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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  Nice fit, bad ride - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Steve J - December 1 - 4:20 am

  The interior space in this is amazing! I have a 36" inseam, not too many cars fit my legs. After time, the headroom is even more impressive. The hp is fine, more than enough, doesnt get great mileage for a small car. Bad speakers, replace those. Also the cornering at speeds over 50 is awful! Still a great value, but I will trade it in as soon as I have enough equity in it.

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  2000 - 2003 was the Best Generation - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By tompatman - November 30 - 8:36 pm

  Overall, I love my Maxima. It has been a great car over the years. Excellent, sporty performance for the money. I would say for this class of vehicle you couldnt find a better value. Have 133k on mine now, only serious problems have been a failure in the clutch hydraulics and a leaking radiator I recently had to replace. The engine in the Maxima is rock solid, and if you change the oil when youre supposed to it will never fail. Also, get Yokohama tires on this and itll feel like youre driving a different car.

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  Perhaps a lemon? - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Steve Hart - November 30 - 12:33 pm

  Overall this Maxima has been one of my favorite cars, but it hasnt been without some quirky mechanical defects that are just dumbfounding, including a fuel problem where I am only able to fill it up a third of a gallon at a time before it overflows. Several other issues have made me think twice about a future purchase, even though Ive had a lot of fun with this car.

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  JUNK! Traded in after 9 months - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By raey12 - November 30 - 11:04 am

  In the past I heard nothing but good things about Nissan, so with the new Altima body style and the available 3.5 liter option I decided to give it a try. This car was junk since the day I drove it off the lot. There was an issue with bolts in the front wheel area being installed backwards. The brakes always had problems where they would stick. A really loud rattle in the roof near the sunroof which Nissan claimed they never heard. A broken air vent. The blinker would stick. The passenger airbag would deactivate while driving with a 160 pound passenger in the seat. The manufacturer would do nothing about any of it. Go buy a Lexus or Toyota they are more reliable.

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  love the 350z - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By edward johnston - November 30 - 2:56 am

  love the looks and "feel" of the 350z.Tight controls and very comfortable for a smaller car.all electronics are useful and logical and the handling is second to none.

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  Like a Bull - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By Salesguy - November 30 - 2:33 am

  Car is nice looking and fun driving...except for what could have easily been avoided with simple engineering. There is way too much TORQUE STEER. Car would swerve right unless you are prepared and braced at rapid acceleration. Very comfortable for long drives. Also, soft steel used for panels - easily dented in parking lots.

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  great truck - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By jc Sandoval - November 29 - 5:10 pm

  greast driving , handles a little stiff , comfort is great , driving is fun. price a little high

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  Luv My Max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By TCross - November 29 - 4:53 pm

  ok after reading some of the other reviews i am trying to figure out what did they do wrong to make there maxima give them so much trouble. I have had my maxima since it was brand new back in 04 and i have not had the 1st problem. I will live by Nissan and say that they have a great car on there hands. I love my maxima and i am currently working with my dealer now to get in a 2010 maxima. word of advise if you take care of your car your car will take care of you. so to the people who gave this wonderful car a bad review take care of your car and you will not have problems out of it

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  Too many problems w/ $40,000 car!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Mike Frakes - November 29 - 11:33 am

  I purchased this 2004 maxima in dec/04 with 14k miles on it. Since ive owned it i have had it in the shop 6-7 times! As with other reviews, an anoying shimmy in the steering wheel at 60-70mph. Dealer has balanced tires several times, resurfaced the front brake rotors, still there, tired of messing with it!! Clunking in front end over slow speeds and sharp bumps, front struts were replaced after 3 attempts to fix. (I had to suggest it!) Rust around skyview roof after it was replaced 2x. Once for safety recall, second for leaking badly when rains. Rust developing under front of hood lip.( Under the paint!) Numerous trim items replaced because of poor quality!! Too many problems for 2004 car!!

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  Bad paint job - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Hugh mclean - November 29 - 6:36 am

  Overall I have been pleased with the car except for one thing. I have never owned a car that has such a poor paint job. There are paint chips all over the front end as well as on the sides. I really wonder if this is an inherent problem with the quality of paint or the workmanship.