVE this truck! I have almost 45000 miles on it now and not a single problem. The interior does not have the cheap look and feel that the Toyota has. The interior is also extremely user friendly. Once you get rid of those horrible BFG rugged trail tires for a real All Terrain tire, I suggest the Yokohama Geolander A/T+IIs, the off-road ability is amazing. I had NO wet road traction with the BFGs and the Yokos solved that problem. I ordered mine with the 5spd manual which has a 4LO crawl ratio of nearly 40:1. Gas mielage is good for a 4x4... I average 20mpg on the highway and 15-16 in town, also while towing my 72 240Z on the hwy (3300lbs w/trailer) I averaged 16mpg @ 65-70mph.

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  Armada muscle sport ute - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By BART - August 9 - 4:03 pm

  Agressive muscle SUV with unusual good looking proportions from the norm. Handles and and dives just like a sedan. Can use wheel well flare trim to offset the large tire slpash and plain side panels front and rear. A lower front bumper grille detail to cover lower fan exposure would be nice. Visibility is good for size.

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  Excellent Car!! - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Rachel - August 8 - 11:36 pm

  My husband and I purchased two brand new Nissan Maximas 2001 Limited Edition cars (made in Japan). After I bought mine, he loved it so much, he bought one. I still have mine and it is an awesome car! I have maintained all regular maintenance & service on it and the items that needed repair (catalytic converter and alternator) were covered under warranty. This is the second Maxima (& 4th Nissan) Ive owned and it is very fast, has great pick-up and is still stylish (after 7 years). My husband just traded his car in because he wanted a 4 cylinder and now misses his Maxima. The Bose system has incredible sound, all controls & power items still work, no problems with leather or paint! Buy one!!

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  sporty, sexy and intimidating to viewers - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By WendyZ - August 7 - 6:30 pm

  It is fun and stylish. But expect other drivers to be jealous. The exterior view of this car is sporty, sexy and intimidating to viewers.

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  Good Purchase - 2010 Nissan Titan
  By Dave - August 7 - 5:26 pm

  I love my Nissan Titan! And, with the poor economy, I got it for a great price. Ive had my Titan for almost a year & have no rattles or other noises. The crew cab is very roomy. Dont believe everything you read or hear about the mileage. I have a tow package & 4WD, but get 19-20 MPG if I keep it at 65 MPH on the freeway. I pulled a lightly loaded trailer on the freeway and got 16 MPG.

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  Cool Truck! - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By RM - August 7 - 12:53 pm

  This is a great truck. I traded in my Xterra for it. I got the last 06 at a great price, fully loaded. It has great style and is so fun to drive. I plan on towing with it and it obviously has great power. I look forward to long relationship with my truck!

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  Love this car - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Altima Abby - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I first had a 2002 2.5S Altima, which I loved, but...it had bad luck (accidents, recalls etc) and was in and out of the service department. I put my faith in Nissans good name and tried again! I love the SL model! Its seems quieter and more comfortable seating. And the sound system (bose) is amazing! I love the cup holders. I love it all.

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  Marks Nissan - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By msfullen - August 7 - 10:00 am

  its fun to drive and sits high like a 4wd but its not, standard mudflaps, comfortable, plenty of power for a 3.3 engine, designed wheel wells, but the front of vehicle looks like a bug or something because it looks like it has eyes with the two round marker lights, plenty of room in the short bed crew cab with its extender, and the room in back is ok not big but not to small.

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  EXCELLENT CAR - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By NISSAN - August 7 - 10:00 am

  GREAT VEHICLE TO DRIVE, COMFORTABLE, SPORTY LOOK AT THE SAME TIME LUXERY. FOR THE MONEY IS THE BEST CAR OUT THERE.