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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  2nd Maxima to date - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By mphilips - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Overall, this car is sweet. I love the bose system and subwoofer. For a factory system it rocks. The interior layout is simply designed. I couldnt see myself driving a camry or accord. I am happy with my purchase, yet not happy with the reliabily and fit n finish. 40K miles so far. I still have my 87 max, which I still love (87, best max ever)

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  Best Used Car for the $$ - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Matt025 - April 30 - 2:00 am

  1996 Maxima GLE Price Paid: $11,500 Mileage at Purchase: 74,000 Current Mileage: 170,000 Couldnt be more impressed. Ive driven this vehicle to death and its still running strong. If you change the fluids, spark plugs and filters at the recommended intervals this vehicle will last. Mine is approaching 200k AND IT STILL HAS THE ORIGINAL TRANSMISSION!! Although my next vehicle will be a truck, I will definitely buy a Nissan or Infiniti on my next car purchase. This is the absolute best used car you can buy.

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  4 Dr. GXE Sedan - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By ts - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Great car for the money, must be one of the best buys out there. When shopping, I compared it with similar priced competitors Ford Contour/Mercury Mistique. No comparison!!! That convinced me. Why pay so much for a Honda or Toyota. Ive had no trouble in two years. Its peppy and economical to drive. Friends who ride in it often comment on what a nice car it is.

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  This is the best car ever! - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Lindsey - April 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is one of the best cars I have owned in a long time! When this car gets old (which shouldnt be soon), I will just get another Xterra. They are great dependable cars and very reliable for any needs. I would recommend them.

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  StillLuvMyPath - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By nissanlover - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Had a 2001 Pathfinder for three years. Perfect SUV...no problem at all. Changed to Murano because it was the new car in the block. Drives really well until we hit a pothole! Big or small holes, you can feel the bumps and hear the thumps! Especially in New York City. Nissan should either make the car a little higher with plusher seats and better suspension to soak up the bumps.

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  It doesnt get any better ... - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By lvbyit - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this magnificent machine "love at first sight". No need for leather, the material is like no other, more of suede feel than anything else. The standard features surpass Lexus and BMW as far as interior comfort, design, and hands on instrumentation. 4-foot daughter to my 6.5-foot son to my full- grown lab, thereÂ’s room galore. Exterior, its like no other. It ownÂ’s the niche between luxury SUV design and ultra sport sedan, revolutionizing this market class. Lastly, who ever heard of an SUV doing 7 sec. 0-60 times, still getting 21-avg. mpg, oh yeah, all under $30K. Me thats who, see ya!

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  Awesome!! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Tom - April 29 - 11:43 pm

  My first "big/small" car. Just love the CVT, comfort, ride, silence, music system, and room. My first fill up with a new engine and town driving only was 32 mpg - cant wait to try it on the highway!!

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  OK, not great - 2006 Nissan Pathfinder
  By catcher10us - April 29 - 8:56 pm

  First let me say that I have had Isuzu SUVs since 88, 2 troopers and a rodeo and they were the most reliable cars I have ever owned. I got the pathfinder because Isuzu left the market. Overall, I have about 43k miles on it and use if for business, everyday. Had a problem early on with oxygen sensors, dealer replaced, not a big deal. The brakes have been really poor on this truck, warped rotors at 24k miles, not covered past 18k miles. This is a lease, so not rushing to repair. Other than that, the pathfinder is comfortable, great in the snow and has plenty of power, highway and in town and a ton of room. Overall, I cant find anything better at the price, so I would do it again on a new one

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  XTERRA"ED - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By randy - April 29 - 3:26 pm

  Traded in used 2005 model for new 2007 S model. LUV IT! Very easy to drive, handles, well, and lots of rear cargo space. Got thru first VT winter with factory BF Goodrich tires w/no sweat. Acceleration for a 6-cylinder, 4-liter is great! Nice CD stereo and speakers to start but upgraded w/after market Kenwood system & Jensen Speakers. Decent mileage at 20 plus on highway for this size/weight SUV. Outstanding value for the price versus domestic comparison SUVs from Ford, GM, and Dodge!

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  Brakes - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By tamsmax01 - April 29 - 1:23 pm

  Orig. owner of my 01 Max. Love it overall, but have put 3 sets of brakes on it now at 140,000 miles. this last set involved callipers as the rotars were very warped - perhaps due to callipers not releasing fully, wearing them faster. Also needed a speed sensor for the right rear wheel. All for $900. Wondering how other owners were faring with brake issues on their 01. Still handles well. Great Giddy-up and gets an avg. of 23mpg in the city - around 330 miles to a tank of gas.