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 Ever! - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Roger Lee - June 2 - 12:16 pm

  This car isnt just a pretty face, but what a face it is. With superior fuel economy, amazing features, and relaxing driving experience I cant imagine going back to my old car (2002 PT Cruiser). Like a dream really it is. If youre considering buying this car stop thinking about it, and get to your local dealership now!

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  Best car for the money - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By The G Family - June 1 - 9:46 am

  Great car. Handles very well on the road. Drives and feels very stable, just like the Altima and Maxima. The car is actually fairly wide, and that makes it feel even more stable. Takes a bit of time getting used to it, but it is not a disadvantage. Driver has a lot more visibility on the road thanks to the high seating position inside the car. The engine is very responsive in all situations. Breaks are also responsive without being too touchy. There is plenty of space for a family of 5 inside this vehicle. This model comes well equipped and avoids including many of the useless bells and whistles other SUVs have. The standard options are just what is needed without being pretentious.

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  Awesome - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Phil M - June 1 - 2:50 am

  This is a really fun car to drive. The power that is available when wanted/needed is exhilarating; the responsiveness is incredible. The exterior has a speedy "swept back" look; the cockpit is futuristic and the interior is very roomy. Nice touches like heated seats and steering wheel, auto dimming mirrors inside and out, accessible 12v outlets, etc, add to the enjoyment. The only drawback with the car is that it is front wheel drive. With the HP available, when one really steps on the gas there is a noticable "torque steer" that is very disconcerting at times. Some may not like the audio and HVAC controls in the center stack as the buttons are numerous and small but theyll grow on you.

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  97 maxima SE bought in late 2001 - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By low1man - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Mine has been a woderful experience with the maxima. When I bought it in 2001, 190Hp was still something to be proud of in a 4 door car. With the leather, moonroof, automatic climate control, and 5-speed manual transmission, the maxima combines luxury and sport and blurs the line between the two. She has been a wonder car to drive.

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  luv my Maxima - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By spaulding - June 1 - 2:00 am

  When ready to replace my 1994 Altima, I looked at the Altima, Maxima, and G35. The latest Altimas interior was unimpressive, the G35 was slightly smaller than I desired, but the Maxima was about perfect: a beautiful, fast, fun, roomy, well-made sports sedan. I chose the 6 speed manual SE trim w/ HLSD and all options ex. navigation and I have been very pleased. 2003 is the last of the Japanese made Maximas.

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  A Big sport sedan on the cheap - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By ysaday - June 1 - 2:00 am

  The powerful VQ engine really delivers the power sometimes making you wish you had a wider front tires and a limited slip. Considering how big this car is, it feel light ( Thanks to aluminum hood, trunk, etc.).The interior leaves a lot to be desired although room is good for 6 footer in front and back. Oh yeah the factory sound system is excellent even w/o the Bose upgrade.

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  Best Vehicle Purchase Ever - 2000 Nissan Frontier
  By Skriker - June 1 - 12:46 am

  I purchased my Nissan Frontier crew cab 4wd in Feb of 2000. I still have the truck with just shy of 80k miles on it and it is still going strong. It has not required any major or even minor mechanical work aside from the usual things like new brake pads, filters and tires. All in all this is the absolute best vehicle I have ever purchased for reliability and functionality. This is the first time for me as a car owner where I am certain that when my current Frontier eventually fails I will happily buy another one just like it. :)

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  The Murano is Tops! - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Wms - May 31 - 6:26 pm

  Weve driven our new Murano for a week now and every day we love it more. The safety features, comfort and style of the vehicle are all designed with the consumer in mind. TWO thumbs up!

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  Excellent for Families - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By 2005 Pathfinder - May 31 - 2:23 pm

  This SUV is really a godsend, I updated my 1999.5 Pathfinder to the 2005 and I have never been happier. The third row seat is excellent for carrying more passagers, and the design of the SUV allows for maximum comfort on long drives. The DVD player is awesome, mostly because I have gotten my readio back. The handling is great. The ride is quiet and it drives well. The engine is amazing. I really like that this vehicle is not a gas guzzler like my brothers Ford Expedition.

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  GREAT CAR - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By KARL - May 30 - 1:53 pm

  The car is very comfortable and roomy. I have owned the car for a year now. Handling, brakes, acceleration are excellent. Parking takes a bit of prep because it is longer than the VW I used to drive. I would give this car a 9/10 rating.