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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  Great commuter - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By - September 3 - 10:00 am

  At 57,000 miles, oil changes every 6,000, two new air filters, spark plugs replacement at 30,000 (put a 100K paltinum) and front brake pads replacement at 53,000, the Sentra easely is the most reliable and maintenance-free car on the road today. The total cost of ownership for 4.5 years, excluding gas, is $300. Ignore everything dealers offer in maintenance packets; just stick to the bare-minimum maintenance requirements in your booklet.

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  Great Car / Accord killer - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By DrFast - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I Love this car. It is April 02 and we have 64000 miles. We have not ahd to do a thing to this car. We change the oil and fill the tank and thats it. The only complaint is the use of Firestone tires that didnt last 40000 miles. This car is much more powerfull than other comparable 4 cylinder cars in its category (VW Jetta 105 HP; Altima 150). It also has more room than the accord in the back seat (also costs alot less). We researched our first new car purchasse for a year before buying this car. After we bought this car I have had 5 friends/family buy a new nissan. Great cars!!

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  Best Kept Secret! - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By kuoyc - September 3 - 10:00 am

  My first car was a 91 Maxima, lots of fun and very reliable. My little sister got a 96 Maxima GLE in 1995. My parents sold their 89 Century for another 96 Maxima GLE. In May of 1997, my other sister got a 97 Maxima SE. I followed w/ my second Maxima in Oct. of 1997. No, we are not associated w/ Nissan in anyway. But our history of 5 Maximas in 7 years speaks for itself.

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  Top Score for Maxima 02 - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Lanz - September 3 - 10:00 am

  The best way to describe this sport/luxury sedan is INCREDIBLE!!! No other vehicle has as many options for the money as the GLE 02 Maxima. Standard Xenon headlights which are aimed perfectly so as not to blind oncoming traffic, heated steering wheel (try getting this on anything but an I- 35), multi-adjustable sunroof... the list goes on and on. And all this can be had for far under 30K!!! The doors close with that emphatic thud, the engine starts with a pleasant snarl, and a 200 watt BOSE stereo w/ 6 speakers and a subwoofer...it truly is a symphony on wheels. Compliments have been..."What a smooth ride!" "Great sound-system!" and "How much didnt it cost?"

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  Worth the wait - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By 2K2_6spd - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I have wanted a Nissan Maxima since I was 22, and I am now 27 and finally can afford to own one, and all I can say is its worth the wait! I love to drive it, Ive only had it for a week, and already have 500 miles on it. The power s enough to keep me interested, and I have a 12 second Mustang. The tranny is great, and it is ohh sooo smooth on the hi-way.

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  ONE BAD MAX - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Dorsey - September 3 - 10:00 am

  VERY NICE CAR,YOU WILL LOVE TO DRIVE THIS CAR FAST....

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  This car is fast!!!! - 2000 Nissan Altima
  By imforjc - September 3 - 10:00 am

  The factor stereo system was kinda lacking, so I replaced all the speakers, added 2 6x9s, tweeters, two 15" Rockford Fosgate DVC subs, 3 amplifiers, a four way crossover, and a nice Kenwood reciever. It certainly wakes up the neighborhood now!! And for only four cylinders, this car can move!!! I love beating my friends in races when I get 10mpg better than they do!!! I love this car!!!

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  Solar Yellow + Rockford Fosgate= FUN - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By tnkatuf - September 3 - 10:00 am

  I am averaging 20mpg with my truck and I love everything about it! Everyone looks when I drive by, the solar yellow makes it easy to find in a parking lot. Get the Rockford Fosgate sound system! It drives very quiet and the automatic transmission shifts with ease.

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  Altima 2.5 S Great Head Room - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By buddy - September 3 - 10:00 am

  This car has a very good blend of performance with 175HP engine and gas milage with 25 MPG in the city. It has a roomy interior and a huge trunk.

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  altima review - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By 2thfxr - September 3 - 10:00 am

  2002 Altima is fun and exciting to drive. My wife was not even interested in the car until she drove it and them suggested buying another one for her.