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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  Esters - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Ester - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Fun to drive. Love the comfortable leather seats. Can do an all day drive and no fatigue in the back or legs. Handling in this car is superior. Will stop on a dime and give you nine cent change. Virtually no roll or pitch when manuevering around traffic.

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  Its one bad car! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By D. W. - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I use to have to shut off the AC on my 2001 Altima to excellerate on to I-4. Now I have to hold on tight, what smooth power! Doing 80 and geting 30 mpg is outragous! What a car!

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  owner - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By nagginmaw - March 29 - 10:00 am

  This is my third Altima to buy. I like to trade or outright sell it every 3 years. I dont put a lot of miles on it, so I have no trouble selling it. I also keep up with the care of it such as oil change, tire rotation and the like. I have already promised to sell the car when I make up my mind to buy again. All around good car!

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  Dees Review of Altima 2.5S - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By dogholoh - March 29 - 10:00 am

  We bought this vehicle in the 2002 model for our daughter. We were so pleased with it that we bought the 2003 model for our son early (before he was eligible to drive). That gave me the time to have the pleasure of driving it for 9 months. Then, I had to turn it over and go back to driving my 2000 Infiniti I30t.

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  3rd Nissan Auto-Best yet! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By BobbyP - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Traded in a 97 Maxima for this Silver SE. This is my 3rd Nissan car...one Altima and 2nd Max. 200,000 miles combined, and never a single problem. My only trouble was deciding between the Max and the Murano, which my family wanted. Love the power and styling of the Max...been stopped by 3 people this week inquiring about the car. Looked at Acuras, Toyota, and Honda. No real comparison. Also, real $ value with Nissan. Didnt need or want a lot of options, so the price was very competitive.

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  Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Little - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle, driving this car is effortless, sound system is great. Body lines make this car. This is my second Maxima, first one purchased 1985, had til I purchased this one with NO problems. Only problem with new one, WATCH YOUR SPEED! Has great power.

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  This car is a 10 - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By gravy21 - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I would recommend buying this car to absolutely anyone! This car is the best thing to hit in 2004!! It looks great and feels great to ride in!! If you can afford it pick one up now or you will be missing out on one of the best cars made in decades.

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  new design rocks - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By lisa - March 28 - 11:43 am

  the new front grill, new design on the gages are nice. The pick up is awesome and a comfort ride. My car was in the shop and was given an 07 to drive. After 3 days I bought my own and love it!

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  I had such high hopes - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By neveragain28 - March 28 - 6:19 am

  I bought this car in March 2011. Since then I have replaced the battery 4 times and alternator twice. Still the same problem continued to happen, it would randomly not start. I ended up having to sell it because it was the most unreliable car. No mechanic could figure out the problem and it was a money hole.

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  Love it...SUCKER 4 the sales price!! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Raodrunner - March 28 - 5:46 am

  Love this truck, 21 mpg is a joke unless you are driving Miss Daisy, expect 17-18 at best... Solid build minus the rattle that will never go away??... TIRE SENSOR OR TIRE?? Front tire increases and decreases pressure constantly, dealer can not find problem and the sensor comes on every day?? Very comfortable, roomy, and stylish.