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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  nissan max 04 - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By tomy - December 1 - 7:36 pm

  i see everyone has a problem with the grill easy to fix get a raizerblade and push easly up on it and take it right off i didnt know what to do for a while then i came up with that idea now it looks great!or buy an aftermarket grill thats all. ppl just run in to one problem and say all this bad stuff about the maxima.. its the best car u can buy 3rd best engine in the world great looks u cant ask for more with the nissan maxima .

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  2005 Murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By rfs - December 1 - 4:46 pm

  Very happy with my Murano purchase. It has all the features of similiar suvs with a cost of anywhere between $5- 7,000 less. It has better gas mileage than most as well.

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  No regrets! - 2014 Nissan Rogue
  By vaslup - December 1 - 6:07 am

  I traded in my 2011 328xi BMW for the SL Rogue as I needed more space and better mileage. People get surprised when they sit in the back, feeling spacious and comfortable. I am getting 23-27 miles per gallon in the city and 31-33 in the highway and the average is about 27, outstanding! A bit slow at the beginning, but it was expected due to hp and 4 cyl; however, if you need that extra bust, press the "sport" button and you will be a bit surprised how much faster this baby can go. Great ride a and sound system better that my BMW. In my opinion, no other Crossover/SUV will give you a better bang for your buck, not to mention is good looking and stands out from the crowd!

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  Dynamic, economical - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By Ryan - December 1 - 5:43 am

  Got the fully loaded SL (everything from Ipod functions, VDC, to the Nav system) for the price of a base model Maxima or 300c, etc. Feels like a 50k car. I love it. So much value in this car. Looks sporty ( I have the spoiler and sunroof) yet classy. Wife likes the luxurious interior, I love the sporty handling and response. Great car for all types of needs at a GREAT price. Like others, would recommend to anyone wanting lots of features and a fun/smooth ride.

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  good car - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By red track - December 1 - 2:00 am

  nice looking and fun to drive

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  Best Used Car Ever! - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By jlamboy - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought my SE used in 98 w/56K miles on it. It now has 154K and other than a few maintenance items, the car is solid and fun to drive. I have a few aftermarket items (intake, down pipe, suspension) on it, but replacing the taillights (white & red) and adding clear bumper lenses has taken years off the appearance. People cannot believe the car is almost 10 years old. Maxima.org has maintenance and performance insight and that community has been invaluable for the weekend mechanic and do it yourselfer.

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  Great SUV - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By fishman - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Everything you need, nothing you dont. Perfect car for fun or solid for the whole family, with safety rating and child lock seats. Perfect for the young Dad or an outdoorsman.

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  Awesome - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Gatorma - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th Maxima and definately my favorite. Bought it used (3 years old) and it looks better than some of the new ones. Previous owner took immaculate care of the vehicle. AE rides like an expensive Lexus or Mercedes. Bose sound system is awesome - definately enjoyed by me, but extremely enjoyed by my 16-year son and his music. Friends/co-workers cant stop talking about how lucky I am. Recommend owning any Maxima to anyone, never unsatisfied. Thank you, Nissan....

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  z review - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By szareck - December 1 - 2:00 am

  The growl of the engine is exciting, gives a tough feel plenty of room Vehicle size makes you feel like you own the road very smooth ride for a large vehicle The vehicle could use some more optional upgrades

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  The Altima is th best! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Joya Blackstock - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I have enjoyed this car so much. It has so much power. On the highway you dont even realize how fast you are going!