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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  LOVIN it to the MAX - 2012 Nissan Maxima
  By soccerman1313 - February 23 - 6:44 am

  Have about 2000k on my 2012 Maxima. Traded it for a 10 Altima. Boy what a quality difference. Max is much more solid and quiet, faster, comfy, bose is amazing, and just a great car. Looked at similar cars in the class Infinity, BMW, Mercedes but all wouldnt deal much on price. Rolled out with Tech Package and premium for 37k oto. We will see long term how things go but my last 3 rides have been nissans Titan, Altima, now max. Been reliable and great vehicles. Read almost 100 reviews before buying and so far most the complaints I havent noticed.

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  My Maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Louisiana Girl - February 22 - 11:33 pm

  The design of the new Maxima caught my eye. Upon a closer inspection I fell in love with it. The interior is very roomy for my children. I am in my 20s and I do not feel as though I am driving a granny car, but rather a sophisticated and stylish one. The safety features such as the quick release latch in the truck are a bonus among others. The only complaint I have would be the touchy gas pedal.

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  My path led to The Pathfinder - 2016 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Joe Piergrossi - February 22 - 2:58 pm

  So far, I really love the vehicle. Lots of room and storage. Drives well, great Boise sound system, climate controls are great. Liked it better than the Honda Pilot and KIA Sorento. My 1st preference was an ML350 but overpriced and The Pathfinder is a great alternative. Hope I continue to like it ! So far, so good!!!

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  2011 Versa - 2011 Nissan Versa
  By jimsullivan2 - February 22 - 2:00 am

  This car moves quicker and handles better than the Impala that I drove previous to this vehicle. Gas mileage averages at 31 at mostly highway driving but I like to drive close to 80mph. If you are thinking that this car is too small, take a test drive. There is more interior room than most cars out there.

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  Better than the Altima - 2011 Nissan Maxima
  By Yankeeriz - February 22 - 2:00 am

  I was driving an Altima coupe 3.5, for two years before someone hit it. I enjoyed that car a great deal. I always believed the drive btween the Altima 3.5 and the Maxima 3.5 was similar.. Wow far from the truth. The Maxima feels stronger, drives stronger and the engine sound is wonderful.. The tech features in the Maxima looks and feels leaps and bounds beyond the Altima fully loaded. The Altima is a great car but its no Maxima. Neither is the Accord, Camary, Avalon, 2.0 Sonata, which I test drove before driving the Maxima.. What a car... Maxima SV with Sports Package.. you cant go wrong.

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  2008 Nissan Pathfinder SE-V8 - 2008 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Grant Garvey - February 21 - 9:16 pm

  I was in the market for an SUV with a V8. I didnt want or need a monster in size, but wanted an ability to pull over 6000 lbs and still be able to park in a parking lot. The fact that the Pathfinder is a 317 horse is amazing. I drove the joke of a 4 runner and the Sequoia. Before you follow the Pied Piper off the edge of the cliff and settle for an over priced under powered toyota, check out the Pathfinder!

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  My Baby SUV - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Nikki - February 20 - 10:42 pm

  For my 1st SUV - the rouge is the best. It handles like a smooth car. Perfection to say the least. The only reason Im upgrading is because my son is outgrowing the back seat and we need a bit more room..... With good tires my baby was excellent in NYC snow and winter weather.

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  life after maximas - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Jim - February 20 - 7:43 pm

  I actually wanted another Maxima, I had previously owned four. However getting older I could no longer enter and exit the Maxie in comfort. The Murano fit the bill perfectly. Nissan quality, comfort and reliability. This car is a pleasure to drive and I get stares wherever I go. I think they do not know what kind of car it is.

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  Back Relief and More - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Robert Smith - February 20 - 8:53 am

  I bought this vehicle mainly due to my having lower back problems and the remedy of sitting in a higher position as compared to a sedan. Disappointing, since I had been contemplating entry-level luxury sedans (e.g, 2007 Infiniti G35X and Acura TL) and felt that I was compromising with this purchase. Boy was I wrong! What a pleasant surprise to find such an incredible all-around vehicle. This is the first Nissan Ive owned and suspect it wont be the last (fingers crossed).

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  We love it so far... - 2013 Nissan Leaf
  By mojobrown - February 20 - 7:13 am

  Im writing this in January 2015. We bought our 2013 Leaf at the end of May 2014. We overcame the anxiety of buying an all electric car with the comfort that we got a great deal. 7.5 months after buying, were closing in on 10,000 miles and everything has been fantastic. The car is fun to drive. Its reliable. Its attractive. My kids love the heated back seats. We have a normal mini-van as our second vehicle and we drive it less and less frequently. The Leaf has always provided enough range to go where we want. On only two occasion did we decide NOT to take the Leaf and its only because we didnt want to pay to charge while we were in downtown Indianapolis. Its a great car.