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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  Love this SUV - 2016 Nissan Pathfinder
  By TravelwithGirls - March 19 - 11:30 am

  We purchase our Pathfinder several months ago for our family of four (plus friends and gear) based upon it spaciousness and fuel economy. We absolutely love it! This car is a joy to drive every day and the third row entry is Great for the kids. Plenty of power and amazing fuel economy, would highly recommend!

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  The Car to Drive - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By maxgle33 - March 19 - 10:00 am

  This Max is my third, and they keep getting better. Ive yet to have a problem with the car, and driving in Dallas, Im thrilled with the acceleration in traffic and the quick cool down of the A/C. The only maintenance has been routine - its the best value for the money.

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  Just cant get rid of it! - 1996 Nissan Sentra
  By D Kurtz - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this car with my parents help when I turned 16. Then it was a fairly inexpensive, economical car. Not much has changed. I just hit 100k miles. Only problems have been replacing an O2 sensor at about 30,000 miles, routine brake work, and rust starting to eat away at my door jams (I drive on salty roads about 5 months a year though.) I have been looking for an excuse to go out and get a bigger and better car, but I just cant find a reason good enough. This car has been worth far more than I paid for it. Not the coolest car on the market, but definitely a good buy.

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  AWESOME CAR! - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By nur - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. Its the most reliable, fun to drive, excellent SUV.

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  The best car ever, that is under valued. - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Big - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I love my 1997 Max! It is the first new car I have ever bought and have had no problems ever. Everything is stock except minor maintenace like belts, brakes, tires and I have driven over 108,000 miles. I bought the GXE model in a 5 speed. She looks great and I have never had a problem out of her. Even today when most cars come with more than the 190HP in this model Max, I still smokem at the light. If you are looking for a car with all the anemities, even better power in the newer models, reliable and attractive, the Maxima is the best bet. Forget about Honda and Toyota, they cant touch the Nissans.

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  Danno - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Danno - March 19 - 10:00 am

  like style looks ride and performance

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  Very Happy!!!!!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By rsqrob - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Ordered the car from Nissan and got exactly what I wanted. SL in spirited bronze with driver preferred package and sunroof. I amm a big person and the car is very comfortable. Even the backseats. Made for long road trips. Planty of power to pass those rubber neckers on the highway. Can get you into trouble with the local police if you dont use cruise control.

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  2004 Maxima GL - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By jackconly - March 19 - 10:00 am

  We have never before owned a car that turned so many heads. Strangers will come up to us and say, "nice car." The interior is as elegant as a Mercedes and definitely a step above the 2000 model, which was our last car.

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  Car drives great - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Alden - March 19 - 10:00 am

  car drives great, the manual tranny and clutch feels great .. wonderful.. just like my 93 SE 5spd, steering response is wonderful power is definite.

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  Great Cross-over vehicle - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By ahm - March 19 - 6:53 am

  32K miles without a single problem. Very comfortable for front and back seat passengers, sure-footed and fun to drive. Well-built (no squeaks or rattles), quality fit and finish.