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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  My third Z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Patrick - March 20 - 6:10 pm

  This is my third Z and have been driving them for over 24 years. They keep getting better. My current 2005 anniversary 6 speeder is the best yet. The car has character and class in styling, handling, mechanical performance and most of all pride in ownership. These cars just feel and fit right, like slipping on a leather glove. The road handling characteristics on twisting roads shows balance and stability which gives the driver confidence to negotiate the next tighter turn. Its an adrenalin rush for a fair price.

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  Great...Great Car - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By raider4life - March 20 - 5:23 pm

  This car is so much fun to drive. I decided on the SE-R, not the Spec V. I dont think it was worth the money, plus the dealership were much more willing to come down on the price of the SE-R then the Spec V. The seats are great. I love the confidence i get when i speed into a turn. My butt stays planted to the seat, and i dont slide around! I previously drove a Pontiac Grand Prix GTP. So the acceleration was stunning to me, but the amount of fun it was to run through the gears was quite fun. I love all the standard features you get with this car, to go along with the great power and handling.

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  Smaller on the inside while bigger on the outside - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By L Whiting - March 19 - 4:09 am

  Ive owned 09 & traded for a 12; loving them both except for each had cabin electronics failures before 34K... My test of the 16 was enjoyable yet uncomfortable. Why? The connection hit me when the salesman mention the aircraft cockpit styling changes. THAT WAS IT! Why I was so uncomfortable. the 16s new cabin mods reduced seat width and right leg room reminding me not of a fighter cockpit; but the cramped seating of all my hated 200 flights in the past 18 months. Sorry - the 12 will not got to a 2016 PS I miss the paddle shifters. I actually use them.

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  Still going strong at 115k - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Great SUV - March 19 - 1:46 am

  This SUVs great. Not anything like JD Powers review. Practical, fun, low maintenance. Just do the maintenance and everything works fine. Still a very tight sounding vehicle 5 years and 100k+ miles later. Not too many vehicles can pull that off.

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  Our Maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Mary Young - March 18 - 11:33 pm

  We are in the Real Estate business with the most plastic individuals around. They all drive $70,000 vehicles and above. I have driven in and driven Mercedes, BMW and Lexus and I have to say I like our car more. The Maxima is more comfortable and handles as well and we bought it in December and I still am not tired of the look. The cabin is so comfortable even when I am the passenger and even better behind the wheel.

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  Never to the shop - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By temecula - March 18 - 8:53 pm

  Many, many miles in a short time. Nothing like driving a sports car while paying sedan insurance!

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  Wow, is this fun to drive! - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By sandiana - March 18 - 2:26 pm

  I absolutely love it so far! I just bought my Maxima SV on Saturday, so this review is based on my initial impressions. Its a very powerful engine (I traded up from an 07 Camry with 268 HP, and while that was a powerful car this seems much more so) and Im loving the CVT. I went w/the Monitor & Cold Pkgs, and the mats & splash guards. I got an amazing deal so decided to lease, when I typically buy my cars. I love that I was able to upgrade to a nicer, much more expensive car at such a reasonable price, and be able to get a new car in 39 months. My high ratings on Reliability & Build Quality are only a guess. I will update this review if anything changes down the road.

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  2009 Maxima: Car of The Year - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Rfoor - March 18 - 2:06 pm

  This car has it all. Luxury, sporty look, and great performance. On my long drives, and I drive a total of 4 hours per day to and from work, I get well over 30 mpg using cruise control and reasonable speeds. When I need to pass someone the V6 290 HP turns my luxury car into an aggressive sports car. I suggest white with black interior, really makes this car shine.

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  Unreal - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Chase Link - March 18 - 10:00 am

  Boxter? Eclipse? Celica? WRX? As far as 99% of reviews and forums are concerned, the 350z, with the proper driver of course (me), this set of prey will be eatin alive by my 350. Especially with just a few modifications to the intake and exhaust, pushing the powerful V6 to close to 300 horses and over 290 torque, they will be nowhere in sight.

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  Lindas Path - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By nayaep - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I enjoy the power on this vehicle and the solid construction. It does not feel large and clunky like most trucks but agile and quick. I find it roomy and comfortable without feeling overwhelming.