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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  Absolute Best Vehicle - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By WC - September 13 - 2:00 am

  The wife said it was time to go and so I bought a new SUV. But!!! The Maxima that I just traded in was the best car that I have ever owned. I put 187,000 miles on it and all I ever did other than put gas in and routine maintenance was a fan belt and an alternator (both repairs occurred after 100K miles). Great ride, great performance, great style. They dont come any better!!!!!

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  GOOD - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By maxima-nissan - September 13 - 2:00 am

  I like the vehicle. The drive is very smooth. The engine pickup is excellent. At 30,000 miles, I replaced the windwasher motor.(it was covered under warranty). I have to replace the front struts at 45,000. I have to replace the front brakes at 45,000 at Midas. This was a mistake to go to midas. This damaged my rotors in 1 year. I have to replace front rotors. I replaced break lines on the rear and also break pads. I replaced back struts. Other tahn these the vehicle is running smooth now. I hope it will last for sometime. The mileage now is 88,000.

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  myCar - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By GG777 - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Very happy with the car. It got stolen. Looking for subaru.

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  Just Makes Sense... - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By bgriffey - September 13 - 2:00 am

  This car just makes sense in almost every way. It offers practicallity along with styling and performance. Where else can you get all that for under 20K! My last 96SER has 120K miles and is still going strong. I hope this new one came from the same mold...

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  July 2007 - 2002 Nissan Frontier
  By July 07 - September 12 - 10:20 pm

  I bought this truck from my father. I have had it for 2 months and it has 35,000 miles on it. Yes I said 35,000! Absolutely no power. Basically it is like driving a low model 4cyl sedan. Get the 6 cyl if you expect to haul anything. Forget about the accelerating with the AC on. Getting about 21 MPG highway as I really only drive on highways. Belts squeak a lot. I would recommend buying this truck if you can get it below the Edmunds vehicle pricing. It is handy to drive around. No mechanical issues since it was in the family - it was bought new.

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  Love At First Sight! - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By deltagirl - September 12 - 6:40 pm

  My parents car recently died, so I gave them my 2008 RX350. The Murano was aesthetically pleasing externally (a head turner) and with the 2009 internal upgrades it was hard to find any disqualifying features (save the orange display). Check it out yourself!

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  Nice car - 2018 Nissan Rogue
  By Roger f. Kane - September 12 - 7:57 am

  Great deal for the price

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  Good! - 2013 Nissan Altima
  By steve_bz - September 12 - 7:20 am

  I have a 2013, 3.5S. I got it because it was on end of year special and I expect excellent things from Nissan. Normally, I go for smaller and sportier. This one is very sporty, lots of get up and go. The sound of the engine is actually throaty, with a growl, surprising. Not loud, but it sounds good. It handles pretty well but the stock tires are just ok in winter conditions, found out just today. The seats are comfy and with this version the stereo/high tech is minimal but still what I need. The configurable display is actually pretty techy but I guess Im saying the S version stereo is minimal. Dunno if it is ok to say, but for 21K this was a steal of a deal. Had to buy at Xmas though.

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  2004 Nissan Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By dworkman - September 12 - 6:20 am

  Great vehicle. No problems since purchasing. Excellent performance with unbeatable speed. Interior room is great, better than any other car in this price range with similar performance.

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  Gas Bill is not believable - 2012 Nissan Altima
  By Joe - September 12 - 2:41 am

  It is impossible to believe but ill give it to you straight! I filled to Full at Qt making sure Gas was 100 percent topped off to 20 gallons, Left QT drove 1.3 miles away and already burned about half a quarter tank of fuel. 60,000 Miles on car no issues at all! This 3.5L Altima can guzzle gas 2 times faster than a V8 motor, This altima has amazing HP but not worth even enjoying cause it drinks gas like you cant believe. The Interior is really nice, black dash and carpet, steering wheel has controls and hands free phone and high gloss black leather steering wheel, It has navigation and bluetooth and bose system.. Really nice car although my biggest complaint is the front seats and how uncomfortable they are. The back seats are very comfortable. this car has 9 cup holders and not sure why. My wife has a 2.5s and it gets the complete opposite fuel economy. She gets like 40Mpg even close to 60mpg when on freeway best i ever seen! 2.5s best fuel economy i ever seen even than hondas 3.5 SR worst fuel economy i ever witnessed in my life seriously!!!!! How does these 2 altimas are so un-alike??? Makes no sense at all! I will never buy a V6 again with name SR Altima on it! Most Altimas Bumpers are always falling off i have noticed! The inside was a great design and comfort is good just not cloth seats outside is not stylish