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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  Fertther - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By Ferther - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I bought used. Had a 1991 Maxima that I loved, the 1997 Maxima SE disappointed. The ride is not as assuring and the car feels flimsy in turns, especially on the interstate. Could use some suspension tinkering to make it work better with the 16 tires.

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  Better Than the Altima - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Orthopod - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I went to the dealership expecting to own a new Altima Se, but when I drove the maxima I was Hooked. I admit the Altima may be a tad bit sportier, but what the maxima lacks here, it makes up for in comfort,refinement and style. I have always wanted a sports car, and at 34, am finally able to afford one. However,time and family(two toddlers) have changed my taste, style and needs. The maxima makes me feel young and sporty again when I need it, but is comfortable, convenient and beautiful the rest of the time. Overall, a wonderful combination for a young at heart family man.

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  A truly beauty - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Nobbs - July 20 - 10:00 am

  This car is a wonderful car for the young driver. I had a 95 Maxima before I got the 02 SE Auto. I got into an car accident a little over a month and my old Maxima GLE saved my life. The car is built so well, and care is taken to ensure its perfection. I enjoy driving my 02 Maxima SE Auto as it is very roomy and sporty. The car is great for anyone who like driving a sports car, but prefers a 4-door sedan. The suspension on the car is great; I have tested it out on a number of roads. I would highly recommend this car to anyone who wants a safe, beautiful, and enjoyable car.

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  CLUNK! CLUNK! POP! POP! - 2012 Nissan Sentra
  By wanda - July 20 - 7:38 am

  Bought a 2012 Nissan Sentra about 6 weeks ago. Owned several vehicles and this is by far the worst of the worst. Never had bought a Nissan but will never buy another. This vehicle pops on right turns and braking & after turning and straightening the wheel and evidently there are several Nissans that has this as an issue. As I understand there are no recalls and Nissan has not addressed this issue. Will get it checked out with a mechanic on Monday. Hope to get the issue resolved since it is hard to trade with so recent of a purchase.

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  The best truck around people - 2007 Nissan Pathfinder
  By The best truck aroun - July 19 - 8:06 pm

  I never had a truck before purchasing my 2007 Pathfinder. I always had American vehicles since I was 16 well I am 30 now and thought it might be a good idea to get a truck and boy I am sure glad I did our last winter was the worst winter weve had in a long time I love playing in the snow and climbing tall mounds of snow just to see how far I can push it, it never got me stuck its the best and most comforatble/relieble truck ever and its stylish and very preppy. Its meant for people who have great style and class I have not had any problems what so ever and the ride is smooth and comfortable with a third row seat the running boards make it look great and its got great take off for a v6.

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  Excellent car for the Money - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By johnny D - July 19 - 6:33 pm

  My wife and I considered a Camry SE , and a Honda EX , compared these makes to the Nissan Altima , and the Altima won hands down. Love the way the Altima handles the winding roads , the interior is very impressive, nice ergonomics, love the 3.5 motor in the SE , the interior cabin is quiet, seats are nice, ours has the sports package , rear spoiler, Sunroof , fog lamps , excellent car for the money , the 3.5 SE had a $27,459 tag bought the car for $ 24,500.00 including shipping .

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  The new ride - 2005 Nissan Armada
  By Jennifer - July 19 - 3:23 pm

  I love my new armada! I do not have any complaints other than the fuel economy! Everything else about it is wonderful. I compared it to the Toyota Sequoia and I am SOOOOOOO glad I made the decision to go with the nissan!

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  Excellent Purchase - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Sentra - July 19 - 5:10 am

  I purchased my 2001 Sentra GXE in June of 2001. I financed it for 5 yrs. It still runs as well as it did when I drove it home brand new. Hopefully it will last another 5 years.

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  5 year review of 2005 Nissan Xterra SE - 2005 Nissan Xterra
  By 8watt300b - July 18 - 2:13 pm

  I bought this vehicle new, ordered in the color and trim level that I wanted. In the 5 years I have owned it I have had to replace (under warranty - the fuel tank sensor, a u-joint). The CD player quit working just off of warranty and I havent changed it as I use an ipod with FM modulator. The vehicle overall have been fantastic. I have put a couple hundred thousand hassle free kms on it and it hasnt had any more problems than any other vehicle I have ever owned. Its still solid, tight and peppy. Excellent for a small family, great for work use in the oilfield. Reliable.

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  50,000 km follow up - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By hartotis - July 18 - 11:56 am

  Just under the 50,000 km mark and have no complaints. Radiator and radio were replaced under warranty other than that no problems. Gas mileage is close to the 30 mpg mark in a city/ highway daily commute. Replaced the Continental tires at the 40000 kms mark these tires dont seem to stand up to well. Excellent service from Brasso Nissan in Calgary. Still very impressed with the car.