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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  Most Happy Camper! - 2008 Nissan Xterra
  By Priscilla Pike - July 2 - 7:53 pm

  This is my 4th Nissan, from a BT-10 Datsun, Pathfinders, 280-Z, to my new Xterra, and I am most pleased. I feel so very safe with its remarkable handling and ease in driving.

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  The beast of 2009 - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By GQ - July 2 - 11:53 am

  I must say, my 2009 Maxima is the best vehicle I have ever bought. I bought sept of 2008 with 10 miles. It is almost Mar 2009. I have 17800 miles due to trips from Jacksonville, FL to Delaware and Louisiana. I have made numerous trips to Orlando and Miami as well. Great car, fun to drives and it never gets old. With regular maintenance every 3750 miles, it stills drives new with no problems. It is a huge improvement over the previous Maxima. Yes, I had a 2006 Maxima. It was nice, but too soft and didnt handle nearly as nice. The new Maxima is stiffer, shorter and wider making it the best handling FWD vehicle I have ever driven. Ive driven 99.9% of FWD vehicles in North America.

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  gle review - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By gleowner - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Flawless in interior design, engine performance and braking. Very comfortable on long trips. Ergonomics are well thought out. Pleasure to drive on those looong highway stretches. Adaquate stereo, storage space. Xenon bulbs are a dream. Incredible value for money. Selected this product after testing Acura CL, Toyota Avalon, Lexus ES 300, BMW 3 Series, and Volvo S60.

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  Great SUV!! - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By hooch - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Had this SUV almost a year now and I love it. The engine is very powerful and smooth as silk...great pick-up. This comes at the expense of gas mileage but I expected this. I go to the beach a lot and it has no problems traversing heavy, loose sand. Interior build quality is excellant....no "cheapo" feel here. Folding the rear seats is simple...who said it was difficult???

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  I used to think my Supra was fast - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By SimiDave - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Great looks. You get a lot of car for the money. Really moves and fun to drive. My SE handles a lot like my old 85 Supra. Miles per gallon is very good. 27 to 28 on long trips. 18- 19 stop and go city driving. Fun car to drive, people always looking at it in parking lots. Glad I got the SE with the Maxima engine instead of the 4 banger.

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  Fun to Drive! - 2007 Nissan Altima
  By nissan driver - July 1 - 9:40 am

  This is my first Nissan and I didnt know anyone that ever owned one. For that reason I was a little cautious before I bought it. I did much research and finally went for it. It was one of the best decisions Ive ever made. I love this car.

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  Wouldnt trade it for anything else - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By fronteeer - June 30 - 3:16 pm

  Im so glad I bought this truck. Im the kind of guy who trades vehicles every few years, but the Frontier will have to be pried from my cold, dead hands. During the second year I was concerned about its quality because of a few manufacturing defects that showed up, but Nissan handled them with impeccable professionalism and I havent had any problems since. It is the first year of this new model, so some issues are to be expected. That aside, the reliability and capability of this truck has been nothing short of outstanding. I have an old Honda that I drive when Im not towing or hauling, so the fuel economy isnt a major issue for me. When I need the power, its there, no compromises.

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  love my maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Laurie Taylor - June 29 - 6:50 pm

  I actually bought my car in may of 2003, I have 44,000 mile on it. I love the way it drives, the handling is great and also the pick-up, you definitely have to watch your speed! I have had one little problem with my power sunroof, the dealer fixed with no big deal. No just last week my cd player quit working, I have an appointment next week, the dealer told me a new one cost $600.00, although they do not know yet if I will need a new one. Needless to say that up set me with me car only being 2 years old, I did by the extended warrenty but guess what, not covered. At any rate I would recommend this car. I love it!

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  I love This Car - 2001 Nissan Altima
  By LOVE MY CAR - June 28 - 4:23 pm

  My mom bought this car New 2001 in Ct. In 05 the car became mine. When I got it it had 35,000 miles on it, my mom took very good care of the car with all the regular maintainable. I drove the car to Miami and stay for 9 months driving. Then I drove it to TX. This car has needed some work, but the car is 10 yrs old, manifold gasket @ 95,000 structs & shocks, hoses, and tire rods.. The rest of the stuff regular maintenance. This car runs great, The seat motor just went out the stereo system & speakers could use a major upgrade. I have 99,000 miles on the car and just wanted to know how long I can expect to drive.. LOOKS LIKE I GOT WAYS TO GO. Ill definitely buy another NISSAN!

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  NO problems, awesome car - 2011 Nissan Altima
  By mikeanddawn - June 28 - 1:15 pm

  this is my wifes car, we got the coupe with ALL the option packages. it makes the car pretty awesome to look at and to drive. people admire it all the time. we have about 25,000 miles on it and have had not ONE issue !!!!! pretty amazing for $27,000 with FOUR option packages !