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 Car!! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By siegie - May 14 - 10:00 am

  This is an awesome car. I bought mine well below invoice and it is saving me sooooo much money. The gas mileage is great, the roadtrip package is well worth the cost. This is a fantastic and economical car.

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  This is not your Daddys car - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By ggriffin - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Ive put 22k on my Murano in the past year. I have to say that Ive loved every minute of it. My greatest problem is not getting tickets now. It drives so well (smooth, quite, strong), that I forget Im speeding. I also commute a windy mountain hwy every day. ITS A BLAST!!!

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  Moved on to bigger better nissan! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Josue - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I have never owned a truck and I swore I never would. All my life I always drove cars and that was that. I never even liked SUVs. However that wears thin and so did my 300zx turbo. Now im a proud owner of a NISSAN TITAN. Only thing im scared of is that the truck is almost running out of gas, see when I purchased it the dealer filled it up and also washed it. I now have had the truck for 2 whole days an already have 280miles on it. I cant stop driving it plus I want to break it in. Well 27 gallons here we come. =)

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  350 Z Touring - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By ktrepagnier - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I have not had any problems with the vehicle and love it. It has to be one of the most enjoyable cars I have ever had. I do have to say that it has a sports car ride, so if you are looking for a luxury car ride this is not it. I do have to say this is one quality vehicle and allot of fun to drive.

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  great car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By mitchell gomez - May 14 - 10:00 am

  words cant describe how i feel about this car!if you want one get one.you wont be dissapointed,trust me

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  2004 maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By dick bowns - May 14 - 10:00 am

  as stated this is one fine machine, lots of fun and looks so good

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  Great Car! - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By wcfenton - May 14 - 10:00 am

  After test driving several new cars including the 2004 Maxima, Camery, Honda and a few others, the 2005 Altima 3.5SE was the clear winner. Solid, quiet, responsive and with all the whistles and bells you could ask for. This is a fun car to drive!

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  Go Get One! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By MF - May 14 - 5:20 am

  The best thing about this web site is the consumer reviews, so thank you to all who shared their experiences before me (it helped). The new Pathfinder is Awesome! Knew it was for me when I got in for the test drive. Paid invoice price. Have had it for a few days now and even got to play in the snow. 4x4 is great. I checked out Explorer, Durango, Trail Blazer, Hilander, Pilot but you really get more for your money with the most powerful V6 in the mid sized class. The base model has plenty of everything I wanted in an SUV. Very roomy up front. All the features I wanted came standard. I feel very comforable and safe. Go Get one!

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  BACK AGAIN, and again - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By designbo - May 14 - 4:46 am

  Now at 12,000 miles and couldnt be happier. Truck is truly awesome. This truck turns heads and no one and I mean no one tries to out run me...fantastic is all I can say.. when my lease runs out this will be mine for ever.... people can not believe how good it rides, sound system and power.

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  Perfect - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By Tim M. - May 14 - 12:56 am

  I have only owned my truck for 2 weeks and I love it. Did a lot of research on the web about the 08 Titan and felt it was right me. Test drove all brands and the Titan won hands down. The kids love the rear overhead radio and I love the performance. Have not pulled our 26 camper yet but I think it will do better the 250 I traded in. Had a Leer cap installed last week and I get a lot of compliments on the looks of the truck. I will buy another Titan in the future.