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:

• 

  A very satisfying choice! - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By VinnieColaiuta - August 29 - 3:06 pm

  Ive had my NAH for 3 months, and Im loving it. I drove an Acura TSX before, and the Altima is not as much fun, but it has plenty of pep and compelling driving dynamics. Im pleased with an average of 34-35 MPG, but I am driving like Grandma to get those numbers. Its loaded except for navi: heated leather, Bose stereo, blueto. This car is a lot prettier than a Prius and is more fun to drive than the Camry Hybrid. The interior layout is excellent: controls are easy to read and to reach, and everything feels carefully designed. The modest rumble that you feel/hear when the gasoline engine kicks in does not bother me at all (some folks seem to mind). All in all - great car!

• 

  maximun fun - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By bbmax09 - August 28 - 9:56 pm

  The wife and I were looking for a car to replace a VW Passat. We needed something that we both were comfortable driving.... I needed more headroom and wanted sporty performance, she wanted a four door that performed plus wasnt too big in parking lots. We tried the new VW CC and Passat, but the Maxima had more for the money. As a retired state trooper Im used to handling cars. I tried abrupt 180 degree steering wheel inputs on the Maxima and it handled them perfectly. I dont plan on taking the Maxima out on a race track, but its nice to know that it can handle crash avoidance maneuvers on the highway. This car is fun to drive and safer than the average sports car.

• 

  Recommended with one stipulation - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Andy92 - August 28 - 4:20 pm

  I downsized from a 2005 BMW 545i, and I drove almost everything trying to emulate that “ultimate” ride. Well, good luck. This is a nicely equipped sedan, I got the S version with cloth seats. These can get pricey when you move up to an SV with various option packages. If you are used to a rear wheel drive sports sedan, you may not like the front wheel drive. I am having difficulty getting used to the handling drop off. I also drove the 300C and G8 GT, get those if you want rear wheel drive at a similar price point. I may trade it in early. Sigh.

• 

  I LOVE, LOVE THIS CAR!! - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Laurie - August 28 - 1:16 pm

  I traded a Nissan Quest for the Maxima in the fall of 2007 and I couldnt be happier! My parents owned Datsun products when I was a kid--anyone remember the 280Z? This car is fun to drive, handles beautifully, lots of power, and extremely reliable. Not one problem since the purchase.

• 

  I LOVE my Maxima SE - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By lynnr - August 28 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car that I have ever owned. I will probably never drive anything other than a Maxima. I love the sporty look but it also has plenty of room. It handles great and the acceleration is awesome! It also gets good gas mileage for a car with this much power.

• 

  Review @ 150,000 mi... - 1996 Nissan Sentra
  By tja - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Very satisfied with this car. Replaced starter and O2 sensor, many miles ago. Of course theres been brakes and tires, and CV axles (around the 120k mark) I would consider this an execptionally low cost vehicle to own. All features still work flawlessly, and the interior is holding up just fine. Would recommend to anyone.

• 

  great car - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By diane - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my sentra due to nissans reputation. I previously owned an older model that I purchased with 90,000 miles on it. I drove it for 4 years and put got rid of it at 169,000 miles. The only maitenence that I did was a clutch that was just preventative, tires, and brakes.

• 

  great car - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By Diane - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my sentra due to nissans reputation. I previously owned an older model that I purchased with 90,000 miles on it. I drove it for 4 years and put got rid of it at 169,000 miles. The only maitenence that I did was a clutch that was just preventative, tires, and brakes.

• 

  Pocket Rocket - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By White SE-R - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Gobs of torque. Fun to drive. Look out Honda, Nissan is back in the sportcompact car market.

• 

  BAD EXPERIENCE - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Susie - August 28 - 10:00 am

  mY EXPERIENCE IS VERY BAD. I BROUGHT A NEW CAR AND IT IS UNDERGOING ITS SECOND MAJOR REPAIRS. FROM THE ENGINE TO THE IGNITION LOCKS TO LOW AIR PRESSURE IN TYRES.