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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  Great budget oriented sport sedan - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By j0ey2 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  This car offers high performance (compared to the competition), and a low price with proven reliability and comfort. My only complaints are about the interior materials and the front wheel drive layout. My other car is an Audi A4, so I know what lengths some manufacturers will go to to surround the driver with lux materials and mechanics in the cockpit, but the Maximas interior is functional. To be more sport oriented, this must switch over to rear or all wheel drive though along with a shorter throw shifter. This engine is definitely a keeper.

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  The Best Car Out Under $30K - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By BIGGRUSS - September 30 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. I recently traded in my 2000 Camry Le V6 for the 03 Maxima SE. This car screams personality and wants to be driven hard. The V6 in this car deserves every award that it gets. At about 3500 RPM the engine propels the car like a rocket. The handling in this car is indisputed and merging into traffic is a joy coming from the Camry. Do not believe all of the hype about the Altima. Not saying that it is not a good car but the Maxima is a step above. The interior when comparing the two speaks for itself. This is an excellent car with a alot of features that just wants to please the driver.

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  A true 4-door sports car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Soopermax02 - September 30 - 2:00 am

  Nissan hit this one just right. One early 90s sales pitch for the Maxima was that it is a sports car with 4- doors. The 2002+ Maxima comes roaring back to that heritage with a potent 3.5L V6 (of note, the same 3.5L powerplant used in the new 350Z sports coupe) and accurate "German" like road feel. The SE is the pinnacle of sports sedans for the price conscious consumer; others beware, the Audi A4 3.0, the BMW 325i, Acura TL-S, and Lexus LS300 are no match for this mighty Maxima. For those seeking a more refined version the GLE comes with such standard amenities as a leather interior and climate control.

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  Love this car - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Carol Yanity - September 29 - 5:54 pm

  Have owned this car for a month and no complaints. Drives well, good cargo area, quiet interior, looks sharp.

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  Its a darn good car - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By elray - September 29 - 11:20 am

  I recommend the 5-speed. I hear the automatic transmission performance stinks. Its an exceptionally smooth manual tranny.

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  A long term love - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By lovin_the_maxima - September 28 - 10:46 pm

  I owned this car for 5 years and put about 100,000 miles on it. I absolutely loved this car. It has a cute exterior, and the performance is spectacular. The inside is roomy enough to fit 4 large adults comfortably, and the trunk had plenty of space for all of my camping gear. The 02 sensor was replaced and the tires cost a small fortune, but other than those expenses and regular maintenance (brake replacement, oil changes, etc.), this car was dependable. I commute a long way to work and owned this car for a long time and I never got tired of driving it.

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  my 04 murano - 2006 Nissan Murano
  By paul la roche - September 28 - 10:10 pm

  In purchasing this vehicle I was always impress by its looks, after 7 months of driving experience, the roomyness, the cvt tranmission, the sound of the howling engine, and head turning effect. I will say that Im very pleased. thanks for making a vehicle that seats a 275 lb man just perfect.

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  Last 350ZR is the best - 2008 Nissan 350Z
  By bigp - September 28 - 8:06 pm

  This is my first Z and Im pleased to say that everything about the Z legend is true. The newest VQ35HR engine has legendary horsepower and torque, mated with the 5sp Automatic for legendary reliability, the sound of the exhaust is addictive, the design is an instant classic. Very respectable MPG for a little monster car like this. And cool tuned suspension/ride for the balance between road handling and comfort. Everything I was hoping for and a lot more.

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  Fun car to Drive - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By DWL2 - September 28 - 10:00 am

  No doubt about it, this car is a blast to driver, great power and pick-up, and a big car.

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  Luvin it - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By saximo - September 28 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car 18 months ago off a used car lot. The car has worked out very well, mileage is now over 65,000. Powerful engine, good handeling, comfortable to drive even for long periods, and surprisingly good fuel efficiency. The SEs sports suspension is a little bumpy, but it feels good. After 7 years in a Grand Prix GT, it feels great to have a solid and reliable car that can really move. My wife likes the car too.