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:

• 

  A good Rogue - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By Robert - March 20 - 7:13 am

  My Rogue handles very well even in the wind. Acceleration is good, it rides very comfortably, the sound of the transmission was odd at the beginning but I dont notice it now. No problems getting around this past winter. Im very happy with the vehicle.

• 

  Happy Owner !!! - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By sr_srikanth - March 20 - 1:36 am

  We traded in our 2005 Murano for this car since we wanted to get a small car thats good on gas. We liked the civic and mazda 3 but cannot get good trade in value for murano from them. So we ended up on this one since we got a good deal, but I am very happy so far. The car drives well, seems like well built, has a ton of features for a small car. When the dealers are ready to deal at the invoice prices, I think it will be a good buy.

• 

  Love it - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Tina - March 17 - 7:20 pm

  Love this car inside and out. Loaded with heated leather, bose stereo, bluetooth,push button start, sunroof etc....Was worried about having a 4 cylinder engine, but was amazed at the pick up it has. Has the CVT engine that runs very smoothly. Getting 29 mpg. I dont miss being at the gas station

• 

  The "ultimate highway cruiser." - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By kmessner - March 17 - 10:00 am

  I drive 150 miles (round trip) to work everyday in my 2001 Nissan Maxima (20th Anniversary Edition). This car is the ultimate highway cruiser. Most of my miles are high speed and the Nissan responds with great performance and handling through all types of weather. I strongly recommend this vehicle to anyone who must travel long distances .... it is fun to drive!

• 

  Excellent car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By igolop - March 17 - 10:00 am

  Im so happy with my new Altima. its the first time Ive had a Nissan and Im impressed....

• 

  Touch of Class - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By navy_121212 - March 17 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 15 cars in my life. The overall best buy. The handeling is superior.

• 

  Altima smoothness - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Anthony Matthews - March 17 - 1:49 am

  Very satisfied with this car have had this car since August 2012. Still rides great no major repairs just general maintenance. Nissan fan always. Great cars for the average hard working person.

• 

  Love My Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By nikki157 - March 16 - 12:30 pm

  I purchased my altima with 1 mile on it, and that was my test drive. I have not had any problems out of it. In fact cannot ever remember it being in the shop for other than an oil change and new tires. I drive about 75-100 miles per day and get great gas mileage. I have taken this car on numerous road trips without even thinking twice. It has 160K miles on it now and still runs like the day I pulled it off the lot. Car is super cute and makes you feel like a million bucks driving it, love the looks it gets going down the road. And who says family sedans arent sporty and a blast to drive?

• 

  A better G - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By paul - March 16 - 9:33 am

  Just leased a SV with premium and tech packages. Got a super deal. Coming out of a G35x. The drivers seat on the Maxima is more comfortable with the heated seat also warming your back. Cannot wait to try the ac in the seat. You can reach the seat power adjusters easier on this car. Performance is very near the Infinity but slightly improved gas economy.The nav system is very easy to ues. The bluetooth works just as in the G, Nissan parts commonality at work. I drive more than 20,000 miles a year and this car has enough tech stuff to make that a a pleasure. I think is a great value compared to most entry level luxury competitors.

• 

  Very Good Value - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By John J - March 16 - 3:20 am

  I purchased my vehicle in May 2005. Negotiated hard and got it off the lot at dealer invoice plus an aggressive trade-in value. I love the car. It has performance, comfort and good looks all at a price signficantly lower than cars with a higher brand name. My only complaint is that the door handles are hollow and feel cheap and the gas milage is a little less than advertised. But if you are looking for a comfortable car with most options standard and good performance and not worried about the brand name, the Nissan Maxima is for you.