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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  Infiniti...err Nissan Maxima SV - 2010 Nissan Maxima
  By Brian - April 27 - 2:26 pm

  Coming out of a 2008 G35 sedan, I am thoroughly impressed with the Nissan Maxima and cant believe it actually is a more refined vehicle. From the leather, to the dash material, to the leather on the wheel and updated Navigation software...the Maxima might as well be an Infiniti. My biggest disappointment with the G35 was the materials and the Maxima definitely beats it hands down. Even the 2010 G sedan doesnt have the refinement the Maxima does. The editors have it wrong...price being equal, the Maxima is a better vehicle and far better value.

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  Great Truck - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By RoissyW4N44 - April 27 - 12:13 pm

  Ok,so maybe its a bit early,I just bought it a week ago,but so far it seems absolutely phenominal.The NISMO model is a bit tougher on the bumps,but then it is a 4x4 after all.If you are in the market for a midsize pickup I would look no further.After exhaustive research,not one of the others is as well equiped,or has as many great features.The Frontier is the only truck in its class with STANDARD four wheel disk brakes.Compared to the more popular Toyota Tacoma,this is the better truck.I think my only two complaints would have to be:no long box option,and gas milage seems a bit lower than expected.

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  Full Size Strength in a Mid Size - 2008 Nissan Frontier
  By Mac - April 26 - 7:23 am

  This truck is as fun to drive today as the day I bought it. It has plenty of power, amazing handling, great 4x4 features and capability, and it very comfortable. Reliability has been great so far, and the interior and exterior hold up well to the elements. Its a great looking truck, and I frequently get compliments on it.

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  Titan Happy! - 2006 Nissan Titan
  By Trey Vo - April 26 - 4:43 am

  I waited a couple of years before buying my titan to see how the truck held up. To me, I am very pleased to see how solid the titan is. The power, the looks, the excitement, the reliability, and the compliments has kept me happy about my titan. I am impressed with how much more power is there even while towing a trailer loaded with my other car going 70-80 mph with a/c on. My only suggestion when towing is making sure there is automatic trailer brakes or replaced the stock brakes with heavy duty brakes.

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  best car ever - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By reveti - April 25 - 2:00 am

  The nissan maxima is the best vehicle you can own. it even beats out the camrys and accords. much more comfortable. this is a cadillac without problems.

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  Maxima Rocks! - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Tom in Portland - April 25 - 2:00 am

  Was told to look at this car by a friend when we we looking to buy. Hadnt even thought of the Maxima. Test drove everything else out there under 25K and nothing compared. This car is a screaming value! Performance for the price is off the charts. Now has 130K, and going strong. Car is still tight as the day it was purchased. Only problems were bad Oxygen sensor @30K, locks need to be rekeyed & buttons on radio are worn down. No other mech problems! Drives like a sports car.

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  A powerful and reliable car - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Kennth Wang - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I had my first 96 Maxima GLE at 96k and it has not brought me any trouble. I runs perfect and very comfortable. I love this car so much that I decide not to sell it.

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  Great for the money - 2001 Nissan Frontier
  By Monty - April 25 - 2:00 am

  I have a desert runner with v6 manual trans. This is my second Nissan truck. The first one was an 1988 HD long bed v6 that had 225000 miles. That truck held up so well I had to buy another. I love my new one, its so smooth and drives great. Everyone complains about the gas mileage but mine is no different than my old truck. I think the gearing is to low,the engine runs at 3000 RPM at 70 MPH, but it has 4x4 gearing.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By skelly - April 25 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th SUV and By far my favorite. Driven a 4runner, wrangler, and 2 Grand Cherokees and none of these even comes close to how much I enjoy driving this Pathfinder. Just wish that I had test drove one sooner. Also able to knock $4800.00 off of the sticker.

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  Cool SUV for the price - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By gcguzman - April 25 - 2:00 am

  After test driving 8 or 9 SUVs, I ended up purchasing the Xterra because its overall quality is great and it was the most affordable. The gas consumption is a bit high, but I can live with it since Im happy with everything else about the Xterra.