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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  Ultimate Altima - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Iceman36 - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Fell in love with the car on the first test drive. Performance and handling are excellent and the body styling is very eye catching. (SE 3.5 Sport Plus)

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  2004 Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By MARKKAL - July 11 - 10:00 am

  I have had an SE with the driver preffered package for 1 month. The car runs great and i have been getting 26.5 mpg.

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  Yeah baby, yeah! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By hanzar - July 11 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for a week and half and I find myself making excuses to go out and drive it. Everytime I open up the garage door and see the rear of the car with it 4 chrome tipped exhaust pipes, I go "oh yeah!" and I get an automatic grin on my face. Excellent smooth ride, lots of power, nice comfortable interior, grippy handling, and great fun to drive. Love the color (spirited bronze) which seems to change in different light. I notice people looking but Canadians are a little too shy to say something.

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  WOW - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By lem60 - July 11 - 10:00 am

  I have the SE with the driver preferred package and love the power and handling. The inside comfort is terrific and I love the new body style, the Maxima hasnt looked this good since 89-94 version. Chose it over Acura TLS (no contest) and G35 (very sweet, but had ergonomic issues inside). There is a slight underbody buzz when upshifting from 1st to 2nd at slow acceleration. Probably a heat shield or underbody panel needs to be more tightly secured. I dont hear it when I punch it, so until I take it in for its first service, the solution is obvious. :-)

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  Won me over - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By MerryK - July 9 - 5:13 pm

  This car really has a lot of quality in what is a mid compact or smaller size car. The interior package and smooth handling makes you think your in a higher price car models. Great features, fuel averaging and mileage eta, 3 trip mileage meters, blue tooth, mp3 jacks, 18 station presets, keyless start and security engine kill override system. You dont even need to take the keyless remote out of your pocket or purse you just push the unlock button on the door handle with the keyless fob in your pocket and it unlocks the car. Gas pump door is secured and has to be released from inside the car reducing gas theft. Every day I drive it I fall in love with it more.

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  2006 xe frontier - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By mike - July 9 - 10:33 am

  This is a good solid truck, I went with the 4cyl for gas mileage 18 city 20 highway. The truck does not have much power so go with the 6cly if you tow. The truck has 2 recall items both minor door latch, gas cap other than that no problems. I wanted a tacoma but this similar frontier was $2700 less.

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  Wifes Maxima - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By galangley - July 9 - 6:43 am

  We have driven Chevrolets for 50 yrs. and went for a test drive in the Altima and my wife liked it, just as we were leaving we spotted the Maxima and drove it away. We have 11,000 miles on it now and are averaging 27mpg. Nissan has been great with their service.

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  good bye Honda, hello Nissan - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By altizoom - July 9 - 4:46 am

  Recently purchased the 3.5 SE and really enjoy it. Plenty of power, great interior design (aside from not being able to see the radio display in sunlight...but nothing is perfect), and aggressive exterior styling. Impressive mpg performance thus far considering the large engine. Im currently getting around the same mileage as my 99 Acura Integra LS. Say goodbye Honda, Hello Nissan

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  Serious Satisfaction - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By gasman1 - July 8 - 8:56 pm

  Very enjoyable automobile. It may not be a BMW! Although its a great value for your dollar. I travel up to 1,250 miles per week. After more than 10K miles, its comfortable, responsive, quiet, and gets great gas mileage. Best MPG was 35.5, average is 31.5, worst was 23. Most of my miles are highway (very little city driving). Not one problem or trip to the dealership since the first oil change.

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  Titan Good, Dealership Bad - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By commander3 - July 8 - 4:33 pm

  I have had my truck for 1.5 years and loved it until just recently due to the poor dealer service. It has the banks exhaust and gets 15-16 mpg with my heavy right foot and sounds great. The airbag light now comes on and is at the dealer for the 4th time in a month. They just keep replacing parts and two days later the warning lights are back on. You would think a Nissan dealer would know how to service a Nissan truck. Worst service I have ever seen with no end in sight.