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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  Nissan Maxium Best - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Dearl Adamson - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I shoppes all competative cars in this price range of sedans 2004. I first saw at the Denver auto show and it caught my eye as the best looking style wise. I was very suprised when I found the price as it looked far more expensive. When I did a test drive at John Elway I was completely sold and purchased. It has looks, inside room, comfort and in city get 23 miles.

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  Great Auto - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By dasab123 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Excellent acceleration and handling. Great looks. Great braking system.

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  Not bad so far - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By tripps - November 21 - 10:56 pm

  Ive made a couple other posts on here. Ive had my Titan SE for about 5 months now and still love it. It has some minor issues, but thats to be expected from a new model. Front brake rotors were underdesigned and a kit is coming out soon to replace them. My dealer has been great about taking care of problems. Ive been in twice and rotors were cut and/ or replaced with no questions asked. There is also an issue with the front window switches. Both are on order and being covered by the warranty. Windows are sometimes stubborn to go back up. Other than a few rattles that really cant be heard with the radio on, Ive very pleased and would recommend new buyers at least check it out.

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  Love my Rogue - 2011 Nissan Rogue
  By realtor10 - November 21 - 9:29 pm

  Ive had my Rogue for 5 months and have enjoyed every minute of driving. Its the quietest car I have ever had and the smoothest. No road or wind noise at all. I recommend this car to anyone looking for a crossover SUV. I will buy another Nissan!

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  Impressive - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Trevor - November 21 - 10:00 am

  Turned in my 07 Murano after my Lease was about to end and decided to go for a Sedan. Thought I would suffer from Sedan shock and on leaving the Dealership I was in total comfort driving the Altima. this is the SL with the Technology package. Excellent Nav system and for a Four, its peppy. Easy, smooth and fun to drive.

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  Fun vehicle - 2010 Nissan Rogue
  By DanTheMan99 - November 20 - 10:10 pm

  Fun to drive. Averaging only 17.5 mpg. Very disappointing as I havent been racing engine. Ive been purposely slow-starting. But I have the a/c running non-stop and only local driving. Unhappy with drivers seat only adjusting 6 Rather than 8 positions. Im 511" & 275. Stocky. I drive with seat all the way back and wish the base of seat reclined even just a little bit, but it cant. Little drivers legroom as my knee bangs into door handle or steering wheel. Interior & exterior design is great. Love black leather trim. A/c works great. Vents are even cool design. Not a ton of legroom in back seat. Bose is great. Storage is good. Gear shifting nonexistent! Like headlights & keyless!

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  Nissan Maxima Review - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Covington_Louisiana - November 20 - 11:00 am

  This is an excellent vehicle. Its styling and speed is outstanding. I test drove many other models, but nothing compared to the Maxima. I would recommend this and all other Nissan vehicles to anyone.

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  I Love Nissan Maxima - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By cjli - November 20 - 10:00 am

  I have a 97 Maxima and I love it. I used to drive a 84 maxima with 112K on it. For both Maximas, I never wonder if my Max is going to start when I get in to it, no matter in winter or hot summer. I love everything the Maximas offer, mileage, power, comfort, overall performance, reliability etc. Driving my maximas, I enjoy the interaction between my hands and the road furface. They seem never break down or say, never upset you. My next new car will still be Maxima. I have a 99 Toyota Corolla, but the performance is just so bad. Forget Toyota!

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  docs - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By cfdcfd - November 20 - 10:00 am

  Excellent build quality, handles well, plenty of power.

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  2002 Maxima SE 6-Speed - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By EddiexAhn - November 20 - 10:00 am

  this car is great. my first car, and i love everything about it. great performance, and luxury.