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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  Over 50 - 1998 Nissan Maxima
  By Over 50 - March 13 - 5:56 pm

  Im over 50 and the second owner of a 1998 Nissan Max. With 116k miles shes beats most new cars on the road in what matters. Easy to drive, comfortable and can get out of its own way. Sold the Chrysler and glad I did. Went to lunch in a newer Maxima and nope - not the same as my 1998. Ive owned more makes than theyll allow me to type here and Im happy with my 98 Max. I do miss my 1976 Eldo Barritz a little. :)

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  2.5SL is a great Maxima Replacement - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Mike - March 13 - 4:33 pm

  After 9 years in my 97 Maxima GLE, I thought I wanted an Acura TL or TSX, but the premium fuel requirement and stiff ride put me off. My dealer had a 2 yr. old red 2.5SL with blonde interior and I was sold. So far I really like it - lots of nice features - dual climate control, rear A/C vent, compass/autodimming/Homelink rear view mirror, manual shift mode, steering wheel audio controls. The on-center feel/highway tracking doesnt seem to be as good as the Maxima, but it drives very well. I miss the quality of the Bose stereo and the lateral support in the drivers seat during corners. Mileage is quite good so far and it pulls very strongly. Quite a chg from my wifes 2001 Altima GXE!!

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  Love the Titan!!! - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Jeff - March 13 - 12:43 pm

  I love this truck. It averages 16-19 mpg if I keep my foot out it, which is hard to do. The BAD consumer reports article is false, just go to the Titan web sites and visit with truck owners. I also love the 100k bumper to bumper warranty buy up and the standard 6-60k drive train warranty. The truck is tight and fun to drive. I pull a bass boat and the 9500 lb. tow capacity rivals the 3/4 ton domestics.

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  This car doesnt handle the cold temperature well - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By asianlee - March 13 - 11:30 am

  Own my car for almost 5 years, the same problems kept happening on the drivers side door. I couldnt open from the outside but inside. It was covered under the warranty when I got it fix in 2009. It happened again last January, and once again this January. I will pay around $350 to replace the door lock actuator. This problem did occur on the cold day like -10 centigrade. I am looking forward to buy another brand new card this summer and it wont be from Nissan for sure.

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  Very Nice Second Car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Edgy - March 13 - 10:16 am

  Had a 1990 Maxima SE for years, finally had to put her to rest. Went looking to replace on a $12-13K budget, didnt find much on dealer lots. Ended up going private party, found a very clean, luxurious 2002, paid a little over $14K. Its my commuter car, but a pretty nice one. Really like the black leather interior with the dark grey color and the fancy touches -- heated steering wheel, seats heated and also memory, Bose, auto-dim mirror. My other car is M3, so I wanted a different driving experience, although Id prefer a little less body roll and bounce. Hopefully will be as reliable as my 1990.

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  Great car but strange problems - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Derrick - March 13 - 10:15 am

  Ive owned the car for 6 months and the it has been in the shop for 4 months (and needs to go back). Filed a lemon law case with Nissan. Dont get me wrong I love the car - beautiful inside and out. But from day one the glass panoramic roof would pop and crack over bumps and turns... eventually the whole roof was replaced because they couldnt solve the problem. Now entire car rattles, pops and cracks. my roof isnt mounted correctly and is protruding in the back where the rear window meets it. When on the freeway the the car is extremely loud (like the window or sunroom are open) I believe it is due to the roof issues - because I dont recall this issue before the replacement of the roof. The rattling and popping is driving me insane - cant wait to get this replaced or my money back. this is my 4th Nissan in 20 years... huge fan of the brand - never had any issues with Armada, Altima and older Maxima. I have a feeling that I am in for a fight with the lemon law buy back!

• 

  Great car but strange problems - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Derrick - March 13 - 10:15 am

  Ive owned the car for 6 months and the it has been in the shop for 4 months (and needs to go back). Filed a lemon law case with Nissan. Dont get me wrong I love the car - beautiful inside and out. But from day one the glass panoramic roof would pop and crack over bumps and turns... eventually the whole roof was replaced because they couldnt solve the problem. Now entire car rattles, pops and cracks. my roof isnt mounted correctly and is protruding in the back where the rear window meets it. When on the freeway the the car is extremely loud (like the window or sunroom are open) I believe it is due to the roof issues - because I dont recall this issue before the replacement of the roof. The rattling and popping is driving me insane - cant wait to get this replaced or my money back. this is my 4th Nissan in 20 years... huge fan of the brand - never had any issues with Armada, Altima and older Maxima. I have a feeling that I am in for a fight with the lemon law buy back!

• 

  Great car but strange problems - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Derrick - March 13 - 10:15 am

  Ive owned the car for 6 months and the it has been in the shop for 4 months (and needs to go back). Filed a lemon law case with Nissan. Dont get me wrong I love the car - beautiful inside and out. But from day one the glass panoramic roof would pop and crack over bumps and turns... eventually the whole roof was replaced because they couldnt solve the problem. Now entire car rattles, pops and cracks. my roof isnt mounted correctly and is protruding in the back where the rear window meets it. When on the freeway the the car is extremely loud (like the window or sunroom are open) I believe it is due to the roof issues - because I dont recall this issue before the replacement of the roof. The rattling and popping is driving me insane - cant wait to get this replaced or my money back. this is my 4th Nissan in 20 years... huge fan of the brand - never had any issues with Armada, Altima and older Maxima. I have a feeling that I am in for a fight with the lemon law buy back!

• 

  Amazing - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Arshad - March 13 - 7:56 am

  I test drove the Camry and I was set on buying it until I test drove the Altima and WOW!!! The power, space and features available definitely make it worth the price. I bought the convenience plus package w/ ABS

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  Nice, but troublesome - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Bexley - March 13 - 12:03 am

  Car is very nice, beat out all the others in its class, lots of upscale features, some questionable reliabilty issues. A/C compressor had to be replaced before I even bought the car. Now the passenger seat sounds like a creaky old bed when someone is sitting in it. Not major, but kinda disconcerting. Styling is top rate, car is very comfortable.