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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  great car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By dream - July 22 - 10:00 am

  had it for about 2 weeks now, and glad i bought it. fun to drive, a very smooth ride, great pick up power, just an all round great car. i look foward to driving my car.

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  2000 Nissan Maxima - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By alan from California - July 21 - 10:30 pm

  I bought my 2000 Maxima used @ 39000 miles. Fell in love with it right away because of the smoothness of the ride and power of the VQ engine that has 222 hp. Good choice in getting the factory extended warranty because the ignition coils and MAF sensor needed to be replaced after I used an 89 octane gas. The engine knocks if you use gas less than 91 octane. Handling is inspiring on winding roads. Bumpy for some but expected for a car with sports tuned suspension per factory description. I wasnt impressed with the Bose stereo so I replaced the system.

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  My Xterra rocks! - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By Ken - July 20 - 8:46 am

  I have owned everything from a Toyota Corolla to a BMW. As I have gotten older practicality and reliability are huge factors in my decision making now. The Xterra is the best midsize SUV on the market. It is also the best value. Do your own research and see for yourself. Depending on where you are in the country you should be able to get a new one at or under invoice if rebates are included. Major improvement over the old body style and engines.

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  Awesome Car - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Anil - July 20 - 3:23 am

  I have been using this car since 3 months. Its really an awesome car and its a good compromise between cost, quality and reliability. Test drove Accord and Camry. Finally chose Altima as I liked the design and CVT. I am proud I made good choice and I love to drive this car. Especially you dont feel any speed impacts though the vehicle runs at 80 - 90 MPH. Im sure Nissan engines are pretty famous for reliability. Its overall a good reliable car for a reasonable price.

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  Traded my 2014 Mustang for the all new Maxima!!! - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By Gina - July 19 - 10:43 pm

  This car is awesome inside and out! I wasnt really looking to trade out of my beloved 2014 Mustang until I saw this car online. Then I went for a test drive and was blown away. I had to have it! Nissan has done a superior job with redesigning the 2016 Maxima! For those of you in need of a sedan at a great price that comes well equipped in all models and yet still gives a sporty look and feel, this is the one to buy!

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  LUV NISSAN PATHFINDER - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By ANGIE - July 19 - 9:36 pm

  i love my new pathfinder! it was actually one of the last suvs i looked at and did research on.i went and drove it and was hooked!it beat out all other suvs in its class in every way. its stylish, comfortable, powerful, roomy and more. it has a lot of ammenities many other makes would not have as standard like the pathfinder does.ive gotten lots of positive comments and compliments from both people i know and some that i dont know. i gave out all of the business cards my salesman gave me and have several people who are contemplating buying the pathfinder.

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  New 09 Traded 05 Caddy SRX - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By TJW - July 19 - 4:56 pm

  Just purchased the LE and am very happy. Interior space is great and love the exterior appearance. Traded my SRX after too many problems with engine, oversized moonroof, etc. Too early to tell on gas mileage but after looking all the domestic and import SUVs, this one won hands down. The only nit and it is barely that, is that it leans a bit in corners.

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  Best sedan I ever owned - 1997 Nissan Altima
  By sfbayarea - July 19 - 2:00 am

  A lot better than Ive expected in a mid class sedan. The 150bhp performs better than my 1990 Honda Prelude of 140bhp. Very reliable considering this was a previous rental. I only had the intention of keeping it a couple years but ended up still driving it. It now has 76K miles. Recently spent $620 on a gasket repair but I still think its a good car. I will buy another Nissan.

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  Sweet, Sweet, Sweet - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By ppra - July 19 - 2:00 am

  Just purchased 2003 Nissan Maxima and so far am extremely pleased. Fun to drive, great to look at and Nissan reliability. Only had for about a month and fuel mileage seems a bit low but have not had it on the highway yet.

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  Fun to Ride - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Bnslee - July 19 - 2:00 am

  This car have amazing performance and stability. The power is great cruise right through the freeway at will. The stability is so great that you will barely feel any unlevel grounds on the road.