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 non-minivan, non-truck family car - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Silicon Valley owner - August 9 - 12:46 pm

  I bought this car because I needed something that was roomy enough for a family of 4 but powerful enough to handle my mountain+freeway commute. I love it! Much sportier drive than an SUV or minivan. I like the CVT - very smooth. I get about 18-19 mpg on 87 octane gas and Im a somewhat aggressive driver. Im baffled by people who claim to own the vehicle but complain about the looks of it... so why did you buy it? Personally, I love the looks of it. I also like the fact that Nissan didnt try to cram in a 3rd row. The whole vehicle is much roomier as a result. Mines fully loaded and even then, much less expensive than comparable Lexus, BMW, Volvo, or even VW.

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  2006 Altima Special Edition - 2006 Nissan Altima
  By mearish - August 9 - 10:50 am

  Great car and excellent customer service. As a previous GM owner this cars quality and customer service at the dealer and on the phone is amazing!

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  Awesome Car - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By ksweets - August 8 - 10:00 pm

  I love this car because although I dont have a family or a lot of people in my car always, the space is always there when you need it. and even though you might have guests in your car, the space is still there. It is a great car to travel in. You dont have to worry about being uncomfortable on a long trip. Im only 23 and its my first new car, and so far I love it!!!

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  This car is impressive - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Denis - August 8 - 8:13 am

  I am very impressed with the clean look of this car, especially the shape of the hood and the side. The color of my car is white and this color also improved the lines of the car even in the snow. The car has excellent traction in the snow because of the very good traction control and the Toyo winter tires. The handling both on highway or back roads is very precise and solid. The acceleration is amazing for a front wheel drive. I can not see anyone that enjoy driving sport car be disappointed with the 2009 Maxima. I highly recommend it to anyone that just like me, wants a classy look with the serious performance of a sport car. Bravo Nissan superb package.

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  To the max - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Scott D. - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I work within the car industry and drive a great deal of cars from various makes and models ranging from all prices. For the price this car blows away all competition.

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  I love it!!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Jennifer Holbrook - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I love my Altima. It has new styling that I love. It is fun to drive; I dont mind running all the errands for our family business because my husband bought the car for me. Everyone looks at it and other 2002 Altima drivers I see give me the thumbs up sign and have big smiles on their faces like me. It has a lot of pickup when I need it and a lot of people mistake it for a Lexus. I always get great compliments from people and they always ask if it is as fun to drive as it looks. I say Hell ya!

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  1999.5 One of the Few - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Barbara - August 6 - 12:13 pm

  We bought this new in 1999 and the models ran out, so Nissan created a 1999.5 with a brochure and everything, but it is a 2000 model SE with the 16 inch wheels.Its gold and with the pipe step racks. Never had any serious repairs, i.e. no timing belts, struts, etc. Change the oil every 5000 miles with the filter and purchased new tires only once in 77,000 miles. Great room in the back and seats 5 comfortably. Extremely comfortable inside and not as big overall as the new ones that look and drive like tanks. The mileage is 18 to 20 on the highway, but 16 around town, but regular gas. Its been a great SUV with a Bose system thrown in when we bought it at no charge.

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  Update Review - 2007 Nissan Xterra
  By Hiker / Camper - August 6 - 11:03 am

  My Xterra now has 36,000 miles on it. At 29,500 miles the fuel level sending unit and tank seal had to be replaced as the gas gauge stopped functioning. At 35,000 miles the original battery was replaced and toe-in adjusted. The original BF Goodrich Long Trail tires are approaching replacement time as are the brake pads. My Xterra has performed well, continues to handle well, gets expected gas mileage, and continues to be a reliable vehicle. Handles back roads well, although it still has not been tested by anything exceptionally rugged. I have diligently followed the maintenance schedule, including filter and fluid replacement as required on time. Happy Xterra owner so far.

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  Absolutely Awesome Maxima - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By duke_wa - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I just purchased this 2000 Maxima GXE used with fairly high mileage and I am so impressed about the quality, power, smoothness and ride of this car! I never realized how beautiful these 2000 models are.

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  Awesome Ride - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By cvflowe - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I am a first time Nissan Maxima owner and I must say out of all the vehicles I have ever owned this machine is the hottest. The lines are perfect, design is good and the performance makes it one hot family sedan. I can easily become one of those loyal Maxima owners if Nissan keeps pumping them out like this.