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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  Dont See the Issues - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Dan - May 5 - 10:06 pm

  Compared to the Toyota Solara (4 cyl) Ive driven for the past four years (disliking it more every day) the Altima Coupe 2.5 S is an exhilarating experience. The Altima accelerates quickly, the Solara hesitates; the Altima gives you a feel for the road, the Solara drives like a big luxury car. If youre looking for something that drives like a "land yacht", buy the Solara. If youre looking for something thats just fun to drive, the Altima is a good choice.

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  A great all around truck - 2006 Nissan Frontier
  By G.V.Romano - May 5 - 2:30 pm

  I bought a leftover 06 and have driven it almost 50k miles in 2yrs. and 9 months. Nothing has ever gone wrong, zero problems. Id like a little better in town mileage but who wouldnt ? Im 61" and I can drive this truck for days at at time and am always comfortable unlike the Toyota I also looked at. This truck has taken me off road, hauling approx.400 lbs. up a logging road and it felt like it was empty. Ive used it for work and play and Ive never second guessed my buying choice. It handles very well, better than some cars Ive driven. The engine is stout and the transmission always knows what gear to be in. The steering very communicative and the truck feels nimble and responsive.

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  Fun family car - 2009 Nissan Altima
  By phillygm - May 4 - 7:40 pm

  Got it loaded minus nav. Only owned the car for a week with almost 200 on the clock. The ride is wonderful and the power is exceptional. It feels very athletic yet has the capabilities for a family car that I was looking for. I rated it slightly lower on build and reliability because I already have a squeak by the back seat and a strange clank in the engine compartment by the drivers side firewall. Almost sounds like some spring mechanism resetting. It only does it after each start up after cooling down when you are just starting to drive off. Very strange.

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  Nissan Maxima is luxury at its best! - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By Marcie - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Awesome car all around. Fun to drive, ample horsepower. Hands down a winner!

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  Not a bad van after all. - 2001 Nissan Quest
  By Anthony - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I love this van. Its no Odyssey but for the price and equipment not even Honda can touch it. The TV is a plus,it rides really well. Ive been to Florida 5 times already.(9 hr. trip) My kids love it to death.

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  Max Air - 1996 Nissan Maxima
  By Gator - May 4 - 2:00 am

  A Ture sports sedan. Fly on the road. For those like a 4dr sedan but still want some fun to drive. Accelaration is word class, interior is luxury. A reliable car as well, I bought it used with 60K mile. Now it has almost 100K, and I have never need any major service. This is my 2nd Maxima, my first one is a 94 GXE, which carries only 160hp. The 96 GLE is definte an upgrade. I have also tested 2001 and 2002 Max. Feel like my 96 is not any slower than the 255hp 2002 and even faster than the 225hp 2001 model, probably because of the light weight. I will drive it till the wheel comes of or until I can affor a BMW 5 series as I feel no other car has better combination of sporty and luxury.

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  ankurs review - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By tnivana - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Awesome!

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  2002 Nissan Maxima SE 3.5 6sp - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By robert morrison - May 4 - 2:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive! It has more power and better performance than my 1989 Mustang GT. Build quality is first rate. Luxury features like trip computer, dual memory driver seat, homelink, nav. system, and dual front/ side air bags, now make it compete in the luxury sedan segment. GREAT CAR!!!

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  Driv It, Youll buy it - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Nick DeLeo - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Just Drive the car and youll see, the only bad point is when it rains, if you smoke and the windows open even a crack, you get drenched, not so big a deal though.

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  Excellent SUV - 2009 Nissan Murano
  By Ken - May 4 - 2:00 am

  This Murano is quite possibly the best overall vehicle Ive ever had. The back-up camera is phenomenal; the keyless starter is really nice - I dont carry keys anymore. I cant believe the gas mileage - typically always around 22-23 MPG whether I use regular or premium gas. The ride is comfortable but sporty. The leather seats are firm and very comfortable. Additions like the electronic telescopic wheel just add to the overall enjoyment. You must try this one out.