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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  Good Purchase - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Reibsachick - April 7 - 10:00 am

  The Nissan has been a good suv for me.. It has been able to handle everything I put in the cargo section (I carry a lot of stuff).. It appears to have some problems gaining momentum - sometimes you can feel the transmission slip a bit.. Overall, it was a good purchase

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  Cheaper than American Crap - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By tooltime - April 7 - 10:00 am

  Forget buying an Explorer,Grand Cherokee, Trailblazer, or Envoy unless you want to be in repair shop once a week. This is a rock solid vehicle. Quality is fantastic. Engine has excellent power. 4WD works perfect. Yes, the rear seat is a LITTLE cramped, but not for anyone 6 feet or under. Gas mileage is average for an SUV. The person who mentioned steering wheel shudder at 60 mph, I had it too. However, my dealer fixed it. Speed balance your tires idiot. Not a regular balance, a speed balance. Its different for a 4WD vehicle, make sure they understand it. Excellent vehicle. Highly recommended.

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  Love the maxima! - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Darin - April 7 - 10:00 am

  I am on my 2nd maxima, having had a 1998 model for 3 years, I moved to the 20th anniversary SE model. Ive never had a problem mechanically with the car. The car has been reliable through two winters. Dealer service has been top notch. The 2001 SE model is quick and agile. Its roomy (fits my 63, 240lbs) and comfortable. The trunk is spacious. The leather seats are very comfortable. The audio system sounds great. The car feels safe and powerful on the road, even at speed. If I were to pick one thing to complain about its that the moon roof was not optional in the SE trim line and that means a loss of an inch or two of head room - something that matters for me.

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  Maximum - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By skobeans - April 7 - 10:00 am

  I had been waiting many years to buy a Max., for various reasons I purchased other cars instead. Boy, am I glad I waited! The power, luxury, and performance you just cant beat for the money. Think about how many cars you can get for under 30K that can do 6 to 7 seconds 0 to 60. Just make sure that when you plant the gas padal you are holding on tight to the steering wheel, you get major torque steer. Great fit and finish, except the position of some of the controls and the richness of the sound from the Bose system. Other than that thrilled, simply thrilled! You want a sedan that will make your blood pump and get you past just about anyone quickly on the highway? Drive this car!

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  good car for the money - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By lt - April 7 - 10:00 am

  this is my 2nd maxima. i really enjoy driving this car. it is very fast, and rides smooth. i looked at the acura tl s-type and the infinity i35. both were very similar to the maxima. the maxima though was thousands cheaper. i never had a problem with my first maxima. that is why i chose this car again. reliability!!!!

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  Almost Got it Nissan - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By obryan - April 7 - 10:00 am

  I really had my heart set on getting this car after seeing it on the road. The exterior design is amazing. The car is very fun to drive, BUT, and this is one big but, what was Nissan thinking when they designed the interior. My friends ford escort has a higher quality interior. The first car I got in at the dealer couldnt be started. The next one had broken door locks. The one I finally drove seemed ok until the arm rest cut my hand and the trunk release was broken. Given all these problems,Im getting a Camry. It isnt as fun to drive, but it is high quality.

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  Consumer Reports is accurate - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By esmith - April 7 - 5:46 am

  This is a great car with a couple of minor drawbacks. My one big hesitation was the wide turning circle, which I read about in Consumer Reports. I went from a much smaller car with a turning circle of 30 feet to this one, with 40. It makes U-turns a nerve-wracking experience, but fortunately, I dont have to make those turns often. I also think the climate controls would be better in analog (levers or dials) instead of digital, since there are so many buttons on the center console.

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  Awesome truck sorry hemi!!! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By JOHN TRIMBLE - April 7 - 5:26 am

  This truck is awesome. Blows the doors off of hemis and everything else. I get 18.5 Mpg. Six can fit easily. Can tow anything you can hook to it. Brakes are a weak point

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  Very Happy - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By WCL - April 7 - 5:16 am

  Overall very happy. Bought with 120K & have put 8k in three months. Very solid car even with the high milage. I drove a 97 explorer with this kind of milage & it was falling apart. This nissan is still tight. Power is very good although the engine can get loud under hard acceleration. Ride is a bit bouncy but not too bad. Love the truck!

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  BEST Car Ive Ever Owned - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By djd0t - April 7 - 1:03 am

  Fast and easy to manuever! I feel very safe- its solid and has the front and window airbags. The controls, especially the steering wheel radio and cruise controls are very convienient and easy to use. I use my seat warmer every morning after work & I live in FL - I swear it helps my back. I did get rear-ended: the car did fine but I had cracked paint on my rear bumper. They had to replace my whole bumper. The pearl white was a difficult color to match. A specialist had to come help the body shop match it. It took longer, but they did a good job.