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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  My path - 1997 Nissan Pathfinder
  By chasrkim - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle in all respects

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  MAXIMA IS GREAT - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By SCOTTIE - December 7 - 10:00 am

  THIS CAR IS GREAT. IT HAS EVERYTHING YOU COULD ASK FOR AT A GREAT PRICE. I HAVE HAD MY CAR FOR OVER 2 YEARS NOW AND HAVE LITTLE TO NO PROBLEMS. MY CAR HAS OVER 125,000 MILES AND RUNS LIKE IT IS BRAND NEW. THE CAR CAME WITH LOTS OF GOOD AMMENITIES - CAR LOOKS ASTONISHING.

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  A front-drive Bimmer - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By David Jones - December 6 - 1:40 pm

  Ive always wanted a Maxima and finally found a great deal on a 5sp GXE. obviously the nissan V6 is well known and i can feel all 222hp and 210lbft of torque in any gear. The clutch took awhile to master and the shift throws are a bit long and notchy but the power makes shifting largely optional anyway. Interior build quality could be better in places but the overall design is just right. Interior room and fuel economy are excellent, although the latter is balanced out by the need for 91 octane fuel. Exterior design is unique, though not quite beautiful. After driving 7000 mi, the car now has 52,500 mi and has needed only a reflash of the catalytic converter (covered under warranty).

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  Quality - 2001 Nissan Xterra
  By Mitch - December 6 - 10:50 am

  I use the Xterra for work and play. It handles anything I need from towing a flatbed trailer, loading gear on the roof rack and getting to the most remote trails for off roading. Gas mileage is decent for a midsize suv and power is adequate at most. The Xterras up side far outweighs the bad. It is the most solid vehicle I have ever owned (6) and I would recommend it to people of all ages.

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  Looker - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By KingPiper - December 6 - 9:26 am

  I have had the car for about a month now and I love the performance. The CVT trans makes it accelerate like it is in one gear the whole time while you hit 70 mph. Nice smooth feel driving around town. The bump are noticeable but what do you expect from such a sport susp that will hug a corner like a smaller car. Car seats fit well in this model with the anchor. Every time I take off with my kid she says WhooOOO, my thought exactly.

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  Nice car, but.... - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By FC - December 5 - 2:50 pm

  Overall, a very nice car, but it has some quirks/issues. Dual panel moonroof very noisy when open and no deflector available. Climate controlled drivers seat doesnt get hot like a regular heated seat. Have to purchase Premium package to get satelitte radio (extra 3K). The ride is not smooth, tires feel like their not balanced even though I have been back to dealer for road force balance - disappointing for a 34K car.

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  one fine automobile - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By jason mcdaniel - December 5 - 3:46 am

  For the money, this is the best vehicle on the market. You couldnt ask for a more affordable vehicle. Priced right with low payments and low interest rates. You couldnt ask for a better choice.

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  So Glad I Bought IT! - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By Poncho - December 5 - 3:43 am

  I bought this car in June 09 but it was an 08 left over from the previous year. I paid 21,500 including ttl. They gave me and awesome deal and I loved the service. It has great pick up and no can pass me up. Has good traction and excellent features. It could more cushy seats, but they are ok. The only thing worng is that the right wiper doesnt work right. So I am going to take it to get the wiper replaced. But as far as a v6 it is an awesome car. Better than Toyota and Honda. Another thing I noticed that was fishy was that the gap between the passenger door and the back passenger side door has a larger gap between them than the opposite side. Same with gaps on the hood sides

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  Love it ! - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Jeff Johnson - December 4 - 8:56 pm

  This SUV feels VERY tight and smooth while driving,city or highway.That tells me that it was made with quality in mind.Looking around it,inside and out, you really see how well made it is.

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  Great Buy - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Sunflower - December 3 - 10:00 am

  Going from a gas guzzling Camaro to my new Altima was a great change. I get anywhere from 25-32 mpg which is a HUGE difference. I miss the pep of the Camaro but you will be surprised what this little 4 cyl can do, not to mention the leg room! The lumbar support in the drivers seat makes a long trip more comfortable.For the price, you cant beat the quality and performance...Its a Great Buy!