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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  If it were not for the paint......... - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By T R - February 9 - 2:00 am

  This car has been wonderful so far. The performance and looks combined with the price make it a tough car to match. The torque steer is always there, but it is a small price to pay for being able to have the engine. No mechanical problems so far-20,000 miles.

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  THATS MY RIDE! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By GEOOGE - February 9 - 2:00 am

  PLAIN AND SIMPLE JUST A SWEET RIDE!

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  dam good car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By ltaylor157 - February 9 - 2:00 am

  The car handles like a dream. the speed is there to, with a K&N filter watch out. I would highly recommend it if you have the means.

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  2008 Quest S Trim - 2008 Nissan Quest
  By boomboxjoe - February 8 - 4:30 pm

  I have only owned it for a month but I can say it has great power for a minivan. I can get 25 mpg Highway when trying. Have maxed out at 26.4 I have fun with the MPG display gauge and Tire PSI which i set at 44 PSI. Automatic hatch is great but the cubby hole where the 3rd row can fold into is great for food shopping. I feel for the money its a good van.

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  Oil Consumption - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By iliveforthis - February 8 - 1:43 pm

  I have a 6 speed and I am in LOVE with it. Very powerful but I still stall sometimes cuz the engine is so quiet. Not a bad thing. Has every option imaginable, including a heated steering wheel (very nice). Love the style of the car, black on black with tinted windows and 20" black rims. Only problem with the car is that it hit 80k and Im burning a quart and a half of oil per 1,000 miles. Thats 50% more than acceptable. That is huge for a luxury sedan from Nissan. Have heard the same complaints from others at 80k and no one wants to do anything about it. Besides the oil, I love everything else about it. Not bad on gas either, 6th gear is beautiful on highway.

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  Awesome - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By bobby1 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  The Maxima is a wonderful car to drive! I have to be careful not to over do it! I cant imagine what the 2002 must be like to drive! Get one, I highly recommend it!

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  Altima 3.5se - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By GABoy74 - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I like it alot.

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  A very bad choice. - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By terryboots - February 8 - 7:16 am

  We purchased a 2013 Altima the month they were released. The good: Great ride, great seats, excellent climate control, fuel economy, generally good controls. The bad: Transmission failed at 13k. For months we were told the jerking and shuddering was normal, then the trans failed completely. Wind noise. Paint easily scratched/marked. Engine is noisy esp under light acceleration. CVT transmission is annoying, acts like the old 2-speed "Powerglide" in Grandmas Impala. Its either revving like crazy or so low the engine lugs. Nissan was good about replacing the transmission (this time), next time who knows? Accord, Impala, Fusion, Camry are all better options.

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  Quality Of Parts Questionable. - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By bingee - February 8 - 12:20 am

  The rear bumper started rusting after just 3 years. This is a car that is garage kept. Now the fuel gauge doesnt work because the fuel level sensor is defective. Its a $600 fix that has been a problem with Nissans since 2000. So why do they continue to install defective parts year after year? And there are lots of rattles. No more Nissans for me.

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  HORRIBLE NISSAN - 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By disappointed - February 7 - 9:30 pm

  I just bought the car less than a week ago. I was too stupid, didnt realize the problem when I was test driving it. Whenever you try to slow down or hit the brake, it actually sounded like an ambulance or police car siren 800 feet away from you. The dealership was in a quite busy neighborhood, so I really thought there were police cars or ambulance around or down that street, not until, I bought the car, and drove home and drove in my nice neighbor realizing that sound is from stepping on the brake. I brought it back to the dealer, they cant do anything about it, and I am stuck with this brand new car with horrible sound. Dont ever buy a Nissan car.