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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  pretty fun...for a minivan - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By rhettsmommy - June 11 - 10:06 pm

  im one of those "i will never drive a minivan" people. then i became a parent, and quickly realized that the only way to successfully transport said baby and his entorage was do (gulp) get a bigger car! we looked at toyota and honda before settling on the quest. for the price, it had a lot of the features that cost $10K more in the ohter two brands! not to mention it was by far the best looking...not that hideous girly shape. we also LOVE all the interior room, and the 3.5 engine (same one as the z car) has a lot of get-up-and-go that i totally didnt expect. i enjoy driving it in spite of myself, and my sons car seat goes in and out effortlessly.

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  This is the Flagship - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Daniel Capers - June 11 - 7:16 pm

  My wife and I have been waiting on this car for quite some time. we traded in our 05 Maxima for the 09 and dont regret a moment of it. The feel and style, the comfort, the technology, the thought that has gone into providing a true 4 door sports car is evident every time we get in to go somewhere. there are times we have to come up with excuse or reason just to go somewhere so that we can drive the car. My wife and I are Nissan fans anyway, we own a 05 Titan as well. Purchasing the new Maxima was a toss up between the G37S or the Audi A4.... obviously the Maxima won. This car is truly the Nissan flag ship and should be crowned as the 2009 car of the year. Hands down, great job Nissan!

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  ROOMY - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By JOYCE - June 11 - 6:06 pm

  the car seems to be reliable. when travling at a high speed car does not hold well. the interiro is very spacious. front passenger seatbelt lock to close to the body, its hard to get in.

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  Excellent first electric vehicle - 2012 Nissan Leaf
  By flymia - June 11 - 5:11 pm

  Have been driving the 2012 Nissan LEAF SV for three months now. So far very impressed and glad to be driving electric. Car is smooth, responsive and has many of the features I would like. My only shortcomings are lack of telescoping steering wheel, poorly designed Carwings telematics with limited functionality, and inability to view % state of charge (2013 model offers this). The car design takes a bit getting used to and offers poor visibility when backing up if not equipped with back up camera. Otherwise a solid choice, great reliability and performance so far. Range varies considerably especially with highway driving drains battery fast (about 65 miles)

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  Almost There - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By dave - June 11 - 4:00 pm

  The 2007 Altima is a considerable improvement over the 06. Intelligent Key, Push button start, Front side and curtain airbags standard. It has all the right equipment. The car is plenty powerful, and gets decent mileage. But... The center console and cup holder materials do not match the quality as the rest of the car. Also I would have liked to see trunk hindges like the Maxima on the Altima. Styling is great and the price is right!

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  I like this SUV - 1998 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Frank Gu - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I would like to give an overal rating from 9 to 10. I liked vehicles performance, reliability and design. Never had any big problem in my four years ownership(I leased). I would definately consider buy a new one in the future.

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  burevs review - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By burev - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I find this vehicle rides very hard, not as comfortable as previously owned maximas. Performance and reliablility are unmatched in my opinion. Radio antennae would improve reception.

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  I hate to part with her... - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By kencal2000 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought her brand-spanking new at start of 1995 and have loved the ride, style, and general performance. Havent as much cared for any of the later models of Maxima until 2002 though. Now with 122,000 miles and need for more cargo and people space Im looking to sell---dealer wanted to give me $3500 trade-in...which is a joke for my well-cared for machine.

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  Hate to sell it - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By moshea - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This car has been fantastic. The only reason Im selling is because I have no need to drive it anymore. Bought a 96 (stick) because several friends had 95s and 97s, and havent had a single problem the entire 50,000 miles Ive driven it. Ride is smooth and fun, interior is comfortable, Bose sound is great, and I think the older body style is better than the newer models. Great deal in a used vehicle, no doubt.

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  Get the 02 now! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By docdoowop - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Just pulled the trigger on a new SE 6- speed in Super Black. With Bose system, sunroof and various other minor options we paid $950 UNDER invoice ($24,300). Nail down a year-ender now. The redesigned 2004 Maxima debuts next Spring, and Nissan is going to move the car upscale to more clearly separate it from the Altima. That means youll be crossing the $30k threshold easily. Best performance sedan Ive driven since my 89 Taurus SHO. Both thumbs way up!