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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  Nice family vehicle - 2006 Nissan Quest
  By Zbyszek - March 5 - 5:43 pm

  I love the vehicle but I have two major complaints: 1. The vent system in the front console when in external air mode (AC off) with the fan on and the leg or upper/leg vents activated blows very hot air right onto your feet. I have driven 3 different 2005 Quests with different trims and all presented the same problem. I had the vents in my vehicle re-routed or blocked off but now I get no air flow through the leg vents whatsoever. 2. The windshield angulation shows the dashboard outcast all day and all night long. It is annoying. I love the vehicle styling in and out. I love the engine power and the ride comfort but the above complaints should be looked at right away.

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  Spec V - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By wmarauder - March 5 - 10:00 am

  The Nissan SE-R Spec V is not only fuel efficient, and comfortable, but also a pleasure to drive. I would recommend this highly reliable car to anyone.

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  2003 Maxima - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Max007 - March 5 - 10:00 am

  Maxima is the best sport sedan out there that offers great package.Recently I bought 03 GLE Max,I just love everything about this car. Overall its a great car to drive.

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  02 Nissan Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By 1integra - March 5 - 10:00 am

  This car is everything you could ask for. If you need performance then this car is ready to take you for a ride. It has plenty of room for 4 adults and their baggage for a trip and enough room for 5 adults for a night out. If you have children and dont want a van then this is the car.

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  Best Car ever owned - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By gazzoo - March 5 - 3:19 am

  This will be the last day driving the best car I have ever owned. The Maxima (Mimo for nickname) has flawlessly given everything I ever asked from it. The engine and torque are in perfect balance in every gear. Need to get up to 60 mph in third in order to get on the highway. Just slightly depress pedal half way and feel the hand of God push you back into your seat. This car was/is a thoroughbred race horse. It never hiccuped while making a 800 mile road trip while on cruise control or any trip for that matter. I managed to get 170K on the original clutch! And now after 197765 miles it still gets about 28mpg on the highway. It is time to trade in and get a car for the whole family. Thnx Mimo

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  Fun back into driving - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By Anthony Perkins - March 4 - 5:50 pm

  Car is fun to drive. Getting use to the very close ratio 6 speed, puts joy into drivng a manual transmission again, makes me feel like teenager. Car handles super, and the power to weight ratio is exciting. Could use power seats, to go with the rest of the power options though, big let down. sound system a big plus. Big fun, small price :)

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  So far so good - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Nismo - March 4 - 10:50 am

  I was trying to decide between this and the RSX Type S and This car blew me away. It sells itself. All you have to do is drive it. It has abundant power over almost all the RPM range. I was doing 110 and had to swerve out of the way of an armadillo (I live in Texas), and the car stuck to the ground. The only gripe I have is that my blinker is flipping out on me. Im satisfied.

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  Amazing Bang for your Buck!! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Cberg - March 3 - 9:00 pm

  I traded in an older loaded Jeep Grand Cherokee for this & thought Id miss the space but havent had the first regret. I got mine loaded so the gadget factor is really fun! I didnt know how bluetooth worked so having it shut off my music for an incoming call is great-no more missed calls(and mic picks up my tots voice in back great)! I love not having to deal with keys at all since I have a toddler. Love the Bose sound system but above all, love the ride! The drive is very smooth with CVT, once youre at speed its SUPER quiet.. turn on jazz or classical for a great experience. It hugs the road too - didnt realize how bouncy the truck frame on my Jeep was. Avgd 25 mpg. 10 stars!

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  My First Maxima - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By BIGED - March 3 - 7:16 pm

  Drives great! Love the comfort and controls. Gas mileage is Nice surprise 28-30 mpg. No major problems purchased used with 93K now at 103k miles. Great for long trips, great brakes and fast on freeways.

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  Maxima info - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By 2010 maxima owner - March 3 - 6:53 pm

  Good looks, a head Turner nice interior and exterior. User friendly nav with voice recognition, bluetooth, XM all easy to use from steering wheel. Cooled seat, heated wheel and seats. Dual panel roof is nice color contrast whole roof is black. I tinted Windows. The 18 inch premium pack wheels are ok, I dropped the car an inch and put nice 20 inch rims. Great value, reliability with Nissan/longevity, re-sale and also a great car.