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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  Maxima rocks. - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By kams - October 9 - 10:00 am

  The best car in its price range and lots of power. Wish I could trade it in for the newer more sexy Maximas of 2001 and 2002 that have cool features that were missing in the 2000. Things like Navigation system, music contols on the steering wheel and more more small nics naks. And not to mention the new poser house under the hood.

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  MY WHEELS - 1999 Nissan Frontier
  By LARRY M MILLER - October 9 - 10:00 am

  GOOD ALL ARROUND VEHICLE FOR MY NEEDS HYWAY/OFF ROAD USAGE

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  Maxima SE 1997 100000mi - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Slavik - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Great car, but if something is wrong u have to PAY. I had a few problems with a couple of my sensors, each time I had to fix it, it was 300 bucks Other than that the car is very cool. Fast and comfortable (still). Next time, Ill buy new, so waranty pays for all these minor problems.

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  Good to Excellent - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Tnsports - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I think that it is a fun car to drive. It has too much road noise. The seats could be a more be comfortable. The leather is very durable and has upheld very well. I have not had to perform any unscheduled maintenance. The sound system is wonderful.

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  XTerra - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By jsartain - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I feel that the XTerra is the most bang for the buck. Interrior space is wonderful for a mid-size SUV. The lack of power for the 4-cylinder engine is not worth the cost savings. Get the 6 cylinder, super charged engine.

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  Fits me - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By djohn - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I tried all of the competing makes, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and etc. The bottom line is Im 63" and the Nissan was the only car that I fit into. The car during the test drives stood neck n neck with all of the others. The interior was not the best of the lot but very functional. I bought the car and have nothing but kudos from everyone who has seen it. I travel 66 miles per day for work and I am averaging 28 to 29 mpg with less than 1000 miles on the odometer.

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  mine - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By David Briceno - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This car is the best, it has good handles on the turns and the design of the inside and outsies is the best.

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  love it - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By doumat - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Only had the car for a short while, but love the design. Would I buy another....you bet!

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  Wow I Love this Xterra! - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By Xtremely Happy - October 9 - 2:40 am

  Decided on the Xterra after looking at Honda CR-V, Acura RDX, Toyota Highlander, etc. The Xterra may seem not fancy enough for some folks, but seriously its got everything you need. Ive been extremely pleased with this Xterra, its such a great all round vehicle, easy to drive and not a ginormous vehicle. Its straightforward, drives great and has not given me one moments trouble in 5 months of daily driving.

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  zgirl - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By zgirl - October 8 - 5:03 pm

  Its a wonderful car with awesome power. Ive never driven a car with as much head turining ability. We have a corvette and its hands down a better smoother riding car. Its a treat just to get in it and drive.