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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  not so good ride.... - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By cpark - September 9 - 10:00 am

  i got about 26000 miles. engine is pretty good. but it burns a lot of gases. worst ride quality that i never had. tight supension that gives you wonderful corner handling. has pretty good standard feature. in dash 6 cd, fog lamp, and on. valuable price. i like that titanium silver gauge. horrible transmission. cant even see at night time. headlight is real dark. even if you turn on high beam, that darker than other cars low beam. not too good, not too bad car.

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  Engine says all - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By BIG RAM - September 9 - 10:00 am

  I had the 03 Maxima for a couple of weeks now. I like everything about the car. The SE with the Titanium package is both fun to drive and provides comfort and style. I am currently getting 22mpg and that is mostly highway miles. I expected closer to the higher end, 26. Maybe that will get better as the engine is broken in.

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  Best SUV - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Lea - September 9 - 10:00 am

  Love it, feel safe in it, not too big or too small, its a gas eater though

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  This Sedan Tears up the BMW 325 and Audi - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By ejah - September 9 - 10:00 am

  Is this a sedan or not? It feels faster than a sports car, except their are 3 passengers in the back. The Maxima goes 0-60 in 6.3 seconds. Thats fast. It is fun to drive. Nice interior, and oh did I mention it was fast. Cars pull up next to the car and have no idea they can get smoked by a family sedan. This max will make the BMW 325 look silly!!!

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  Me? Rugged? - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By kat4noles - September 9 - 10:00 am

  I am not the rugged type, but this car has let me feel like Im a sporty, outdoorsy type. In actuality, I dont even own a bike, but I feel like everytime someone sees me driving it theyre thinking, "Wow, I bet that girl knows how to have fun!"

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  Nice - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By yacine_dallas - September 9 - 10:00 am

  the best car ive ever had

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  Near Perfect - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Kristo - September 9 - 10:00 am

  At triple-digits on the open highway, this baby roars quietly enough to keep my wife asleep and unaware. Admirable acceleration too, especially for a 4- cylinder. Im not sure what prior vehicals many of the other reviewers have owned, but considering the Altima is an entry-level mid-sized sedan, the interior is impressive. Sure, theres plastic. Sure, the latches on the arm rest are stiff and prone to breaking. But the car is $20k, people! My Altima is a joy to drive, still turns heads with its sleek look (despite all the other Altimas on the road), and has been virtually problem free. I dont know about the rest of you, but Nissan got my Altima right!

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  Maxima SL - Wow this cars fast - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By TimNelson24 - September 9 - 10:00 am

  The best part about the 2004 Maxima is that it has some serious power, but its as luxurious as most European cars that are priced almost twice as much. Its competion, the Toyata Avalon is totally underpowered compared to this car, 210 HP. The best part about the Maxima, is the durability of its V6 engine. My previous car was a 96 Nissan Maxima GXE. After 150,00 miles it still ran like new. Theyre easily 200,000 mile motors. If your thinking about it, I honestly dont think you can go wrong on this car. Its has 5- Series BMW quality for around 30,000. Plus, at least for now, not everyone and their mother has one.

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  Sporty Hybrid - 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid
  By New Owner - September 9 - 5:26 am

  We purchased this car less than a month ago and so far, the mileage, comfort, drive are as expected. It does have a sporty feel and except for the sudden and slight jolt when switching transmissions, it is fun to drive and wonderful to know you are helping the environment. A surprise: if car hasnt been driven for awhile, the gasoline engine comes on for a min. or two when you least expect it, when you first start car, or when idling at a stop sign or red light. It stays on for a min. or two and if still idling, goes back to EV mode. Thus, not always the quiet experience we were told about. Perhaps it is the cold weather.

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  Better Value than a Similarily-Equipped Tacoma - 2011 Nissan Frontier
  By bpm2348 - September 9 - 12:06 am

  Ive owned a Tacoma Pre-runner (2008) and now a Frontier. The Frontier has more power, is more comfortable, a better value, and rides more like an suv than a truck. I liked my Taco as well, but the seating position seemed weird and I am not a big guy. It seemed like my legs were a lot closer to the steering wheel in the Taco than the Frontier. The Frontiers seats are also a lot more comfortable. I like Tacomas, but the Frontier is just a better value and it was a lot easier to work a deal on one than on a Tacoma.