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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  Was worth it - 2008 Nissan Quest
  By Michael G. - July 12 - 3:36 pm

  We (my wife and I) cannot be more happy; I love the acceleration, space, comfort, sound and the feel driving this car.

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  Love My Maxima! - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By ycwinpa - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Bought my fully-equipped 97 Maxima SE with 7-8 miles on it in May of 97. Have had it for almost 5 years now and the only problem Ive had is a failed alternator at around 50,000. The Maxima is a smooth and fun car to drive, with pretty good handling and acceleration. The cabin is ergonomically designed, comfortable, and roomy, altough it could be better insulated from road noise. Nissan could improve the Maximas gas mileage. I dont seem to get good gas mileage. Maybe its because I enjoy driving the car and pushing it to its limit so much.

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  Happy Owner - 2002 Nissan Pathfinder
  By pete - July 12 - 10:00 am

  paid $500 under invoice plus $1000 cash back. Dealer was excelent to deal with, had to do the usual haggle with my trade-in.Got alot of xtras with my deal. Dealer was part of Auto Nation and I was able to see the whole deal before I was presented papers. No hidden costs or fees.Five star rating to Brown & Brown in Tempe Arizona!! Been back a few times since and all I can say was its been along time since anyone held a door open for me at a car dealership!

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  Perfect Sport 4-door sedan - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Prospect - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Since I brought it I had nothing 2 complain bout its fast 4-door sedan, When do see a car that doesnt really needs to hook up with 17in. rims 7 speakers and subwoofer momo sport like seats and fancy shifter and red lightin, great on gas. If U R considerin 2 buy a sprot sedan u should think that it would beat tha prices of, Mazda,Honda,Volkswagen. Plus to note that its in the family or step family of the Nissan Skyline with its SE-R SPEC V engine.

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  Great Value and Fun to Drive - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By bills01se - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought a new 2001 SE about 18 months ago. It has been a great car to date. The performance, comfort, and styling are great. The bang for the buck is huge. I cant understand why someone would choose an Accord or Camry over this car. I have averaged 23 mpg running regular unleaded, and I have had NO performance problems whatsoever. I did have to get the CD player replaced b/c it never worked. Additionally, I just replaced the stock tires at 27k. Overall, I would highly recommend this car to anybody.

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  Most fun to drive the car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By amar - July 12 - 10:00 am

  This is the most fun I had to drive a car. Its very powerful with lot of horses and its got all the comfort of a luxury car...

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  its a great car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By jeffery - July 12 - 10:00 am

  its has a very powerfull v6 and verry comfortable its fuel economy is great. nissans build quality cars that last forever

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  What a BLAST to own ! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Psyched Out ! - July 12 - 10:00 am

  This being my first car was not on my list because I didnt think I could afford it. Not only could I afford it,I would never have known what I was missing out on. Performance,luxury,style,class,etc. Nissan is good,this cart is great. It is the Lexus of Nissan. Who needs a Maxima! Hurry,go buy one,so you too can write your review.

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  Love our car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Daytona Blue - July 12 - 2:30 am

  Drive only on weekends. Great look and drive especially on mountain road.

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  Totally Awesome - 2009 Nissan Rogue
  By Lynnette - July 11 - 6:40 am

  I have never driven anything so smooth and quiet, you cant even feel the vehicle shift. It provides excellent sound barriers from the outside. The seats and ride are so comfortable and the leg room is perfect for the taller population. The investment is definitely worth it.