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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  Dream Empty Nester Cruiser - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Ted - November 27 - 1:06 am

  This sweet girl is turning out to be everything I had hoped for. Having owned a Nissan Altima SL for the past 9 years convinced me to look hard at Nissan again. By the way, the Altima has proved to be the most trouble-free car I have ever owned. At 125K miles she is tight, uses no oil (synthetic) between 10K mile oil/filter changes, absolutely no rust here in the rest belt. Our previous Accords all rusted sooner or later! Well, I digress. Back to the Maxima. Once I decided to start looking for a newer, more sporty car my eyes fell on the 2017 Maxima and I was bitten before a test drive. I love everything about the exterior design: special likes are the front V-motion grill, front bottom spoiler (designed like the 17 Corvette, it has a kinda stingray shape), the fantastic "lighted boomerang" style headlights, and the all glass top (the SL has 2 huge panoramic sun roofs, or is that moon roofs?... always confused by that terminology). Finally, as for the exterior, those 18" aggressively-styled polished aluminum rims trimmed in black are the bomb. One little gripe here is that those wheels are not tucked inside the tire sidewalls offering almost no protection from curb rash so be real careful with your parallel parking. Im still in the break-in period so I have not put my foot into it yet although I did hone-out a few demos and was very impressed with the off-the line and running 30mph acceleration. Some writers complain about the torque steer with full-pedal launches but I did not notice a problem with that. The V-6 engine is Nissan quality so I expect zero problems with seeps, leeks, oil consumption and the like. As for the CVT transmission, well as I said Ive owned one for 9 years now and I just love this tranny. Some writers complain about rubber band launches on hard and continuous acceleration. I agree that the old 4-banger CVT exhibits that a bit but the very good "immediate" acceleration, lack of shift "bumps" experienced with non-CVT transmissions, and better gas mileage more than make up for basic CVT characteristics. Now I was just talking about my old 4-cylinder, 182HP Altima. The new Maxima CVT is a no-shifting dream and once you push the "Sport" button on the console, the transmission mimics a standard automatic to a high degree. If you want to feel "shift points" then that is what she mimics and the seemingly endless rush of "pushing you back in your seat" acceleration is amazing from this 300HP V-6! Now about the interior: This is the most "sport esthetic" sedan I have owned and for comparison I also own a 95 and07 Vettes so I know what a sport interior is all about. As soon as you open the door you are greeted with miles of beautifully contrast-stitched leather seating everywhere and as I sink my 59", 170lb. frame down into (but not much) what Nissan calls "Zero Gravity" seats I feel the seats were custom designed for me. There is a pull-out seat extension on the front of the drivers seat which tends to distribute my weight over more of my butt and lower thighs. Im sure this is going to be a very comfortable long-distance cruiser because the feel is similar to the Vette and I can drive all day without cramping up in that. As I said leather is everywhere and just about all major "touch points" down to the bottom of the door arms rests are all stitched soft-touch materials. Nissan has done a wonderful job with the interior design and quality fit and finish. The Bose audio system is great for my ears and the surround sound and extended bass is perfect to me. The cockpit is very well laid out and reminds me of some fighter jets Ive been in. The cockpit reminds me of my Vette, without the poured-in feel, due in part to the upper part of the instrument panel being angled in toward "me", and not everyone else in the car. It gives the impression that the cockpit was designed around the driver. The infotainment system in this thing sealed the deal. It has a huge and colorful 8" audio/GPS in the upper part of the center console and that is supplemented with a huge 7" engine/car management screen in front of the driver. With the 8" screen showing a GPS map you can even take your finger and "swipe" the map from there to the 7" screen in front of you! Amazing. I could go on-and-on about the dash layout and infotainment goodies but youll have to try that yourself because I am getting tired of typing and I really want to get out and drive my new Maxima anyway! One final word: the front and rear seating is plenty roomy for my family and friends. Many have remarked how comfortable and spacious the interior is for a "sport luxury" sedan. As for the trunk it is just fine for me and my family. I can easily load my large RC planes in the trunk plus I can pull the two rear seats down to near flat for hauling TVs, bikes, lumber, sleds, etc. Out for now.............

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  Outstanding - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By warp9vt - November 26 - 7:06 pm

  Went from a 2003 Dodge Dakota to a Frontier, wow what a difference. This truck goes everywhere. With the Dodge I had to watch out where I went, not this baby, it loves to climb mountains. With the Dodge it got 17 mpg. With this baby I get 24 mpg. On trips 26 and its an automatic. The only problem I have is it has power locks with no keyless entry capability. (Safety hazard with kids in the back seat, if the doors are locked and you need to get to them quick, you have to go to the driver side door to get in, (not easy access with locked doors.)).

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  Big, Fast, and Safe - 2009 Nissan Armada
  By 7-Footr - November 26 - 5:36 pm

  If you are in the market for a people hauler, then this should definitely be on your list to test drive. Im 71" and I fit in the Armada really good. I had to get one without the sunroof, but that didnt bother me. This is my second Armada and love this one more than the last one. If you live in your car like I do and want a fun, FAST, comfortable, safe vehicle this is it. I know the gas mileage is at best 15 miles to a gallon....but there is a trade off for safety. I was in two accidents with my 2006 Armada and walked away from both of them. To me, safety is worth the low gas mileage. Your friends will be happy you bought an Armada as well, with how comfortable theyll be.

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  Reliable and sometimes fun - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By JohnSmith - November 26 - 6:53 am

  This car is overall a pretty good car. I havent had any trouble with the car super reliable. The overall exterior design is a bit sleepy and boring, especially the rear end... sort of blends in a too much. Interior build quality is decent, not really up to par with competitors. Stock suspension (even the SE sport version) is pretty soft and not very sporty. 4 door sports car? Not if its FWD.

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  A+ on mileage: B- on interior design - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By ccdeblaze - November 25 - 9:30 am

  Mileage rocks. We bought it last week and immediately took it on a road trip. Got 300 miles on a little more than half a tank. Handles well, pretty comfy-- (Im spoiled by the old Lexus I had before). Bells and whistles that come with the tech package are pretty cool. I rented a Prius for a few days awhile back and the Altima ride is far (far!) superior. Better kick, more comfort, and better than average looks.

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  awesome armada - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By bill - November 24 - 6:36 pm

  This truck is awesome. It by-far surpassed my expectations. A head turner/ intimidating beast. You tweebs who care about gas mileage, take a hike. If you want unsurpassed power, style and envy buy this truck. It put the hummer to shame.

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  Like Flying First-Class - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Maryland Bob - November 24 - 4:46 pm

  The design of the Armada sets it apart from all its competition. Moving away from the boxy sameness that the American automakers have had for the past 10 years, the Armada stands as a refreshing design with great road "presence." The comfort of driving is excellent with a very generous interior, superb quiet at highway speeds, excellent acceleration, and a tow capability of almost 10,000 lbs. Many creature comforts are included and the interior has the feel of a first-class seat on a 767, including excellent rear leg room. The gas mileage is typical for a large, heavy vehicle but a small price to pay for the many advantages a vehicle this size gives for hauling cargo and passengers.

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  Love my Altima - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By LizzieGirl - November 23 - 5:00 am

  Ive had my Altima 2 months, and the longer I have the more I love it. I get 35 mpg on the Interstate and 25-26 in town. I did a lot of research and test drove most of the competition. But when I saw the Altima, it was love at first sight. I have just under 2,000 miles on it and it drives like youre on a cloud. It is quiet and the CVT transmission is very smooth. I love the sporty look of it. I thought I got a great deal for this amount of car. I would highly recommend the Altima.

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  Love my Z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By humahuma10 - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I do love to drive my Z. I love how the interior has been layed out and how easy every thing is to use.I would never buy another vehicle without the Nav system now, the ultimate guy tool.I think it gets great gas mileage, I get 25 to 30 miles a gallon, unless Im hitting the gas a little hard for what ever reason. The only complaint so far is the tire noise. At around 8000 mile I started to get the famous 350Z tire noise. I have not taken it in yet but plan to soon.From what I hear,it is a know problem. I have the touring package and for the price, it will be hard to find a nicer sports car..enjoy

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  Great truck - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By salami - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I think this is a great riding truck. I bought it after trying an Envoy The LE has a better suspension then the SE it is setup to give a luxury ride. Dont expect lots of power but the gas mileage is not really that bad compared to the 2001 models.