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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  Very good small car! - 2007 Nissan Versa
  By Dale -- New Mexico - May 11 - 1:40 pm

  Comfortable small car thats roomy (back seats have easy entry and more leg room than most larger cars). This car is safe - 4 star rating bumper to bumper. The last tankfull MPG. was 36.2 in city and some highway use (very pleased!). Use slower takeoffs at lights and easy braking. You cant punch it to get great MPG! Dont worry, this car has plenty of power in city and on the highways! And the control and feel is secure even at high speeds. One thing we dont like is on bad roads you feel the bumps! But this is a small car after all. Make sure you test drive it on some bumpy roads! I got the best mpg and ride with the tires at 33 PSI.

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  Love it! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By SFKid - May 9 - 7:03 pm

  I love this car which I bought with 29,000 miles on it. I now have 50,000 on it. Pluses: Handles great, great power. Minuses: Slightly lower gas economy than I expected, Bose system playback skips. I also feel a slight jerk when the drivers window rolls down. I expect that Ill need a repair sooner or later.

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  2000 maxima - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By dav - May 9 - 10:00 am

  excellent balance of performance and comfort. extremely reliable.

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  Performace 4 door - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Jgator - May 9 - 10:00 am

  The 25th Anniversary has been an exemplary sample of torque, size, performance and reliability. It definitely is worth the extra couple of dollars in the used car market for the added details that you get vs lets say the SE model or any oher V6 Accord or Passat. In fact a much better value and fun ratio.

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  02Maxima Rocks - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By PVA - May 9 - 10:00 am

  After test driving many of the more expensive 4-door sedans on the market, I knew that the Maxima was definitely my pick. Who wants to spend more money to look like an old man when youre 25? This car is very functional, sporty and fun to drive. Nissans 3.5L 6cyl engine begs you to give it gas and the suspension does not mind hard cornering. The engine can withstand a serious amount of punishment and so can the transmission! SE suspensions are tuned to provide a busy, sportscar type of ride and you feel just that. It is so fun to embarrass VWs, Audis, BMWs, Acuras & Mustangs without making one upgrade!

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  Great replacement for the Maxima - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By ehylee - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I purchased the Murano because I needed better traction in the snow than my 97 Maxima could give me. So far, the car has been great. Fuel economy is not stellar, not even to EPA specs but the Maxima never made it that high either. I have a few of the usual Nissan rattles here and there, but its a Nissan, not Toyota, so no complaints here. The power port is very poorly placed - in the center console and on the passenger side - they are both inconvenient for charging cell phones. The rear hatch power port does not function unless the ignition is on ACC - another poor design.

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  Very Happy - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By smillr - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Murano for 2 weeks now and I love it. It is all that I thought it would be. I hope that it holds up the way I think it will :)

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  The Altima Has Arrived! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By dcurbelo - May 9 - 10:00 am

  I have owned three previous Altimas, my first bought in 1995. This is by far the best Altima ever made. This car truely can compete with the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and any other mid- size family sedan. I dont say this lightly. I have owned several Accords and a Camry. The car is quick, comfortable, roomy & stylish. It has all the creature comforts at a reasonable price. Gas milage is good in the city and great on the road. I drive in excess of 35000 miles per year. All of my previous Altimas have been very reliable and I expect this one to be as well.

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  Awsome, Outstanding Mid-Class Sedan - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Handry - May 9 - 10:00 am

  Great Vehicle, very reliable, fast enough, good braking response, cool interior, power everything, very comfort,

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  Abz zzzzzzzzzz Forever - 2005 Nissan 350Z
  By ABZ - May 8 - 3:36 pm

  The Z is fantastic. Initally people followed me to find out what kind of car it was. We live in the country and its great to drive into the city with top down most days. Even cool days with elec seats and heater on it is just terrific. Absolutely tremendous sound system (try Billie Idol "White Wedding" on high volume...fantastic! Light in the backend though so you gotta slow down to live...but hey, its so much fun to drive! Great carz!!! Roadster only though!!!!!