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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  maxed out maxima - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By bxmax - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Much better overall car than my 97 Maxima. All of the luxury car features at a family sedan price. All the power of a 2 door sports car hidden behind a 4 door family sedan outfit. Beats the crap out of my wifes BMW 328i in acceleration and comfort, but I would rather take that 40 mph curve doing 70 mph in the Bimmer!!!!! Great car.

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  my truck - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By Mary2 - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I like the Nissan, it drives nice.

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  2005 black on black with DPP - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Brad - March 11 - 6:03 am

  This car is great. Bought the black on black (only one in FL at the time) with moonroof and chrome 18s. With newly tinted windows, this car turns heads. Man, is it fast and is very comfortable. My dad had an 1987 SE and the car was great back then.

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  13 yrs & still going strong - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By cool blue - March 11 - 2:33 am

  Very reliable, reasonable yearly maintenance costs, still looks good. Moves very quickly even though it only has 190 hp. I wish I was more talented mechanically to do a few mods to tighten handling; Its handling is decent but could be better.

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  From Toyota to Nissan - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By granddadof9 - March 9 - 9:20 pm

  We were looking for a Crew cab truck and then I saw the Rogue in the show room. We need to take our dog to the vet and for rides and we are both retired and really did not want a Boat retirement car. After looking at what it could do re our needs and wants, it was a done deal.

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  Gotta Love the Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By JPillow - March 9 - 4:30 pm

  After Having my Titan for a while I will tell you this. If you ever get tired of it,( not likely) just go and get yourself a cold air intake. Nismo make the best one for that pickup. And itll save you a hundred bucks or so. Easy install, and then you will rejuvenate that titan and you will remember how much fun it is to drive

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  Love hate relationship! - 2007 Nissan Quest
  By AW - March 9 - 4:23 pm

  I got this van for more room when I had my second child. Not that I have 3 things are starting to look "gray"! I love the seats and actually think they are comfortable except the third row is not made for adults or more than 2 car seats. My recline handles on my second row seats have broken on both sides twice! The interior is very cheaply made and not worth the money on any model. There are only 2cup holders in the front which is a hassle. It drives great and is awesome on long trips. In town the gas mileage stinks. I wish we would have done more looking before we purchased this van. I do love the power and reliability. So I love a little and hate a little.

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  Nissan got it right with this one - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Kevin - March 8 - 2:53 pm

  I was never a family sedan driver until this model of Altima came out. I never noticed the Altima under its prior body style (like a little compact car). The power, styling, and feel of this car is great and makes for a fun driving experience and makes you feel good to be seen in it.

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  Great car! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Fitz - March 8 - 12:00 am

  This is my third Maxima, and couldnt be happier with it. The car is truly a sports sedan car. It has ample power and solid handling. The front engine oversteer is a bit noticeable on hard corners, but overall feel is strong. Would highly recommend the car to anyone

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  Fun, fuel efficient. Limited cargo. - 2009 Nissan Cube
  By Dan1 - March 7 - 6:36 pm

  Our experience while we owned our Cube Krom was a good one. We purchased the vehicle while my wife was pregnant and it was extremely easy to get in and out of. Unfortunately once the little guy was born it made the space feel limited. I was more concerned about safety once he was born.Does not have lots of power but sufficient considering the fuel efficiency. Averaged 28 city, 33 hwy. Surprisingly spacious for 4 passengers, seating 5 adults might be a little tight. Very tight on both sides if placing car seat in middle. Trunk space can also limit the amount of cargo you bring along. Ipod interface was not very user friendly. Lots of cup holders. Will catch lots of attention. Male 26 yrs.