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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  99 Nissan Maxima SE Limited - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Maximus - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I have really enjoyed my Maxima. Its got one of the best, if the not the best V6 there is (or was in 1999). Ive only had minor problems with it. These problems were: Air Blower in car makes a whistling noise, drivers seat creaks a little, and the micro-chip keys can be erased if put on the counter in a store like Target or Walmart (which then requires a tow($75)and key re- coding at Nissan($40). I never had any major problems. Overall, its a great car that Im going to keep even after its paid off.

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  The Xterra style - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Foxx - February 21 - 2:00 am

  The Xterra is great, its like the design of a Lexus meets the versatility of a 4 Runner. Yet it is kinda small, it alows for a very fast, fun driving experence. I have the SE supercharged model, and let me tell you, I am never disapointed by the get-go power it has to offer. I live on a ranch and it has done good in traction and 4x4ing when it comes to the rainy season. The on the fly 4 wheel drive is a great addition when it comes to going up hill and not being able to stop to put your rig in gear.

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  Liking my new Murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Jesus Cervnates - February 21 - 2:00 am

  This Vehical is definetly beautiful, inside and out. 245HP engine and 246 pounds of torque. Stays head-to-head with the luxury class. Smooth CVT and Bose system. NICE! Ride quality is exceptional. Minimal road noise on standard 18s. Extremely Happy!!!

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  good truck - 2009 Nissan Frontier
  By eracer08 - February 21 - 12:20 am

  Rides great for a truck. Good power from the 4.0V6.

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  The working mans luxury car - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By shamarcus - February 19 - 2:10 pm

  I bought this car in 2000 in CA with ~42k miles. Now 107k miles. Black SE model with cloth seats and sunroof being the major options. The A/C delivered cold air in the deserts of the southwest. The heater delivers heat in minus 20 degrees cold of Alaska. I did experience one ignition coil to die on me. Since I deal with a lot of stop and go traffic, I have gone through 2 sets of brakes and rotors front and back (due to size of car). Besides that, normal maintenance. I averaged 18.5 / 24 mpg city/Hwy in CA. In AK, I average 20mpg/26mpg. If I were to move back to the gulf coast, I can expect 22mpg/29mpg. Regional gas makes a difference. I plan to keep this car to over 200k miles.

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  The Best Maxima - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By maximaday - February 19 - 6:44 am

  Ive had my Maxima since March 2010. I bought a 2007 Maxima SE 23,000 miles with the Leather and Sensor package. Slate is the best color for the Maxima I think. But Id take a white 2012 in a heartbeat. Ive sold Nissans since 2008 and I know their the best cars out there. And Nissan spends more money on the quality of the materials to last longer. The CVT makes it a bit slow off the line but I dont need a G35.

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  nissan quest - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By joann - February 19 - 4:56 am

  fun to drive .comfort is important to me, becase i am disabled and can not sit for very long in same spot. the seet adjust to my back so i can sit in comfort. i like my new nissan quest very much. thank you nissan

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  Great Car - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By chap06 - February 18 - 12:23 am

  This is my first MAX and it is a fantastic car. I am impressed with the power but would give a little of it up for improved MPG...average 23 mpg. It is comfortable and responsive. This car makes me want to drive it all day long...If it is power you need with style and comfort this car is for you!

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  general perspective - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By ramsin - February 17 - 10:10 pm

  i am still breaking this vehicle in, i beleive its style and comfort is a plus, the performance level is great and its handling surpasses other cars i have driven! i give nissan two thumbs up. only flaw i dont like is ABS isnt a standard, its an option and the transmission has problems shifting smoothly into third gear, it has a grind feel, but not a grind noise. otherwise the car is a perfect contender! lots of torqueeeeeeeeee!!!!

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  good one - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By king - February 17 - 4:40 pm

  so far so good