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 Altima 2.5SL w/Nav - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Dave22 - September 4 - 4:03 am

  I looked at Accords, Acura TSX, Mazda 6, and even a used Lexus ES 350. Hands down for the money I feel like I couldnt find a better car. I ended up leasing a brand new 09 Altima 2.5 SL w/nav. Has all the features of high end vehicles w/o the price tag. If your looking for a smooth looking car with great features this is a hard one to beat!

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  Best decision ever!! - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By kc1987 - September 3 - 11:33 pm

  I love the new 08 Altima, I shopped around between an accord, camry, malibu, and even a 3 series and still loved the altima more! This car wont let you down. When you need the power to pass in a short passing zone, all it takes is a little bit more pressure on the gas pedal and your gone. The CVT is way more favorable than I expected, although the engine is a bit more noticeable. Comfy cloth seats with microfiber trim, but everything does stick to the microfiber.

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  Light bulb!! - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Vancouver - September 3 - 8:13 pm

  Bought this car used, with 15k miles on it. I had a previous Maxima (96) that I drove for 8 years. This is a different car, nice, good visibility and good handling. Quiet and very powerful engine (265 Hp). I wish it had a 6 speed manual but Nissan does not make enough of. I am at 55k miles, and love it. Fuel economy unpaired, if you drive it on the hwy for this size of engine (29-30 m/gl and 20-22 in the city). Always I get the best fuel because this car loves it. At 37k the front light bulb died and service wanted to charge me over $160.00+tx. I could not believe it, but thanks to e-bay I was able to replace it for $36.00 plus my time. Consider maintenance cost when you buying this car.

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  First non premium name plate - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Joseph Sudano - September 3 - 6:27 pm

  I like having cars that are relatively unique. When I first saw the Maxima I was taken to the new exterior immediately. I went to a dealership and test drove the car. The interior is impressive. The quality of materials used is in line with other Luxury car manufacturers, the zero gravity seats are not as comfortable as I am used to but offer adequate adjustments. The easy entry feature for me is a must. I was surprised to find the Maxima had it. The layout of the dash, including the main display, push button start and the Nissan informant System is in line with my Porsche. The 7 inch display between the instrument cluster limits my need to take my eyes off the road to see my GPS and other important information, again like my Porsche. The quietness of the interior is amazing. The acceleration,and handling of the car exceeded my expectations. The Maxima is not a sports car as Nissan is promoting, but it is a true Luxury car. Put a Premium name plate on the Maxima and you would easily pay $15,000.00 + more. This is the best investment in a Luxury car I have ever made, and one of the best values on the market

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  I love my Pathfinder! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Sal - September 3 - 5:10 am

  I bought my Pathfinder after renting one on an eight hour trip to Florida. The look, ride and comfort was amazing. I loved it so much, I had to buy one. I am able to get 22 mpg on the highway and continue to get 17 mpg in the city. The seats are comfortable for me as well as my passengers. I get compliments all the time and am proud to be an owner my Pathfinder. I have not had any problems thus far and I have owned this vehicle for one year.

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  Awesome truck! - 2017 Nissan Frontier
  By Central NH - September 2 - 12:56 pm

  This truck has the value added pkg. Many say its getting old..I say its still got bells and whistles without all the electronic stuff like new vehicles. Handles great my only kinda dislike is fuel economy compared to others in class but how reliable will those other makes be with new power plant. 400 mile trip and was great. Duel zone temp was great for the trip. All in all 5 stars. Keep it simple kinda guy not high tech.

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  good - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By racyhell - September 2 - 10:00 am

  so far so good.

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  Cool one - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By venu - September 2 - 10:00 am

  Great looks and fun to drive off roads!!

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  Its a little zippy - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By johnski - September 2 - 5:10 am

  Overall Im very pleased with my 2007 Altima purchase. I went with a fully loaded 3.5 SE with navigation and everything. About the only gripe I have at this point with the car is how they disable some of the navigation / radio features when the car is moving and how there is not yet an iPod adapter available. The bose system is less than impressive but what do you expect. -=(

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  One Great Truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By nismoblue - September 1 - 9:23 am

  My 06 is now 2yrs old w/ 33,000 miles on it and it still feels great to drive every day. The power is very good, drives like a sports car and feels solid. Try one out if you are thinking about a midsize truck. The interior design is nice with everything laid out really well. I always still look at it while walking way from it after two years.