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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  Three is a Charm! - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Third Timer - February 1 - 11:26 am

  I just picked up my new 2010 Maxima (Blue w/Tan) last night and cant say enough good things about it. This is my third since 2003. The VQ series engine is simply a work of art and mechanical design genius! I traded in a 2005 Acura TL which was an excellent car, but this Maxima beats it and its new model hands down. The value quotient for this vehicle is outstanding! Performance and feature content cant be beat. Reliability of my past two was excellent, no issues! I look forward to a long loving relationship with this third Maxima. By the way, Fox Nissan was outstanding giving me a GREAT deal and excellent delivery experience. NO hassles! Buy a Maxima!

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  I LOOVE this car!! - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By soozi - February 1 - 6:26 am

  Bought the SV w/Prem Package and I absolutely LOOVE this car. I drove an Audi prior to this and was afraid Id feel like I downgraded. NO WAY!! This car has more features than my Audi and is super fun to drive! Transmission shifts smoothly and quietly and Im getting 19.7 mpg around town using 89 octane. Would recommend this car to everyone!

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  Best Pathfinder Yet - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Gary Ferrero - January 31 - 10:13 am

  Coming off previous model as well as two Grand Cherokees, this is by far the best mid sized SUV value out there. The stroked VQ engine is awesome, power at all RPM ranges and noticeably more torque than its predecesor. Ride is firmer but the truck is quieter and although a bit choppier still a great pleasure to drive. Added heft is definitely a plus on slippery roads and this combined with addition of the AUTO mode make truck more surefooted. Build quality is, as with all Nissans, incredible as this is a real truck that doesnt really know it. Not one shake rattle or roll from this baby, rock solid. Kudos to Nissan for upgrading and improving an already great vehicle.

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  Murano in the ville - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By pelf - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Id been holding off on purchasing the Murano until it mutated into a ride that I couldnt live without. The 06 model has definitely become that. It handles great and has such a quick response that it makes me feel like a kid again when Im out driving around. The fun factor is off the charts!

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  Better than a Camry and Accord - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Joy - January 30 - 2:23 pm

  I love my car! It looks and drives great. And compared to the 2006 Camry and Accord, it has more standard features. The entire car is roomy without feeling like youre driving a boat.

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  Best $40K SUV on the Market! - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By steve - January 29 - 11:20 pm

  The power and speed are unbelievable. Interior is well-appointed. I owned a Tahoe and a Maxima, now I get the best of both in one vehicle. The way some exterior design cues are executed in the interior (like the center console) are superb. Its like driving a work of art. Definately a nice alternative to GMs sloppy fit and finish and Toyotas anemic engines! WAITING ON THE HYBRID!

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  Love my LE - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By JeffH74 - January 29 - 6:00 pm

  Bought this SUv new just before the 2002 came out. The engine is som much better than previous years. I had the same CD problems as mentioned in other reviews. I argued with the dealership for over a month and they finally got Nissan to warranty it. That was about 50K miles ago and no problems. Other than tires and one replacement of front brakes I have done nothing to this vehicle. I am still on my original rear brakes at 117K miles. I just got rear ended 2 weeks ago at nearly 40 mph and had no injuries and only minor back pain. The flip side is the bumper pushed the frame and I think it is totaled but I guess that is what it is supposed to do to prevent injuries. Great Car!!!!

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  My First Car - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Pez - January 29 - 10:00 am

  The silky smooth V6 is superb; it throws you to the back of the car once you floor it. The leather interior is graciously crafted alongside with the woodgrain that gives it a luxury type look. Ive driven this car all over Texas picking up loads of friends; they all seem to have given me great compliments on my car like "Man, your parents bought you a really nice car", "Your car takes off!", "Is your car on? (because its so quiet and still)", and "Your Bose system is awesome!" Nissan has done an all around great job on this powerful sedan. I think Im going to keep this car until it stops running.

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  Real SUV for Real Men - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By UpstateNY - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I was caught in the Christmas 2002 blizzard on the NY Thruway. Drove 90 miles between Albany and Utica in 4WD and passed hundreds of stuck cars. A lot of them were those Honda CRV type of fake 4WD SUVs. My Xterra got me there without a problem. I even plowed my mothers driveway using my front bumper!

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  Great Car for the Money - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By jbwst17 - January 29 - 10:00 am

  I have had this car for about a week now and it is awesome! I am 25 and it is my 8th vehicle - all previous were either ford or GM and they simply didnt last. I looked at the Accord (what were they thinking with that ass end??), Camry (30k for a camry?!?!), & VW Passat (too trendy and NO power). The maxima is actually similar to the TL & Lexus ES in size, performance, interior quality, and image. The appearance and performance really separate it from its tradtional competitors, and price only makes it a more attractive package.