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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  Excellent - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Quincy - February 26 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd Maxima the first was a 01 maxima SE, it is by far the best overall car I have had, especially at the price, you get a lot of bang for your bucks. Other high end cars you will spend thousands to add all the options, with this car it was already in place. It is a sweet car, gets looks

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  MY SECOND MAXIMA - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By MYTH1977 - February 26 - 10:00 am

  My first Maxima was a 2000 model. The car quality, ride and reliability prompted me to by a new 2004 model. The new model is yet 100 times better by means of styling, power, refinement, quality, and over-all increased fun factor of driving. People have broken necks when they see me drive!

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  05 altima 3.5se - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By bmeman - February 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is fantastic. I was actually going to buy a TSX but was greatly dissapointed by its horrible engine. The idea of having to press the gas in all the way in to merge onto the highway is absolutely absurd. The interior is great, steering wheel design is awesome. Instruments are very nice, amber coloring is a nice touch and it is also very easy on the eyes. The seats are plush, but hold you in place while you are taking tight turns.

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  I think Im in love with my Rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Senor Rogue - February 26 - 7:56 am

  This is just such a great car, I couldnt be happier unless it dispensed cookie dough from the glove compartment. I love the style, comfort, handling, dashboard controls, paddle shifters. I opted not to get bluetooth+keyless, and it would have been worth the couple extra bucks a month, but thats my failing, not the Rogues. So many people compliment me on it. Its made my hour-long commute in heavy LA traffic a real pleasure - I actually feel kind of sad every time I leave it in the garage overnight, but its too big to sleep at the foot of the bed (and I think my dog would get jealous). I researched the heck out of my new purchase and made the right choice.

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  Outstanding midsize sedan - 2010 Nissan Altima
  By Indydriver - February 24 - 8:26 am

  All around great car. Never considered Altima when I started shopping, but this was best deal (2.5S-SL pkg,Bose audio). Smooth, quiet, and sporty to drive. 0-60 acceleration close to V-6s. Great cargo space with back seat down. With smooth driving (NOT hypermiling) get GREAT mileage (90+% city my 1st 2k was 26.5 mph ACTUAL mpg-not computer but by total gas I put in tank).

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  Max Driver - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Psyko Max Driver - February 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is totally great. The handling on this car is excellent. It is very comfortable and roomy. The seats are wide enough to support those of us who are average in size and above. If you want a practical family car with a wild side, this is the car to get. It can smoke all of its competitors at the line. Accords, Camrys, Monte Carlos, Mustangs (except Cobra and Seline), and many others all ate my dust. This cars only flaw is torque steering because it has too much power. But torque steering isnt too bad and you can live with it. All around this car is great for its price. Get the 2003s while they last.You wont regret it.

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  Everything Else Is A Minima - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By bent - February 24 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned many cars. Hondas. Nissans. Volkwagens. Compared to the Maxima (this is my second)they are all Minimas.

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  Very Pleased with 2013 Quest - 2013 Nissan Quest
  By 2013questowner - February 22 - 1:11 pm

  I thought it was only fair to wait several months to do a review on the van. In short, I’m extremely pleased with it. I looked at all the major minivans and would say this is the best. Nissan was giving the best incentives as well. Two tone dash and leather are well done. With a high center of gravity there is a little roll, but the ride is on a par with a full size sedan for smoothness and quiet ride. To get a flat cargo bed you can easily lay down the second and third row seats. You don’t need to take anything out of the van like you do in other models to get a flat surface. The gas mileage seems to be approximately what it is rated at 19 city and 25 on the highway.

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  Great Car - 2008 Nissan Maxima
  By Jada2020 - February 22 - 12:56 pm

  Great car! I really like this car tho it could use some refinement. The CVT is one of the best transmissions out (smooth as silk) I will say that the price tag is a bit much for a fully loaded 3.5SL. All in all, I really like my car and will keep it for a few years!

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  Fantastic Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By tufaznailz - February 22 - 3:43 am

  This is a solid truck that looks good and has a cab that will help you stay organized. I think it is the best value in the marketplace, but the gas mileage on the 2wd Nismo stinks.