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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  New Maxima SE - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By nddst - November 12 - 5:13 pm

  After driving every import in the 20-30k price range (BMW, Volvo, Passat), I decided on a Nissan Maxima SE. Since I wanted a manual transmission, I was limited somewhat (No Accord, Acura or Camary). I fell in love with the Maximas looks and it drove like a dream. I am moving from an Acura Integra and what a difference! The Acura is a fun car to drive, but the Maxima blows it away. It has much less road noise and a lot more power. No other cars I drove gave me the value I got with the Maxima.

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  sooo very happy - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By charlie - November 12 - 2:16 pm

  my first maxima and it was a good move...had the car lil over a year and still enjoy driving it on a daily basis...very special automobile...may sound silly, but love the drive...even the engine compartment is outstanding...

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  Maxine - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Ericba13 - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I love my Maxima. The rear is slightly ugly but after 6 years, Im used to it. The car handles well, brakes are solid, and the car has solid power. I picked mine up for around 20K, and there was nothing out there at the time that couldve given me the size, reliability, power, and pure fun of a Maxima for that price.

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  Nissan knows how to build a great car! - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Zingano - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I think Nissan has earned a lifetime customer in me. This car is a dream. Performs like a sports car, yet still can haul my family. Just as reliable as any Honda I have ever owned. It has all the conveniences of a premium luxury car. The climate control works perfectly to keep a comfortable interior. Just one great car!

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  THE BEST SUV IN THE PLANET - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By MATT - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE NO HAD ANY PLOBLEMS WITH MY PATHFINDER, IT IS ALOT BETTER THAN THE JEEP LIBERTY. THE JEEP LIBERTY IS THE WERST. MY FRIND AS IS AND SHE HAD PLOBLEMS THE NEXT DAY. ANYWAYS THE PATHFINDER IS THE BST SUV IN THE WORLD.

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  Great Stereo, great Engine - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By TBerndt - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Very fun recreational vehicle. Six disc stereo rocks, better than a lot of folks have at home. Roof rack accepts Yakima conversions that make boat carrying, etc. quite easy. Has a tendency to break loose on wet roads, hard turns. Think its the potent engine-you just have to stay off of it a little on slick roads.

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  2000 Nissan Crew Cab XE 4wd V6 Auto - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By kd7oqc - November 12 - 2:00 am

  As it gets older, it will get a lot of off road / back road use. I want compact external dimensions, and a short turning radius for the (almost) roads that often use. This fills the bill. It is quiet on the freeway. The only real wind noise comes from the bug deflector. We average 18.5 mpg with a canopy, a bed full of "family stuff" and 4 people in the truck. It has no squeaks and rattles.

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  Best in class - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By fchild - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is just best in its class. For under-30K price middle-to-full size sedan it makes perfect choice for mid-age family man.

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  buy of the year - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By florida fred - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Great car, very fast and you will have to spend 20k more to beat it.

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  What a Difference - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Corey Truesdale - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I owned a 93 Altima GLE which I enjoyed very much but the 02 Altima is by far the best car I have ever owned "Great Job Nissan"