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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  What a beaut! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By sweet"un - January 15 - 10:00 am

  At 6000 miles I havent found a flaw yet. Ive gotten 28 mpg on hwy and 24 city with regular gas. Get raves from friends and strangers all the time. With the drivers preferred package I got all the bells and whistles I have always wanted. Glad I got the SL for a little more comfort.

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  disappointment - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By ASG - January 15 - 10:00 am

  had a 95 Maxima-best car I ever owned. Expected the same with my new 2004 Maxima. But, oh boy, what a disappointment. Drives like a truck, handles like a used Buick (no offense Buick owners), very poor gas mileage, auto trans and brakes erratic, poor interior ventilation, uncomfortable arrangement of seat, dash controls and steering wheel. Has a fine, powerful engine and may be fun to drive on highway, but in real-life everyday driving its only mediocre.

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  Reliability - 1999 Nissan Pathfinder
  By drew79 - January 15 - 4:29 am

  Got the car about midway through its life with 91K and it now has 117K. Has needed some work on brakes, rotors and exhaust in the few years Ive had it but the cars reliability and utility has more than made up for it. 4x4 is a blast in the snow or offroad, and when the seats fold down you can cram an immense amount of stuff inside it. The gas mileage is not great, but on the highway I can set the cruise for 65 or so at 2800 rpm and stretch it. Overall a great truck that will treat you well if youre well to it. Has never failed me once, even during blizzards in NJ.

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  95% solution - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By philtrav1 - January 15 - 2:13 am

  The Murano is a fun, reliable and relatively inexpensive cross-over SUV. Frankly, I like the somewhat unusual design. Ive had my Murano in Europe now for about 6 months and it gets a lot of attention. In the land of BMW X5s and X3s, Mercs and Rovers, it nice to know that Ive got a really great preformer with solid workmanship for a fraction of the cost of the other SUVs. I appreciate the looks of approval from the drivers of the competition.

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  2004 Maxima SL 3.5 - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By DrABCMan - January 14 - 7:26 pm

  I have really enjoyed driving this car for the past 18 months. I have had no problems and the dealers routine service has been very efficient. The car is roomy front and back. I enjoy the heated steering wheel and seats. Great acceration, I can feel the torque in the steering. The Bose Sound System is enjoyable. Good gas milage. The Leather Heated Front and Rear Seats & Steering Wheel add to comfort. I enjoy the powered options: Moonroof, Heated Mirrors, Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel, Rear Window Sunshade, Driver Seat w/Memory and Retractable Mirrors.

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  Best ever - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By caribeth3 - January 14 - 6:46 pm

  This is the perfect vehicle for those people who need the space a minivan offers, but dont necessarily WANT to drive a minivan. It looks cool, drives as nice as any car Ive been in, has lots of great features. Its one of the safest cars out there, and sits nice and low to the ground (easy to get in and out of, especially for young kids).

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  Squeaky Driver Seat - 2017 Nissan Maxima
  By Perfecto - January 13 - 4:26 pm

  Just bought a 2017 Maxima S at Virginia Beach and 2 weeks later the driver seat started to squeak. The spring in the back area makes so much noise it gets annoying. Every time I move, turn, back up and getting off the car I can hear the springs squeak. I had it serviced at the dealer yesterday and was told they could not do anything about it because it is an a safety issue which to me is a bunch of bull crap. Furthermore, they compared it to another new car and that too makes the same squeaky noise. Is this a design flaw? At any rate I left very frustrated that nothing was done and no resolution offered. So for those thinking about buying a maxima, think twice. Either that or start using ear plugs!!

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  Lemon from the Start - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Disappointed in Tenn - January 13 - 6:40 am

  Within a month of the purchase date, we had the van back into the dealer with a shaking problem when braking from extended driving periods. It was taken to the same dealer 4 times before it was finally diagnosed. It was not a safe feeling to be on an extended trip and wonder if you were going to make it home or not. Within a month of the last service visit, the driver sliding door began to rattle and squeak when driving over any type of bumps in the road. Then water began dripping through the sunglasses holder just above the rearview mirror. This was caused by improper sealing of the front windshield and they are having to replace the entire windshield. Bottom line...DONT BUY A QUEST!

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  Not bad! - 2007 Nissan Frontier
  By Randy Collier - January 13 - 4:56 am

  Okay, I was in love with the truck at first sight but the gas mileage (mpg) was bad. Still very shocked that the fuel economy on this truck was that low. I am driving mostly on the freeway and I am only getting 18-19 mpg. The turning radius is abysmal. I have driven smaller and larger trucks and both had better turning radiuses. The radio stinks! Also the the trim on the steering wheel started to rub off. Did you know they use black plastic with a silver finish? They should keep it black so there will not be any rubbing off.

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  I Love This Car - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By LGrif57266 - January 12 - 8:56 pm

  From what i can tell you as far as owning this car, it is great all around. If youre in the Import Tuning scene, then this is a definite alternative to the Honda Civic SI. This car flies like its no tomorrow and it will throw your head back into the headrest. Nismo has all kinds of parts for it as well as other aftermarket companies so youll be killing most 4- bangers on the road. the engine sound is wonderful especially at the top end of the RM range band. It also handles like a dream. In short, if you buy this car, you deffinitely wont be disappointed