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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  Same Old Same Old - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By valtch - March 17 - 10:00 am

  Asked dealer not to give me firestone or bridgstone tires. it turned out that all my bridgstone tires were replaced by goodyear eagles. Car rides harder than any new car I have ever been in. It is extremely powerful but has horrible gas mileage. seats are comfortable. I have a bad back. Extras are an expensive ripoff. 2000 nissan maxima was a better car. these cars need independent rear suspension. Would I buy another maxima? not a chance. far over-priced for what you get.

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  The "ultimate highway cruiser." - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By kmessner - March 17 - 10:00 am

  I drive 150 miles (round trip) to work everyday in my 2001 Nissan Maxima (20th Anniversary Edition). This car is the ultimate highway cruiser. Most of my miles are high speed and the Nissan responds with great performance and handling through all types of weather. I strongly recommend this vehicle to anyone who must travel long distances .... it is fun to drive!

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  AN SUV that is really an SUV - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By rzrbck1 - March 17 - 10:00 am

  While primarily driven by my wife, I have had the opportunity to spend 8 weeks as the primary driver. The vehicle looks great, is made well, and has a fantastic audio system. Its an SUV in the truest form of an SUV. This vehicle is not for everyone, but we have enjoyed it for what it is. A truck based...SUV.

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  Altima SE 2002 - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Jesus Velazquez - March 17 - 10:00 am

  Sunroof whistles when going over 80mph, interior is made of cheap plastic, great power, rides very comfortable, very good leg room with forward seats in furthest rear position, cabin could be a little quieter because road noise can heard, steering could be tighter. Overall I give it an 8.8

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  Excellent car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By igolop - March 17 - 10:00 am

  Im so happy with my new Altima. its the first time Ive had a Nissan and Im impressed....

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  Touch of Class - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By navy_121212 - March 17 - 10:00 am

  I have owned 15 cars in my life. The overall best buy. The handeling is superior.

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  Altima smoothness - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By Anthony Matthews - March 17 - 1:49 am

  Very satisfied with this car have had this car since August 2012. Still rides great no major repairs just general maintenance. Nissan fan always. Great cars for the average hard working person.

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  Very good but not great - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Kojak - March 16 - 11:50 pm

  This car has so much potential but.... I researched cars for months looking for a replacement for my 99 5 speed Maxima. Ended up with another Max although was not pleased with the transmission choice. The CV tranny is ok, smooth and quiet, but leaves you feeling disconnected from the engine and the road. I feel much less like Im driving a sports sedan and more like dads buick. The car is very roomy, heat and a/c works well, leather is nice, the car looks nice too. The tires and rims look great, but the tires are too low profile resulting in a really rough ride. Have already blown out one front strut. Did not like the Bose radio in my old Max and the one in my 08 is worse.

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  Love My Altima - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By nikki157 - March 16 - 12:30 pm

  I purchased my altima with 1 mile on it, and that was my test drive. I have not had any problems out of it. In fact cannot ever remember it being in the shop for other than an oil change and new tires. I drive about 75-100 miles per day and get great gas mileage. I have taken this car on numerous road trips without even thinking twice. It has 160K miles on it now and still runs like the day I pulled it off the lot. Car is super cute and makes you feel like a million bucks driving it, love the looks it gets going down the road. And who says family sedans arent sporty and a blast to drive?

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  A better G - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By paul - March 16 - 9:33 am

  Just leased a SV with premium and tech packages. Got a super deal. Coming out of a G35x. The drivers seat on the Maxima is more comfortable with the heated seat also warming your back. Cannot wait to try the ac in the seat. You can reach the seat power adjusters easier on this car. Performance is very near the Infinity but slightly improved gas economy.The nav system is very easy to ues. The bluetooth works just as in the G, Nissan parts commonality at work. I drive more than 20,000 miles a year and this car has enough tech stuff to make that a a pleasure. I think is a great value compared to most entry level luxury competitors.