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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  One year old and... - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By wnyguy2003 - November 20 - 12:46 am

  Still in love with it. I have the 6 speed manual and have gotten as high as 42 mpg, and this isnt a hybrid. I usually get around 35-38 mpg and that is combined city/highway. I do see that the cruise control helps a lot with the mileage. Love the way the car looks and feels. Could handle a little bit better in the snow as we get lots in the Buffalo area, but it isnt that bad that I wouldnt drive it or dont feel safe. I tried many cars before I bought this, like the Accord/Civic, Jetta (which was my 2nd pick), Madza3, Impala, G6... wasnt looking for a certain size, just what I liked. It has over 14000 miles on it now and cant wait to put on another 15000 this year!

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  Greatest Car Ive owned! - 1999 Nissan Altima
  By BB - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This car is reliable, comfortable and and overall joy to drive. Ive had the car for 3 years, purchased it used with 39,000 miles and have never encountered a mechanical problem. I would recommend this car to anyone!

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  3rd Maxima i have had - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By jasorey - November 19 - 2:00 am

  ok this makes the 3rd one of these i have owned. i had a 96 with the 5spd (190hp) and LOVED this car, lol then i made the mistake of test driving a 2003 (255HP), needless to say now i have the 03 SE automatic ( cause im getting older and lazier and traffic here is horrible so i got the automatic) well this things is incredible it accelerates so fast that the tires will start breakin loose at 45mph. LOL LUV IT (POWER POWER POWER)

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  excellent - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By James rice - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Awesome Auto!!!! The Maxima is A great vehicle for family or for the sport minded driver!!!!!!!!!

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  04 QUEST - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By marco350z - November 19 - 2:00 am

  The Quest 3.5s is a great minivan. I test drove the Odyssey, the new Sienna, the Grand Caravan/Town & Country, the MPV, and Sedona. The 2 that stood out were the Quest and Sienna. They both had everything but the Quests exterior/interior and flat fold 2nd/3rd row seats(Sienna only had flat fold 3rd row)won me over. Its hip, sleek, sporty and still roomy. The interior looks futuristic and is so roomy and comfortable. The Sienna was 1k less than the Quest but the Quest was worth the extra 1k. Driving the Quest feels like driving an Accord or Altima.

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  LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By G SHEFFER - November 19 - 2:00 am

  GREAT VEHICLE- MUST BE DRIVEN -FUN TO DRIVE AND NEAT TO OWN . ATTRACTS A WATCHING EYE OF THE PUBLIC. REAL QUALITY THAT OUR AUTOMAKERS LACK.

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  one sweet ride - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By ZchrisZ - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This car looks so good, its a real head- turner. This is my first Z car, before I have always had mustangs,I thought GT mustangs handled good, but its no comparison. Other cars considered,Honda S2000(no low-end torque)Subie wrx sti (looks like a riced-up kids car)Mazda rx8(weird styling,not sure about rotary reliability).The 350Z won for me...

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  Colors - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Constance - November 19 - 2:00 am

  SO far,so good. But I would like the wood grain in all styles, it adds class. Also, color choices are VERY limited

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  Rate the 04 max to the max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By RON WILSON - November 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a outstanding automobile with great performance and superior exterior style.

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  Wheres the downside? - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Mke - November 18 - 10:56 am

  I have had this Altima 2.5SL for a week. I love the car. Brand new it averages 29 mpg. It is reasonably luxurious, comfortable, quiet, and smooth. Im still waiting to find something I dont like. What an awesome car!