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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  This is a great car - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Woorham - November 14 - 5:13 pm

  I bought this sentra XE for saving money. It does not have keyless entry, power windows, but has CD and AC. Runs well, has 5 passenger seat, great fuel economy, so I guess this is perfect for some money saver? Wow!

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  my Maxima ownership experience - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By John Rawlings - November 14 - 1:20 pm

  This is a stylish, comfortable car with lots of interior and trunk space. It accommodates the roomy interior needs for a family better than any modern mid-to-full sized sedan in this price range. The maxima successfully combines comfort,sportiness(fun&fast) and luxury. The car corners good & shifts seamlessly on acceleration. EPA estimates (22/28)I have found to be unattainable under normal driving conditions. Reality:20-21 city or hwy. The turn radius makes this car tough to park in congested places. It tends to be very hard on bumps and noisy. I have owned my Maxima 2.5 years and notice the shiny trim around the windshield fading bad (the car is garaged at night).

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  no comparison - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By jdy - November 14 - 10:10 am

  ive considered toyota 4runner and honda pilot and nothing comes close to this truck. bought it used but this suv drives like it was brand new. very car like handling and the exterior design is very simple and elegant. worth every bang of your $$$.

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  Not a bad car but glad its a lease - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Allyson - November 14 - 10:10 am

  Overall, this is a decent car. Gas mileage good, decent highway and uphill acceleration. Very nice-looking car. But after driving it for 3 years I am so glad my lease is up. The 2 major drawbacks of this car is 1) horrible in the snow, especially if there is any type of uphill slope-2) terrible brake design. I could never make it up any type of hill in the snow with this car. Never felt safe driving this in the snow. Paid extra to have very good snow tires put on last winter and performance in snow still crappy! And now at 29K miles the rear brakes (pads and rotors) are completely shot! And Nissan wont do a thing about it even though they know its a problem. Front brakes are fine- go figure!

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  6.5 great years with my MO - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Jeff - November 14 - 6:10 am

  This SUV was a 1st year model, so yes there were a couple of issues. The alternator recall, the rocking chair fixed under warranty and the flopping sun visor coming just this year. The CVT performed flawlessly and the only other items done were battery, tires, wiper blades & oil changes. All things considered, this was a blast to own & drive for 85k miles over 6.5 trouble free years. The styling was cutting edge in 03, it was very sporty for an SUV and it fit me, 63" 290lbs with ease. It could also hold my 3 boys in the back seat and 2 of them are 6+ foot. The cargo room was amazing, I have got many a admiring comment at Lowes.

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  So Long Acura, Hello Maxima!!! - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Kenny C. - November 14 - 12:30 am

  I traded my Acura in for this new Maxima.I ordered it with the elite package,(burnt orange leater). This car turns heads... Everything about this car is tight. Interior is about as plush as it gets. Acura/Honda better get back to the drawing board. This car is so much smoother than my Acura. The engine is quiet and powerful. The controls are easy to understand. The interior is very roomy. I hope I can get the same years of service with this Nissan as I did with the Acura, (8years). That will be the true test.

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  Nissan Maxima - Maximum performance and style - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Crysco - November 13 - 3:16 pm

  This car rides like a high end automobile.

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  A car to drive! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By GM - November 13 - 11:43 am

  We have traded in our third Accord for the new 07 Altima. Very good driving impressions so far. It came with the SL package that included leather interior and moonroof along with other conveniences. Lot of storage area in the trunk. Although you need to get used to it, the CVT is something else. The 4 cyl. engine outperforms some 6 cylinders out there. Folks at Nissan did their homework well. Definitely, a car to drive.

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  Car will not accelerate - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By franklin18 - November 12 - 9:47 pm

  I bought our car the end of Feb 2013. We loved it, after taking it out that weekend the car gave a BSW code and when pushing the gas the car would just stall and not go. I would have to let off the gas and then push the gas again it would go. After 8 days in the shop we were told it was a wire that was not grounded properly. 5 days later, I would push the gas and the car would stall, I called they had my car another 4 days to be told it was a faulty stop lamp switch. Had the car for 4 more days and now it is back in the shop for the exact same problem. Called Nissan North America and still waiting on a return call from 2 days ago! I love the car, wish it would run properly!

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  Best ever - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By Wendys Toy - November 12 - 8:50 pm

  This is my second Z, first a coupe and loved it. Needed to step it up and go topless. Everyone loves the car and continues to get all the attention it deserves. Will always be a Z girl.