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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  3rd max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By tomtrav - August 19 - 2:00 am

  this max replaces 01 se.the car looks and drives great.lots of power and handles solidly.the brakes on ours emit a loud squeak when releasing but we were told by nissan that this is "normal".i also prefer the previous generation climate control as there are way too many buttons on this dash.favorite features are the memory seats and 6 cd player.mileage is 22mpg.this car would be a home run if i can get the brakes quieted down.

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  Luvin My Max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By sdgirl - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I love my new Maxima. I purchased it 2 weeks ago after researching and reading consumer reviews. My Maxima is fully loaded w/ Journey & Driver Preferred package, Sirius satillite radio, sunroof and Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC); Silver w/ Black interior. It was the only one available in California and I drove from San Diego to Long Beach to get it. I take my time going home and I dont mind getting stuck in traffic. I get so many compliments. I had a 1997 GLE. If Nissan keeps making Maxima better each year I may have to get another Maxima when I turn 40 instead of the Mercedes E320 I promised myself.

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  One of the best - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By james brown - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I think the new changes that Nissan has made to the 2005 Altima are fantastic, I love the new interior and the smoked out front lites are a treat. To see, and drive this vehicle is to love this vehicle.

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  Good ol trusty - 1998 Nissan Altima
  By Melissa - August 18 - 11:05 pm

  I absolutely love this little car, the paint does chip so it will need a paint job, but it always gets me home. I use it to commute to school, when my dad needs another car while he repairs his, and to drive around. I get really upset when it needs repair because its like my baby. I could not imagine ever junking the car, i just love it.

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  Glad I got it ! - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By Go getter - August 18 - 6:50 pm

  I had an 05 Acura TSX I wanted to upgrade. Test drove the TL, TL-Type S, BMW 3 series, then this Maxima. The Maxima gives you all the gadgets and goodies of the BMW, the luxury of the TL, and on top of that a better MPG rating with the CVT.

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  Excellent Vehicle - 2007 Nissan Murano
  By Rob - August 18 - 2:50 pm

  I would buy another one. I love the turning radius. It is comfortable. It is very roomy. The only thing I do not like is the cup holders. There are not enough and you cannot put two medium drinks side by side in the holders. Rob

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  I Love my Murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By D.Paz - August 18 - 1:03 pm

  Since the purchase the experience has been wonderful. Ive taken it for along ride and my children loved the comfort. Great on gas for a SUV. The vehicle was loaded with everything including a Bose Radio System. And LOVE it!

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  Four Door Sports Car - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By maxsab - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for about 2 months and its been great. The BOSE audio system sounds good IMO and the leather seats are great for cornering. It handles brilliantly for a 6 year old sports sedan in family sedan clothes. The engine really deserves to be on the ten best list (I just wish I had the stick shift). Ive driven it over 5000 miles in 3 months and enjoyed every one of them. Best of all, the cops will never suspect any speeding is going on with this "family" sedan.

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  LES PLAISIRS DE CONDUIRE - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By R.PICHE - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE DRIVEN MY ALTIMA FOR 7000 MILES SO FAR AND HAD NO PROBLEMS.AVERAGE FUEL MILEAGE IS GREAT:28,1M/GAL(65% HIGHWAY).ZIPPY ENGINE,POWERFULL BRAKING,VERY CONFORTABLE ON LONG TRIPS.

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  Fun Car, Love It, but Not Perfect - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By daytrippr - August 18 - 9:53 am

  I have to admit, the Rogue is probably one of the funniest cars to drive on the road today. It handles well around turns, in snow, and with crosswinds. With its great stability, I dont worry about tipping over. I cannot emphasize how well it does on gas mileage in this day of high gas prices. The Bose system (premium pkg) is well worth the extra price. It is comfortable on long drives and a joy to have and own. I cant wait to drive it every day.