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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  Wonderful over all. - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By ZoliElo - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Overall a wonderful car. Quick, reliable, and stylish. Quick do to the legandary SR20De engine. Reliable because of good build quality. And stylish in that it has a mini Maxima car feel to it. Having been a crash in this car I am definitely recommend its safety.

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  56,300 miles & not a single problem yet! - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By SR20DE MAN - January 3 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the most reliable cars that I have ever bought. I redline the engine quite often & it still runs like brand new. It pulls fairly strong for a 2 liter engine. It also sips gas. About 25 MPG city & 32 MPG highway. The suspension is pretty firm. Too bad that they discontinued the SE in 2002.

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  excellent - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Adam Reynolds - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I have been in the dealership once for warranty work, to replace a $.05 clip that broke. I absolutely love this car, never driven a car with such a broad powerband. Its very easy to drive, and one of the most fun cars out there. 5 stars!

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  A Year Already - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By bgm - January 3 - 10:00 am

  As expected the Maxima has performed exceptionally well over the first year. I have put 25K mileson my Maxima in the first year. The good: I have no major complaints about any of the major systems. The traction control works very well in deep snow. Fit and finish is outstanding. This car wants to go 80-90 mph. The not-good (mostly nit-picking): Problems with an ABS sensor has taken literally months to fix while the part was on back order. A problem with the CD player/Radio required a replacement. Sometimes feels soft in long turns like an on/off ramp. Overall: This is by far one of the best cars I have had the pleasure to drive.

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  Very happy, love it - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By acere - January 3 - 10:00 am

  Great car to have, especially if you drive in the hwy. Engine very powerful, lots of room, sound system the best, lots of space in the trunk, love the idea of having Xenon light.

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  I love this Poor mans Loaded AUDI. - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Jazze - January 3 - 10:00 am

  I bought a winter mist White color with pearl finish) with Elite package. This is the best car I have driven. 3 times better than Volvo S80 and 4 times btter than Accord. T traded my 6 month old accord to get this baby and I am so happy. I test drove BMW 325i. It doesnt even come close in features and comfort.

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  Get Ready To Turn Heads - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By blaine - January 3 - 2:00 am

  Finally the maxima has returned to glory! Very fast and a blast to drive. Kudos to Nissans ubiquitous V6. Exterior styling will guarantee head turns and may cause "neck breaker" accidents as well. Interior follows the 350Z style and is a pleasure to look at. Minor issue with build. Clock set button was stuck. No problem though, corrected. This car is being marketed for performance seekers who like a taste of luxury. If you want pure luxury, go somewhere else.

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  luxury without the price! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By audra - January 3 - 2:00 am

  Just bought one! Great car, fun to drive. There are a few things about the interior and the front grill I would change, but all in all it is very comfortable, drives like a sports car! Nissan makes a really reliable automobile.

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  2011 Nissan Murano SL - 2011 Nissan Murano
  By miggie518 - January 2 - 1:00 pm

  I had a 2009 murano SL and I just loved it excellent handling.Now that I have the new 2011 SL model I couldnt be happier.

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  Awesome Ride - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By John - January 2 - 12:46 pm

  I just bought my vehicle at the end of last year. I got a really great deal. I was hesitant about buying one after all the problems with the quality of the 2004. So, I waited for the 2005 model. I am glad I did. The truck has great power, style, and comfort features. I am in a Ford family. So it was somewhat a shock when I showed with a Titan. It is a great truck. The gas mileage is really good for a vehicle this size. I havent had any problems with the 2005 Titan. I did buy an extended warranty. It has the space of full size suv with the utility of a truck. That is the best of best worlds. I also love the added features such as the sonar for parking. I use it quite a bit.