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 car for the money - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Vinay - November 7 - 10:00 am

  I just bought the Maxima GXE. So far, its been great...handles very well for a car its size. Interior room is aplenty, and the dashboard layout is much better than the new Altima I was considering. It doesnt have the frills (spoiler, rims, sunroof) but has the same engine as the other trims, and the car moves its weight very well! Its too early for a reliability estimate, but by all indications it should be excellent. Overall, a the best car for this price range.

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  Truck Build to last - 2002 Nissan Xterra
  By XMan1 - November 7 - 10:00 am

  This truck is a looker. It has more to it than plin rugged looks. Its Xtreamely capable off the road. It has take me to the trails personality. It has the Nissan reliability and the proven and tested old Pathy engine.

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  The best Ive ever had! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By captain B - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Only two weeks old but first impressions are that this is an outstanding car. Purchased the 3.5 V-6 and happy that I did. Test drove the 2.5 and it was very good but the V-6 is like a rocket. Tip, hold down your cost buy selecting a model without Sunroof/Bose/Leather, that can run you up 3 grand. Good negotiations and shrewd comparisons with on line quotes got me the rear spoiler. It doesnt do anything but looks sharp. The 3.5 model is loaded with CD/Power seat/ 17"alloys/Keyless entry/alarm just about everything. Digital gas usage tells me Im getting 25.9 to the gallon. Im very happy with this car. My advice GO FOR IT.

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  awesome! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By a b - November 7 - 9:33 am

  awesome and high performance - only slight negative is gas mileage but does get 18 mpg not bad for its class.

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  Quality and Fun - 2006 Nissan Maxima
  By Eric - November 6 - 8:10 am

  I have driven Nissans for 15 years....Pathfinders, 300ZX, Altima, and now a new Maxima..what a dream. Handles like a sportscar, but appointed and comfortable like a luxury sedan. While I miss a manual shift, the tip-tonic is fun, although it is easier just to use the drive selection in auto. Decent mileage, large tank and regular gas make it very affordable to run for this type of car.

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  I LOVE IT I LOVE IT - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By MRKING - November 5 - 3:00 pm

  I purchased this car a few months ago and love it. This is the best car Ive ever owned. I had an 01 Malibu 6 cyl previously, this car turns heads all the time. The CVT is the best 4 cyl alive . Quick on the highway and did I mention good looking.

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  amazing vehicle - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Fred Jackson - November 5 - 10:33 am

  I have driven the 5 speed manual maxima se for 7 years and its an incredible car. at 141k miles it still runs strong and has had only 1 significant repair. fuel economy for my highway route is 30 mpg on midgrade fuel. highly recommend this car as tremendously reliable. dont pay a premium for a toyota, just buy the 95- 99 maxima.

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  Pocket Rocket - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Mike Witkowski - November 5 - 9:53 am

  I had leased a 2005 Grand Prix. This ride is not quite as comfortable but it is more fun to drive. Went on 250 mile trip two weekends in a row. First week we took my wifes Prius. Nice mileage but not very quick. Taking the Altima the next weekend was much better. I am not totally sure that I that I did the right thing by not buying the Grand Prix which I was getting 24 mpg while I am getting the same with the Altima. Maybe when the engine gets more miles the mpg will increase.

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  Do NOT buy a Nissan!!!! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By bighair2 - November 5 - 9:02 am

  We bought a 2013 Nissan Altima in September. Since then we have had nothing but problems;. I dont know where to start. The back seat is missing a piece of foam, still not fixed. The car is a danger to drive, it sways from side to side very hard to control if you are going over 35 mph, you find yourself in the other lane in a blink of an eye. The Nissan engineer said there was a problem but no answers. We have taken it in numerous times, they have told us there is nothing they can do. We have worked with Nissan consumer affairs and that was a joke. They are very rude and unhelpful, they offered us $400 for our problems and not fix it. Our next step is an attorney.

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  Fast and Fun - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Keith - November 4 - 10:36 pm

  I have been very happy with my Maxima SL since I bought it 20,000 miles ago. It has great acceleration, handling and a quiet smooth ride. The gas mileage is acceptable for the type and performance. I had a few minor quality issues initially, but the dealer has been very good about fixing them. I do a lot of driving and theyve done a good job of keeping the road and wind noise down. I looked at a lot of vehicles in my price range and this had the best combination of performance, ride, and interior room. I have been very satisfied with the selection.