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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  Fun, good value - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Wes G - June 11 - 8:33 pm

  Purchased new in 03. I now have ~25K miles on it, and am still very pleased with it. Mine is pretty stripped down, only the essential options- big engine, manual transmission, sport pkg (xenons, Bose 6 disc). Ordered without the expensive leather pkg, this is a very reasonably priced car! Interior is comfortable for 5 adults, even with a 64" driver, and this car does quite well on trips. One note for tall drivers, though. I have problems with my right shin muscle and ankle cramping due to the foot position I have to use to maintain a constant highway speed for a long time without the cruise control. No mechanical problems thus far, and I do drive it pretty hard.

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  WHAT A LEMON !! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Ty01453 - June 11 - 2:40 pm

  bought this car 6 months ago (used) and it already needs a new motor. What a waste of my $$. For your own sake stay away from 2002 used altimas.

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  Great Compact Truck - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By S. Carlblom - June 11 - 11:26 am

  Ive owned my 2001 Nissan Frontier for a little over a couple months now, and have had no problems. It drives great, but could use a little more power out of the 4-cyl. motor. Its styling is impeccable, interior and exterior. I get great gas milage, about 25+ hwy, and 20 city. Its very reliable, and always runs well. It had everything I was looking for in a compact truck.

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  Best Vehicle I Have Owned - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Paul G - June 11 - 6:20 am

  This is a great car. The performance is outstanding and the interior is very good, especially considering that I am 6 6" tall. The only problem that I have had is with the soft rims and low profile tires, all original equipment. I have damaged 3 rims so far.

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  Very happy - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Chris s. - June 11 - 5:28 am

  Went to local Rozen Nissan dealer and bought our first rogue awd. Very impressed with bang for your buck features . Awd and spaciousness for the price you cant beat. And our salesmen Eric was over the top. Great car great company!

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  Not a good car for the $! - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By amik - June 11 - 5:10 am

  Ive had 4 other Maximas and the last one I had was a 2000 model & had over 250,000 miles on it when I traded it in and it was still going. The 07 Ive only had it 3 years now & LOTS of problems. In the shop every 3 weeks. ONLY use premium gas & make sure you do not drive this car low on gas, trash will get in cam shaft sil. valves & cause timing & knock in engine & will smoke BAD when you crank it up & it cost $600 just to replace front set and 2 months later had to replace them again & just been told they need to be replaced for a 3rd time. Also change oil at 3,000 miles even though book says 5,000. Also A/C has went out 2 times in 2 years. Now have to replace oil pump & possibly motor.

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  Fun Car - 2006 Nissan 350Z
  By Alpine4e - June 10 - 5:23 pm

  I bought my Z about a week ago and absolutely love it. It looks awesome and drives even better. It handles like a dream. It doesnt have rocket like speed but it is fast enough. It turns heads wherever you go. I love the convertible.

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  review of 1996 nissan maxima - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By sputnik - June 10 - 10:00 am

  excellent car in town; lacks comfort on long drive; is a complicated auto; still dont know how security system work!! embarassing when horn starts blowing! is quick to start; low gear ratio, very good; gas mileage so so; about 20 mpg.

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  What a Lemmon!! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Racer2004 - June 10 - 10:00 am

  I bought this early this year. Started noticing the problems right away. Leaky sunroof, creaking sliding doors, cheap plastic inside and lots of rattle. Minivan is new so dealer does not know how to fix properly. Often it takes months to get parts. Already made multiple trips to dealer. Not sure when what will break.

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  This Car Will Always Be Golden - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By SuperMax - June 10 - 10:00 am

  This car has never been better. Nice quiet ride with very aggressive and responsive pulls at hard acceleration. Its a 2005 so it doesnt have too many bugs, but thats yet to be witnessed. An overall good value.