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 car - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Smooth - May 29 - 2:00 pm

  The Altima is a great mix of style, performance, and reliability. The best thing about the Altima is that it is not the car that everyone else owns like the Accord or Camry. If you need or want a sedan but also do not want to drive Grandmas car, this is definitely a car to consider. It has plenty of power and handles great. After driving and comparing the Altima to its competitors, it simply became the best choice.

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  Nissan Titan has my vote! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Ohio - May 29 - 12:33 pm

  I now have 800 mi. on my Titan, and have loved driving it every mile. I traded a 01F150 and wish I would have done it sooner. The list of features on the LE package are fantastic. The fuel economy has been 16mpg and isnt really a problem with me.. I knew this before I bought it and its not a everyday used truck. The engine and transmission are extremly smooth and quiet... except for the exhaust sound, which reminds you your in a truck with power. However, the exhaust is not loud enough to be annoying. The interior layout has proven to be well laid out, very user friendly and very comfortable. The ride is very smooth yet sporty feeling. Best of all the cabin is the quietest out there!

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  Over 80 but still enjoy performance - 2014 Nissan Altima
  By Drur Fenton - May 28 - 4:24 pm

  I sold used cars for a very large national used car dealership for several years and got to know a lot of different brands. For the money I consider it to be one of the top 2 brands in this price range. I also consider it to be better than some cars costing more.

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  lemon from the beginning - 2017 Nissan Sentra
  By bernardo nunez - May 28 - 4:10 pm

  spend a lot of gas 1 tank 4 day s in local traffic....transmissionvery noisy when shifting...power steering make noise whe spinning........already replace sensors and manifold..taken to the dealership several times

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  Is this an Altima or Infiniti G35? - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Ronald G. - May 28 - 2:16 am

  This is my first purchase of a brand new car. I love everything about this car. The intelligent key is AWESOME! Door unlocks when you get within a certain range as does the trunk. The instrument panel is laid out very nicely and the instruments are very easy to use. Altimas are mainly known as being drove by a lot of women but the 07s look sporty enough for men to drive. The front is a cross between a Nissan Maxima and a 350 Z. Gives it an aggressive stance. The back end reminds you of a Lexus. Lots of room on the inside. Trunk is HUGE. The seats are very comfortable. Ride is very smooth. I jump in my car just to drive down the street because its so fun to drive. I HIGHLY recommend

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  04 Quest has known problems - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Bryon Brelsford - May 27 - 1:13 pm

  One week after we bought the car the drivers window was making a noise. We had numerous rattles which were fixed then made noise again. The brake pedal made a squeaking noise. Clamps broke under the car that held the exhaust pipe in place, causing more noise while driving. The rear windows dont go down. You have to really slam the hatch sometimes to get it to close properly. Our radio was replaced after 6 months when it wouldnt turn on in cold weather. With the heat and air conditioning on their highest setting the air dribbles out. Finally, I called Nissan Corp. and they were willing to do nothing for all the times I had to bring the car in to be fixed. I got rid of it!

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  Baught Used... - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By XterraMD - May 27 - 10:00 am

  From Carmax and so far so pleased. I was surprised how the value decreased no doubt due to the new Cute Utes and the newer Xterra. But I like it just the same.

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  Man I love this car! - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By gurumichaelOG - May 27 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for a year now and still grin while driving it. I drive like a bat out of hell and the worst mileage I get is 22 mpg -- which is terrific for a performance car and the way I drive. I traded my 2002 Impreza WRX for this and have ZERO regrets. That thing was falling apart from day 1. Nissan makes great cars, loaded with low end torque (which is where the power is) and I thoroughly enjoy owning this car. Plus, it smokes most cars that test me. The power is even throughout the power band. I have the silver with the red/black interior and it is awesome.

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  Ill never buy another Nissan! - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By AdamK - May 27 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Nissan, the first being a Maxima. I have had numerous problems with this car, considering in the last 6 months it has been into the dealer 9 times! Dont buy one...and if you have one, make sure you airbag sensors actaully work!

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  Not Too Bad!! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By ne14wood - May 27 - 10:00 am

  Now that I have 6000 miles on my vehicle, Ive decided to write a review. The build quality & reliability is great, so far. The steering is crisp, and the brakes are excellent. The gas mileage was bad at first, but now that the car is broken in the mileage is as advertised. Great value for a compact car. Overall I am pleased!