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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  Best car to drive - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Max25127 - April 26 - 2:00 am

  This is the most fun car Ive ever owned. It still has original everything after 44,000 miles. Its only been to the body shop when someone smashed it in a parking lot. ITS NEVER BEEN TO A MECHANIC. All Ive done is regular oil changes. But I will get the 50,000 service done soon.

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  Cmon Nissan - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By East Coast Maxima - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Have had previous Nissans and have always had good experiences with Nissan, but am a bit disappointed in this Maxima. The service engine light has been on several times and car has barely 40K miles on it, also the springs in the drivers seat squeek and creak all the time while driving, and has been doing this since about 25K miles, its extremely annoying. Dealers dont seem to help. Have a 2000 Quest and have had several mechanical problems as well. One of the main reasons I went with Nissan was for reliability, Ive lost a lot of confidence.I do like the Nissan styling and engine performance, and want to love the Maxima, but cant.

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  Will always buy a Nissan - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By dc-cop - April 26 - 2:00 am

  I traded a my 2001 Toyota Tacoma for the 1999 Nissan Maxima. This vehicle impressed me the minute I started the engine. It handles great and has great power. I travel 54 miles one way to work in Washington DC and this Maxima makes me forget about the rush hour traffic. I will drive this car until it dies, then I will buy a newer model.

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  the ultimate mid-size suv - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By sharkbait - April 26 - 2:00 am

  apart from the crappy oem tires, this beats the pants off of the gr. cherokee i had before this. comfort, power, great fit and finish, and nissan quality. handles like my old accord, but just as capable as my jeep off- road. i test drove them all - 4runner, gr. cherokee, land rover. studied all of the reviews. edmunds was dead-on: this is a great vehicle.

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  This is the coolest vehicle ever! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By clschlegel - April 26 - 2:00 am

  This is the coolest vehicle ever! We love it! It is so easy to get in and out of and the ride is so smooth. When you need the extra acceleration its there! Would recomend this vehicle over any other SUV in its class.

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  Love my car! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By NIUplan - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful car: I get comments from people 18 through 60(the color is Mystic Emerald, more a mineral green, distinctive and gorgeous). 26.5 miles to the gallon on regular gas (averaging 29-35 miles an hour); a full tank carries me 500 miles. Comfort is amazing, because of the adjustability of the seats and steering wheel. Handling is sound,not edgy; acceleration is brisk. Cruise control and stereo controls are all on the wheel so I never look away from the road. The hubster drives a V6 with 240 HP and my car accelerates faster, as the salesman said it would.

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  2004 Nissan Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By crfrke - April 26 - 2:00 am

  The 04 Maxima by Nissan is a head- turning vehicle. People have stopped and asked what is it? Very roomy, great pick-up, sporty steering wheel, huge back seat with great leg room. Quiet, smooth, little to no wind noise, and all buttons and gauges are self- explanatory.

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  Bad Paint - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By BobbyF - April 25 - 11:10 am

  This is my third Nissan vehicle. Very unhappy with the paint quality on all three. Have had this Quest for around 2 years, never drive it on gravel and am very careful in parking lots but the paint literally is falling off the car. Approximately 2 dozen paint chips on hood already from just everyday use. Carefully washing in manual car wash and large piece of paint fell off with no satisfaction from dealer. Think strongly about this when considering buying a Quest.

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  The Reviewers just dont understand - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By scott - April 25 - 2:03 am

  The reviewers say the CVT is "odd" but driving CVT takes a new skill. Once mastered you will love it! Beautiful interior, great performance on road and VERY fun on dirt roads with AWD I recommend the leather with red stitching, beautiful. I get lots of compliments on the sound of the exhaust. The paddle shifters are fun but you dont "need" them for fun. Lots of head and leg room compliments from passengers. Corners great. Accelerates better than many V6s on the road with me. Kinda hard to see out the rear, but its small so you can use the mirrors typically, very few blind spots. Love the in-floor cargo box and HUGE glove box. Probably the largest on any vehicle. Love the stylish gauges and audio.

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  Radiator Broken - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Slan100 - April 25 - 12:36 am

  5 months after my warranty expired, the radiator broke down from the top (anyone has had the same problems?) The dealer charged $760 for replacing it. My Honda Accord has been there for 6 years and 3 months, not a single serious problem. It makes me nervous. Very disappointed. First time trying a Nissan and last time.