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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  NISSAN MAXIMA 2005 - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By LUIS SERRAS - August 22 - 3:40 am

  Performace:Very powerfull driving:Smooth drive low engine noise interior:Nice design every thing is in your hands perfect driver front view exterior:Agressive sedan look

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  Nice Car, Interior needs upgrade - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Scott - August 22 - 12:36 am

  I have 16k on my vehicle. Zero problems mechanically or other. This is definitely an excellent car especially on the 24 month lease special Nissan was running. I tend to get tired of cars quickly and that was a nice change of pace. My only real complaint after 16k is that the interior is just plain boring and a few pieces of the interior pop out (fairly easy to pop them back in). The exterior has excitement, the interior is a bit drab. All in all, an excellent competitor overall. I would say this is a good bet for buying used as well. Compare pricing on both new and used though, because the used models seem to be hovering close to what you can buy new for. Hope this helps!

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  impressive car - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By WER - August 21 - 1:40 pm

  I had initial doubts about it. But, seeing is different than driving - it is quite roomy from inside, performs very well in city and high way. I love this rounded cube!

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  I LOVE my COUPE!!! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By JessInFL - August 21 - 7:53 am

  I bought my Azure Blue premium package coupe on Friday and I am in love with this car. I went from a V6 down to the 4 cylinder but this car has plenty of power. The ride is so smooth. I havent seen one in my area yet but I know a few have been sold. I was actually looking at my car at the same time as 2 other people. There are so few on the lots you can get into a war trying to get yours. At this point I love everything about this car. The features in the premium package are great. The dual air conditioners work well since I am always cold when my husband is burning up. The stereo (Bose) has great sound quality. The seats are very comfortable.

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  It is a joke. Not juke - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By divejunkie33 - August 21 - 4:26 am

  Poor, poor gas milage not like advertised...It is false advertisement. I tried my best to get better gas milage however can not get over 26.1 on highway. My 2000 Buick Century with 3.1 engine gets better gas milage(like 28). Not a joke. Seats are too stiff I drove 4 hrs today I barely got out of the car, my back was hurting. Not a joke. Look interior what you see? plastic, plastic and more plastic It is a good looking car if you hang out at Starbucks Coffee, it fits in parking spot perfect. That is joke...

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  Love my car! - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By susan - August 21 - 3:30 am

  I live in the mountains of north georgia and it drives great!! It is fun to drive and I love it!

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  EX-Car Salesman - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By EX-CAR Salesman - August 20 - 5:23 am

  After selling KIAs for about a year, my wife and I decided to purchase a new car for our new beginning family, I researched all vehicles, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Ford, Hyundai, KIA, Chevy, etc. We fell in love with this one and purchased the Blue tooth, I have never been happier in my life, it has helped especially having a one year old son. Great handling and speed, we feel safe in the car, I would highly recommend this car, and I had a 1995 Nissan Altima with 224,000 Miles and traded it in, Nissan makes a great car, although it could use a better warranty like a KIA or Hyundai. Its safe reliable, and it has the most turn and interior room of its class!

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  1st month review - 09 Altima Hybrid (NAH - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Golf4 - August 20 - 1:43 am

  Bought new 09 NAH. Plan is to keep the car for roughly 8 years so chose the best value considering cost over that time frame (gas, maintenance, tax credit, rebates/incentives, invoice). Toyota Camry-H (TCH) and NAH were top contenders. $2350 tax credit pushed NAH ahead and Nissan was aggressive in rebates - chose NAH (fully loaded). Engine shifts to gas very quickly during acceleration. The car doesnt go to hybrid mode quickly when the engine is cold even on a hot sunny day after work. Adjusting my driving (longer brakes, slow acceleration, maintain cruising longer - I get about 33-38mpg. aggressive driving 24-28, normal driving 28-30mpg in city (25mph-55mph roads), freeway about 35mpg

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  Great Car, BUT... - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By nmorrisasu - August 19 - 2:13 pm

  IÂ’ve owned many Maximas and all were good cars (94, 97, 98, 2002). But this one is the best Maxima yet! However, with all that there is a down side with this car. As was the case with my old 2002 MAX, this one seems not to have a good sense of direction. The steering doesnÂ’t stay straight and tends to wonder around left-right based on the road crown and irregularities. There was also a strong pull to the right that was partially fixed by the dealer swapping the wheels from left to right sides. If I knew that the 09 would have a similar steering issues as my old 2002, I would have gone for a different car. Other than that, I have no complaint so far (5K miles).

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  Disappointed & Regretful - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By RPorter - August 19 - 2:07 pm

  My fault for being talked into buying this car. I dont like it. The price is too high for the features -- or lack of. I am currently on a road trip visiting family in another state and found out there are NO REAR SPEAKERS in my car! I couldnt understand why they werent playing and when I arrived, my brother and I looked in the trunk and he said theres no wiring and we could see air space where the speakers are supposed to be. I dont know if theres supposed to be rear speakers or not (what car wouldnt??) but will definitely find out when I return home after the holiday! I have been disappointed from the start and horribly regret signing the contract! Note: I love Altimas. I just do not like the base model not the price they charge for it. Please look and consider all models til your feet fall off before you sign any papers!