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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  Style, Performance, Price - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Jason in St. Louis - May 22 - 3:03 am

  I drove a 90 Maxima to 175k w/ no major issues. I currently drive an 06 Altima SE-R. I was confident that the purchase of a well maintained 03 Maxima GLE wouldnt disappoint. Boy was I right. Very handsome design, plenty of power under the hood, and very well appointed for a car in its price range. The car just feels solid and well engineered. I am slightly biased, but its a car I highly recommend based on past and present Nissan ownership.

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  My wife stole my Maxima! - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By BC from GA - May 21 - 3:33 pm

  As soon as I drove it, I knew it was the car for me. I had previously owned 4 Accords and did not care for the current Accords looks. The Maxima was more plain but had distinctive looks also such as tail lights. Love the power and rides like a much larger car. Great gas mileage from a performance oriented V6. We get 25 mpg in town and have gotten 32 on the road. Lots of room and the trunk holds LOTS of luggage and vacation souvenirs. Leather has aged very well and the Bose sound system is awesome. Make sure you find one that has been maintained. We had to replace the sunroof (well over 1K) and recently the starter. No coil problems, yet, at 88K miles. My wife stole it from me!

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  This car is a winner - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By Diane Pain - May 21 - 6:42 am

  I priced my car using Edmunds.com; this helped to get me the car at an excellent price. It is everything I have been looking for in a car: comfortable and fuel-efficient.

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  This car is a winner - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By Diane Pain - May 21 - 6:42 am

  I priced my car using Edmunds.com; this helped to get me the car at an excellent price. It is everything I have been looking for in a car: comfortable and fuel-efficient.

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  Excellent car - 2017 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Amber Crespo - May 21 - 1:46 am

  Bought this car in June and its so big and comfortable great performance! Safety is outstanding , I had a accident today and my whole family was safe and sound .

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  Great car - 2014 Nissan Maxima
  By gapari - May 20 - 7:07 pm

  Simply put, the car does a lot of things well. The interior is as well designed and rich as any car out there in its price range. The exterior, although showing its age, still has a stylish and sporty masculine look about it. The care handles well, the suspension is firm but not too stiff, and the car accelerates well with plenty of power. I had leased a 12, just turned it in early, and now lease a 14. As I stated, it just does so many things well.

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  My new Rogue - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Seg800 - May 20 - 10:33 am

  Formerly owned a Corolla, loved it but wanted an SUV for snow, rain, ice, etc. Drove my sisters Rav4, hated it and decided to check out Nissan. The Rogue is very cool looking and comes with great features. Drive is very smooth, quiet and comfortable.

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  Great - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By meaghanator26 - May 20 - 10:00 am

  this is a great car!!!!!! lokks awsome from the street and rides like a dream.

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  MY 20TH A.E. MAX ( Z edition ) - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By alsavillny - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Ive been driving my 20th a.e. maxima for more than two years now and i still feel like racing everytime im in the driver seat. It definitely is a four door sports cars as Nissan claims.

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  Glad I bought this - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By GreyMax - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Bought this car primarily for the engine, reliability reputation and the handsome interior. None has disappointed. The brakes were poorly manufactured however. Although the car stops well, (24,000 miles so far), the rotors already had to be turned. This was done N/C as there is a technical service bulletin for the warping of the rotors. Also, the ride may be a bit harsh for some but I did buy the SE model for its sports car like handling. I would buy this car again.