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 in the price range - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Jian - May 18 - 2:00 am

  I have one question to ask if anyone here knows it. When the air circulation button is on, the A/C button automatically comes on, then i try to turn the A/C off, but it automatically turns off the air circulation, so i can NOT have both AC OFF and air circulation ON, is it designed that way or any other way to have AC OFF with air circulation ON? Email me at emanym73@yahoo.com if you have comment. The car is definately outstanding among the competetors within the price range.

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  Runs like a champ - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Abyss - May 17 - 10:06 am

  Up to 160k and running strong. Great acceleration and city handling. CD player is having some troubles. Speedometer sometimes does not work. Overall a fun and reliable sedan. Strongly considering upgrading to the Infinity g35 after owning this car.

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  New car review - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By asdaigle - May 16 - 2:53 pm

  Ive had the car a week now and have put 1200 miles on it. Its getting between 30 to 32 mpg with a regular auto trans. I think it will get more when I do my first oil change and switch to Mobil 1 synthetic. The car is quite roomy on the inside and more comfortable than a 2007 Corolla, which I had looked at and rented thru a car rental agency.

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  Ezz review - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Ezz - May 16 - 3:00 am

  It is fantastic car,smooth transmission, great sound system

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  love this car - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By susanna - May 15 - 10:33 pm

  I have just purchased this Sentra SL and I just love it. My previous car was a V6 so I was a little concerned (actually a lot concerned) about going to a 4 cylinder. I was so surprised on the pick up of this car. The car is so quiet that I keep thinking the car has died at the traffic lights. The handling is great, the features are incredible for this price range and would recommend this car to anyone young or old. My teenager loves it she says this is going to be her first car.

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  Must be one of the best values today. - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Joseph L. - May 15 - 5:13 pm

  This vehicle represents a lot for what it costs. This 4 cylinder is as peppy as it needs, comfortable and fun to drive. The looks of this car still brings a lot of positive comments in parking lots. Now that I have put 30# miles on it, 2 annoying things are happening. 1: Rear brakes are squeaking. 2: Periodically I hear a rattle somewhere in dash area, which I cannot touch to stop in order to have the service department to fix it.

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  My Maxima Review - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By My Maxima Review - May 15 - 4:46 pm

  This Maxima in black looks awesome. Great power and handling. A lot of car for the money. Mileage is also pretty decent.

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  Nifty car with large interior - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Ken - May 15 - 8:30 am

  This car really has delivered so far in the few months we have had it. Smooth and quiet on the road with good pickup acceleration. The six cd player is great and the ride is smooth and quite quiet on the highway. ABS and side airbags are great safety features. I am constantly comparing this vehicle with a 2001 Toyota Corolla which I have owned since purchased new. Pros over the Corolla so far: 1. Higher seat (its adjustable) 2. More room, particularly foot room in the back seat. Negatives: 1. Ride seems a bit harsher on rough roads (but fine on the highway) 2. Doesnt seem to hold the road quite as well on exit ramps (profile of car is higher, probably reason why).

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  Great Buy 2006 Pathfinder S - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By TonyA - May 15 - 4:46 am

  This is my first SUV. I love the ride and the power the v6 provides. Car feels heavy and well built. Love the third row option, its tight but what do you expect. Price was also an issue, and i think its the best bang for your buck as far as looks and performance. I also like the 6000 lbs tow capacity.

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  100% Worth it. - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By kevin - May 14 - 3:46 pm

  When I wanted this truck my wifes first words were "Its ugly." but after driving it she never looked back. We were like the 2nd owners of a TITAN in the state and I have put it through its paces. Awesome power and torque in a "You were right babe, it grows on you" style that was unique to the truck market. I have no complaints at all. It will haul almost anything and pulls almost like a diesel. When you need passing power there are plenty of horses in the corral just asking to be let out. Nowadays manufacturers lean towards a carlike ride.Want a car buy one. As soon as this ones paid for my wifes getting it and Im Getting the 4wd crew cab.You can bet it aint just for looks either.