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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  Front end noise - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By cjenk - September 3 - 11:00 am

  Overall, tne maxima is the best car since I traded in the 06 Altima SE. Quality of the car is a plus.

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  40 Thousand and going - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By SEChpman - September 3 - 8:30 am

  Use this car as my get to work car( 60 miles) and tight parking car. Have a Nissan Quest also. Have driven this car hard, and at 40,000 miles it is going great. I got it at a good price, just like my other Nissan. This car is designed to be left alone( except for fluid changes) for a long time. Oh, and if you lose a hubcap it will cost you over 60 dollars ( rip)!

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  This car is GREAT! - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By ES - September 3 - 4:10 am

  The 2009 Nissan 1.8 SL Hatchback was not even in my radar when I started doing my research for a new car. 48 hours after test driving one, though, I ordered it with all the available packages. This car is very fun to drive and has enough zip to not disappoint. CVT makes the ride so much smoother and quieter than the 2009 Honda Fit (I test drove both cars back to back on the same day). Edmunds.com may think its a plain car, but I love it. Nothing complicated; just sound Nissan engineering.

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  BEST car i have ever owned!!! - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Ryan - September 3 - 2:16 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR!!!! I baught it with 86000 miles on it now has 98k. mine is a manual and its a blast to drive. This is my second maxima. before this i had a 90 with 228k I have not had one major problem with this car. I only have replaced 2 tires and rear brakes. You can barely hear the car running...its that quiet and the car is really stable at 80mph. I am averaging 22 mpg with all city driving. I got my friend who never said he would like anything but a mercedes to buy one and he is loving this car!!! he likes it better than the 03 e320 his mom has...I cant say enough about these nissans. I will definately buy another....no more honda accords for me THE MAXIMA IS THE WAY TO GO!!!!!

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  Previous Ram buyer - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By tom - September 2 - 8:23 pm

  If youre looking for a vehicle that is fun to drive, this is it. I took the Toyota Tacoma for a drive then the Nissan and there is no comparison. The Nissan generated much more power as soon as you touched the gas. I punched the gas on the Toyota and it could just about get out of its way. Take the both for a ride and Im sure you will buy Nissan.

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  Overall Very Nice - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By mjobrien - September 2 - 3:20 pm

  Several nice features at a great price. I have had the car two weeks and am very happy. I am averaging 28mpg with mixed driving and 34 on the highway. I dont find the that the car has any road noise issues at all. In strong winds the car does seem to drift a bit. Overall handing and acceleration is great and love the CVT. Interior room is awesome as I am 62" . I have had 4 adults in the car with no comfort issues at all. In fact, I feel more comfortable in the Sentra than the Civic. Controls are laid out well 18 radio station presets plus an iPod jack. So, at this point I would purchase again without any doubts. Luxury features at a great price.

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  i love my car - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By nickia reid - September 2 - 10:00 am

  i brought the altima in 2000.. i love it very very much and i will always stick with the altimas.. i love the way the the inside is built.. i love the way it drives.. The car is very sexy and it fits me completey..in 3 years im planning to buy me another altima

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  Buy a Maxima - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By the maxima lover - September 2 - 10:00 am

  My maxima has 135,000 miles on it and i have never had a problem with it. If you change the oil every 3,000 miles it will last forever.The engine is quick, and powerful. Definetly go with the leather seats, as the fabric smell after 100K. I have upgraded the audio system very easily. No cutting or re- wiring, just pop the new speakers right in. The stock speakers suck if you did not get the Bose option. I just bought a new 2002 maxima and i luv it!!!

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  SUV/Truck Lover has change of heart. - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Sooner - September 2 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I were shopping for SUVs. We drove all of them. While we were at the Nissan dealership, we saw the Altima. We both loved the way it looked. But how would it would drive? The dealer let us test drive one just for fun. The very next day we were back to sign the papers. This car rocks! Ive never had so many people stop me just to look at my car. I still want a SUV or truck for 4X4ing in the snow. However, this car is my baby and we plan on having it for many, many years!!!

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  Bad Max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Carrie Johnson - September 2 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Maxima and this 2004 is just great. I have had both men/women stop and ask what year is the car and how do I like it. The only thing I can say is that the car is "Great". Nissan really did out do their selfs making this model and should they keep up they will have a great edge on the car market. This is my (7) new car and (3) have been Maximas, as long as Nissan makes a great car I will purchase one.