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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  We Love It - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By senecaman - May 25 - 2:00 am

  Weve had our Maxima for 4 months now and just love it. Everyone we meet admires it. We find it has great prefomance, and we got 33 mpg on a trip.

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  Best Car I Ever Owned - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Bil - May 25 - 2:00 am

  The best preformance you could find for the dollar investment. The interior is wonderful. Great driving position.

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  Your Supercar has arrived.... - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By JMan - May 25 - 2:00 am

  This is hands down the BEST car I have ever owned. I can think of no sedan other than the BMW M5 ($80k) and the Lexus GS400 ($60k) that performs as well as this 04 Maxima. To compare this to a Camry is down right insulting. I purchased a 04 SE, DPPackage, white with tan leather, tinted windows.. The power is amazimg and the tiptronic shifting is so much fun. This is a SPORTS car that doesnt know it has 4 doors. My girlfriend thinks im nuts because I go out in the garage and just stare at it. I CANT HELP IT!! Is there a support group out there???

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  Comfort and Quality - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Smackowv - May 25 - 1:46 am

  Most comfortable long ride vehicle I have ever owned (64"). Has not required a trip to the dealer for anything. Excellent in all driving conditions. Would buy another in a heartbeat!

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  BIGGEST MISTAKE OF MY LIFE BUYING THIS CAR - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By Martha - May 24 - 8:40 pm

  This car is poorly designed in relation to safety features. If you want a safe car, stay away from the 2011 Nissan Maximas or all Nissans in general. IF you get into a minor car accident in this vehicle you will have major injuries. This model 2011 Nissan Maxima is defective, unsafe, hazardous, and life threatening. Do not ever buy a 2011 Nissan Maxima, no matter how pretty it seems. Dont ever get in a 2011 Nissan Maxima. Dont drive next to a 2011 Nissan Maxima. Dont let anyone you love or know get into one of these cars. This car is nothing more than a death wish. STAY AWAY!!!!!

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  stay away - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Mart - May 24 - 10:34 am

  -Both head gaskets needed to be replaced at 62K -Metallic sound upon acceleration at 88K -New Basal vibration/sound when accelerating and decelerating Though Nissan would be trouble free...Cannot believe the low quality of this vehicle. Never Nissan again...

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  Awesome Vehicle - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Cliff - May 24 - 12:16 am

  Great Style, lots of power. Rides like a full size Caddy, Dependable most importantly. Proven Nissan 3.5 V6 Engine. Great Paint. Oil, Gas, Brakes for first 200,000 miles You Go figure! Nothing Aftermarket needed to improve looks. Looks great right from the showroom floor.

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  1995 SE 5-speed - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By D. Rossi - May 22 - 9:33 pm

  When I originally purchased the Maxima, I wanted to get maximum fuel economy and reliability while maintaining a semi-luxury design and sporty feel; enter the Maxima five speed, fuel efficent, reliable, and filled with creature comforts (Bose stereo, digital climate control, heated leather, etc.). The vehicle is responsive and comfortable, handling is about average for its size and build quality is relatively good. You really do get quite a lot for not much money, but be warned: Nissan charges premium prices for its components, well over the prices youd expect from a Japanese automobile. All in all I would still recommend the vehicle despite its faults as a great daily driver.

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  nissan quest - 2001 Nissan Quest
  By chad hoffman - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the Quest over a year ago and I have no problems with. The drop-down tv is great for my two year old on long trips. The Toyota was nice also but I wasnt willing to pay the extra money for it. Nissans quality is just as good anyway. The quest is a good van for a family on a budget. Its not a porsche, but it will not break down on you either.

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  Used car best buy - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By bkiser - May 22 - 2:00 am

  We "traded down" to our 1998 Maxima SE from my wifes dream vechicle- a 4Runner limited so that she could stay home with our child. Originally, she thought it would be a sacrifice, but she has since decided that she likes it more than any car she has ever owned. We looked at several Acuras, Lexuses, etc., but the Maxima offered similar luxury with much better performance. Plus, the car gets 30+ mpg on the highway (at 80mph)! Unbelievable!