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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  Made the leap From Altima to Maxima - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Chris Holcomb - October 12 - 12:04 pm

  I am loving my new Maxima Platinum 3.5 V6! All the things I loved about my 2007 Altima SE 3.5 V6 are in my new Maxima plus a ton of new technology and design improvements. I loved the powerful V6 CVT engine, the ultra comfortable seats, and the incredible reliability of my 2007 Altima, and now my daughter will be enjoying it too for the next few years. All of those things continue in my new Maxima, but now with I have soft and comfortable leather with the stylish Alcantara inserts, power front seats that are heated AND cooled, and all the driver infotainment comforts that anyone could wish for! Navigation, Satellite Radio, Apple Carplay, a great driver information computer/display, and sporty styling are all things I love about it. I live in Texas so my favorite new feature so far is the cooled front seats. They really make a big difference.

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  Worlds Best Synthetic Oil/Premium Gas/Air filter, 155K Still runs like the day I bought w/ 56k - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By loveurcar - October 12 - 4:50 am

  Bought my Maxima in "06" and switched to Full synthetic oil within the 1st 3k-4k miles and have always ran Marathon/Speedway brand Premium gas almost always except for traveling on vacation. After studying more about syn. oil and air filters. I found that Amsoil syn. 0w-30, Amsoil oil filter, and a nano fiber air filter that they recommend that filters down to the smallest particle size(oil filter also) on the market that last 100k(vacuum every 25k) to keep your oil clean between 10k-12k between oil change intervals or once a year. I only have to add around 1 qt of oil between intervals. Since owning the car the MPG improved after switching to listed above to 30 mpg hwy and 27 average.

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  Surprisingly ...Great! - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By rivasmmm - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I originally wanted the reliability that comes with buying a Honda...but the prices were outrageous! I went for a test drive in the Spec V and was blown away; excellent acceleration, planted feel, convenience of a sedan while offering handling like a coupe sports car. I love the Nissan brand now and recommend Nissans to all my friends! Ive had the car for one year and put 29000 worry-free and trouble-free miles on the car. The gas tank takes me about 300 miles +/- 50 miles depending on my driving style. Its agile, easy to park and easy to maintain myself. Acceleration is instantaneous and the interior feels like that of a more $$$ car. Very supportive

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  The All-New 05 Pathfinder - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Mike Dobson - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Weve received a lot of "rubber- necking" because most people are unsure what it is. Its a mini Armada as far as Im concerned. The performance is great, a lot of power at take off and at higher speeds. Im really impressed with the speed-sensitive steering too. The interior is thoughtfully designed as well. There is only a few complaints I really have about the vehicle. The second row leg room seems to be compromised a little. For the overall size of the vehicle, I believe the second row of seats could have a little more room (when the first row seats are all the way back). The fuel economy is average, but hey its an SUV so one wouldnt expect any different. Overall- Great vehicle

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  Nice! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Pete Zahut - October 12 - 2:00 am

  Its a great car!

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  My First Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Don - October 11 - 6:16 am

  This is my first truck and I think I made a great choice. This truck is great. It has a comfortable ride, a smooth tranny and looks great. The stereo is first rate. The controls are easy to operate even with gloves on. I test drove an 03 Toyota but went with a new Nissan. My wife calls it Stewie.

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  Just got it, still evaluating - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Fitz134 - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I just got the truck, after being a dyed in the wool Ford man. Nissans to me seem to be some of the most durable, and time tested out there. My truck is an absoulute pleasure to drive, and it gives the best mix of practicality, and functionality. My wife even likes it. We have our first child on the way, and needed another four door vehicle.

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  2001 Pathfinder LE 3.5L - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Daniel Oscislawski - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Reliable SUV, but boring after a while.

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  Excellent Car - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Elzaida Smith - October 9 - 9:23 pm

  This is my 3rd Nissan and, I have been nothing but satisfied. I was concerned when I purchased my Altima, because I had a maxima, and the power and the way it handled I really loved, and I didnt want to feel like I was taking a step down. But after driving my altima, Im really in Love!! Great vehicle.

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  I really loved this car - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Wendell - October 9 - 3:23 pm

  I bought this car in Sept. 08 and it is now June. The car had 192,000 and now has 224,000. In spite of that the only things I did to the car was update the tires and a couple of oil changes and the car runs GREAT. I love the powerful engine and the trany. Im on the road all day for work and this car makes my job more enjoyable. Even though I didnt get it with leather seats, a cd player, sun roof or any other luxuries I am crazy about this car. Who knows... if I were to get a car with all the other luxuries... I might lose my mind :).