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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  Yes indeed I like Maximas - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Martin - June 1 - 8:13 pm

  This the third Maxima Ive owned. That should tell you something right off the bat. These are really great cars, reiable cars, that also give you pride in owning one. Its as well made as a Honda Accord but gives you three time more fun in driving. Im not a dealer or a Nissan rep, just a guy who loves and believes in these cars enough to take the time write such a message for your benefit. I cannot imagine why people consider any other four door (sports) sedans when they can get one of these. Enough is enough. My new (used) Maxima SE is just as good, if not better than the other ones Ive owned. Or you can get some slower, lamer, more expensive Lexus for more money.

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  Nonexistent Honeymoon - 2011 Nissan Juke
  By jasfan - June 1 - 3:34 pm

  This vehicle has worn me out in less than 3 months. The gas mileage is awful. The ride is so rough, as a high-mileage driver it is beating my body up. Cant even comprehend this, yet it is happening. The rough ride makes it virtually impossible to listen to a CD, as every bump causes the CD to skip. The driver seat is extremely uncomfortable, and on a bad angle. This is a cool looking vehicle, that is loaded with problems, discomforts, and simply unfriendly applications. I have never disliked a vehicle, and I have owned many. Until now. I really hate driving this car. It has to go.

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  underated - 2009 Nissan Versa
  By jj - June 1 - 9:26 am

  I bought my versa for the most part for the price and also the room. I am 63" tall, and it is difficult to find a comfortable small car. The Versa fits the bill. We liked the Versa so much that three months later we purchased another, this time the HB. Love them both. If you have the extra money- spring for the power option, my 1.6 has only A/C and it is very inconvenient to have no power locks or windows, although a small price to pay, for such a solid built, fuel efficient, comfortable car at that price.

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  2002 Maxima SE vibration problem. - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By bvf10376 - June 1 - 4:00 am

  Im noticing a vibration in the steering and seat but only at highway speeds ( not noticed in the demo ride because it was just around town ). Service people recognized problem. All 4 rims and tires replaced. Slight improvement but still not right. Nissan says this is normal???? Im wondering if theres a flaw in the SE because Ive heard rumors that other new SEs owners have complained and that all SEs on the dealers lot were shown to have the problem.

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  Goodbye Accord, Hello Altima - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By michael yarber - June 1 - 3:14 am

  I had a 2014 Accord, our third one and we love Hondas, but after a long trip from Nashville to Richmond, VA, I couldnt stand it. The drivers seat was wearing me out! I couldnt sit for more than 90 miles at a time. I told my wife, we have to look for another car. I was going to buy another Honda, but the new ones werent any better in the seat department. I saw a ad for a Altima(NASA seats) and we went to try one out. We live just five miles from the Nissan plant and never thought about buying one since we see them everywhere. I sat in it and thought...Wow this is nice and went for the test drive. I liked almost everything about it. After the negotiating stage, we bought it. The ride was great and and seats were even better! Yes, we did make another long drive again and with no problems, I loved the ride. We bought the SV model and my only regret is that we should have got the NAV option. Nissan has done a good job on the new 16 model. One that long trip from Nashville to Indy, we got over 40mpg. At one point I saw 41.3. We are getting a good 30mpg in the city. Thanks Nissan for making a better than excepted car.

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  Nissan Altima 2005 - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Amanda - May 31 - 10:43 am

  I have really enjoyed my Nissan. It is comfortable and easy to drive. Very good on gas also.

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  Cant afford a BMW M3? - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Paclark01 - May 31 - 8:00 am

  I am new to the Nissan experience. In all respect to the autombile, it is definitely a four door sports car. Fun to drive and crisp in handling. The six speed manual is notchy prior to its 1,000 to 2,000 mile break in period, but after a smooth and gentle break in the car shifts smooth and precise. I will definitely recommend this vehicle to an individual who is considering an Acura TL-S. Nissan has given the Tl-S a run for its money. Besides, who can beat a savings of up to $7,000?

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  Great Maxima GXE - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Charles - May 31 - 12:16 am

  I purchased this used Maxima that was three years old with 12,000 miles. It is a wonderful road car - I have taken a 3,700 mile vacation and averaged about 27 MPG. No problems ever except the alternator recall which was taken care of with no issues at all. I can only hope the 2004/2005 Maximas are as good as my 98! Best car I have ever owned along with my 99 Toyota Camry.

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  RELIABLE - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By southwest7 - May 30 - 10:00 pm

  I have 226,000 miles on my Maxima, and wouldnt hesitate to go on a road trip in it right now. The need for the catalytic converter to be replaced is about the most expensive thing Ive experienced, which doesnt affect the performance of car, just satisfying emissions needs. Otherwise just a radiator, alternator, shocks/struts and starter needed replacement after 100,000 miles which is to be expected for a 13year old car. It starts and runs no problem, All my Nissans have been good reliable vehicles.

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  A dude in a minivan - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By the Mr. - May 30 - 11:16 am

  I did not want a minivan despite my wifes request until I found the Quest! Suspension is tight with a powerful engine and has great external design. I enjoy driving it and dont mind being seen in it. No mechanical probs in past 3 yrs. It gets 20 mpg regularly despite its weight and power. On our 4 hour drive up north for vacation my wife and I were talking about what a good decision we made to buy this vehicle 3 yrs ago.