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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  I really like this car.... - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Kevin H - December 17 - 12:26 pm

  This car lives up to its reputation as a fast vehicle with lots of features. I am very happy I chose the SL model, as it has every option I was after (especially leather and sunroof). I traded in my 2000 Altima, and what a difference between the two cars!

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  The way to go - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Hey - December 17 - 11:30 am

  I brought my Max last month, and so far so good! It has lots of power, and a great market following. This is good because I plan on adding a cold air intake, y-pipe, catback exhaust,20inch rims and lowering springs to improve the handling...This should bring the HP close to 300.

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  UPDATE ON TRANSMISSION.... - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By josh37 - December 17 - 11:12 am

  I have two other reviews on this car. I bought it used with around 60,000 miles on it. Drove perfect until around 119,000. Like ever other 2004-2006 maxima, the transmission started jerking, kicking, and slipping. I really like this car. I had the car put in the shop when it had 127,000 miles on it, to have the transmission rebuilt. They had it for about 2 weeks (shop was really busy). I picked it up and he said that he did not replace the transmission (took it to a private transmission speciallest, not nissan dealer) he put a Shifter Kit in it and flushed the transmission fluid and not the car has 132,000 miles on it and drives smooth, on occasions it will slip but hardly noticable.

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  WOW, We love our Nissan - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Rich - December 16 - 12:03 pm

  What a great auto. Awesome power, great handling, and it looks so cool too!! Sport and luxury at a super value.

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  worst mistake - 2012 Nissan Quest
  By cargirl1833 - December 15 - 6:02 pm

  I bought a 2012 Nissan Quest now almost a year ago. Horrible mistake. I really should have looked at the Odyssey before I made my descision. I actually am already having problems with it like other quest owners are. I cannot believe I paid over 30,000 for a van and am already having problems with it. While I was at the dealership I actually had it appraised and I was SHOCKED with they gave me the numbers. less than 25,000 miles on it and I am already $9,000 upside down. I am very upset that my investment was in no way protected. So I took the bite and went and got an odyssey and couldnt be happier. its the best!! best descision I ever made.

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  Great looking vehicle but lots of cabin noise - 2016 Nissan Juke
  By NoPigtails - December 15 - 5:09 pm

  I test drove a couple of Jukes and really liked them. However they seemed to have a lot of road noise. This was the only reason I did not buy one. I would also like for the "pigtail" on top to go away. I think the "pigtails" on the top of vehicles looks dorky.

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  Dont compare to Camry & Accord - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By uga91 - December 15 - 3:06 pm

  I recently bought a 2011 Maxima S and could not be happier with the car at the price I paid. I took the 0% NMAC financing, so I didnt get all the rebates; but, at about $26.5k, you have to compare this Maxima to cars like Acura TL and Lexus ES350. The 290HP, keyless ignition, all the safety features, the power seats, 6-disc changer and other features make this car very formidable against higher priced competitors. I know I dont have leather, but thats about all I dont have versus cars like that.

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  Fast, fun, and beautiful. - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By thaibxrusa - December 15 - 12:09 pm

  September, 2012, I was lucky enough to find a 2005 350Z with just 10,500 miles. I bought it from a retiree that garage kept it from day one. In 1.5 years Ive already added 20K miles because I want to drive it everywhere I go. It could be a little faster but with 300 horses, its hard to complain about. It also draws a lot of looks and I get compliments often. Mine is Daytona Blue and the color really pops. I did replace the Bose stereo but theres nothing else you can do to make this car any better. The gas mileage in the city isnt great, around 19mpg, but I took it on a 1,500 mile trip, all highway with the AC on, and got an average of 31mpg, believe it or not.

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  Trouble Car to Buy - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By victorwill - December 15 - 9:18 am

  I have a 2006 Maxima w/ 104K miles that is having the same jerking issues. In Aug 2011, the car lurched and jumped so bad in traffic while slowing down. It also happens whenever I am pulling from a stop light or reversing. This issue continued and sometime I have to stop the car because I thought I was going to get into an accident. Since this appears after the car is driven for about 15 minutes, I will let the car sit for a while before I drive it again. It will drive fine for a few miles and start lurching again. I took the car to our local Nissan dealer and needed to pay $105 for an inspection. I tried to tell them the prob. but they acted they didnt what i was saying! Dont buy Nissan

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  Very Happy With My Selection - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Unwind2 - December 15 - 5:43 am

  Bought the Sentra after looking at Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Toyota Carrola and Chevrolet Malibu. Im in my 50s so have owned several different makes, had a Nisson years ago that I kicked myself in the but for trading off. Ive been very happy with this Sentra. Some many things I like. Quiet ride, inteligent key...is real nice got spoiled to that in a hurry. I got the xm with fosgate stereo....awsome stereo.