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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  MR. MAX - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By skillz69 - April 10 - 10:00 am

  Simply put you have to drive this car to feel the sensation it produces for the driver. This is such a smooth driving car which is also quick and precise. The SE which I own has got a really controlled ride and handling. The motor and transmission are so flexible it is smooth and wild at the same time. Kick this baby down and listen to the motor hustle the car seamlessly. I had a 2001 Maxima as well and hated to part with it. After having this for about a year I have never felt bad about my 2001 Maxima loss. This is a car that needs to be driven to appreciate.

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  Buy it! - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By Herc95 - April 10 - 7:06 am

  I have drive my Altima Hybrid for about 2 months now. It performs superbly. Most of my driving is highway. I set the cruise at about 75 mph and I am averaging 35 mpg. I have every option and the car is exceeding all expectations. When you need to accelerate the gas engine is more than up to the task. I highly recommend this car.

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  sure bet - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By fabdog - April 10 - 6:30 am

  First car that after 2 years of owning it, I still enjoy driving. Great gas mileage on trips averaging 30 MPG on recent trip. Cant ask for much better with the power you have at your disposal. I highly recommend this car. GM eat your heart out.

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  I love my car!! - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Chris713 - April 10 - 5:56 am

  Love the Saddle leather, love the Rockford Fosgate system with integrated Bluetooth, love the performance. CVT requires learning to get optimal fuel mileage. I get 28-30 city & 34 hwy. Original Bridgestones were only good for 20K miles but I expected that. All around, I love my car and I actually traded down from a Maxima. only 1 minor drag is that theres only 1 power outlet. WHY? Its a great car for the money. Ive had ZERO problems and Ive got close to 30K on the odometer. Couldnt say the same for my Max.

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  Living it up - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By themightyquinn - April 10 - 2:10 am

  Have had no problems, great look and ride. Quality is good, had some trouble with buying. First was sold a 2 wheel drive offroad and when we asked if it was 4X4 they told us it was. Well we found out the hard way it was 2WD. We ended up getting pulled out by a Chevy Suburban :( Very embarassed the dealership found us another one with exactly what we wanted and we couldnt be happier. And we got it for cheaper than the 2WD Off Road Trap. Word of Advice stay AWAY from the 2WD. And why would they make a 2WD offroad version? Kinda defeats the purpose.

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  Solid, Reliable Choice - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Robert Schoell - April 9 - 11:36 pm

  This is a very solid, reliable choice, and excellent value for money. Ive enjoyed one year of problem-free, comfortable driving. The leather package is well worth getting, as it comes with a lot of impressive standard features (e.g. auto-dim mirrors, power seats). This is a great multi-functional car.

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  Used to an SUV but want more like a car - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Dawn - April 9 - 2:06 pm

  I love the adjustable Gas pedals in my 2003 Nissan Murano. It has nice pick up, its super fast. Its gas mileage is better then most SUVs. The Bose stereo system is awesome.

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  Great deal, great car - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By pink1984 - April 7 - 6:06 pm

  Sold my 2000 Maxima SE and bought a 2010 Altima 2.5 S with the conv. plus package.

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  Great Nissan! - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By cecep - April 7 - 2:00 am

  I brought my nissan used with 22000 miles on it and its been trouble free great power averge fuel economy and styish SUV! BUY ONE!!!!!!!

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  Just looking for roads with curves - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By ACOO - April 7 - 2:00 am

  Got the 20th Anniv Edition with the 5- speed manual since my previous 1988 and 1997 Maxima SEs all had 5-speed manual trans. I might have a biased opinion The automobile handles gracefully and is always begging for more. Exterior is complimented by factory installed spoilers and all around ground effects and interior is beautifully done. Overall, highly recommended if you need exitement in your everyday commute.