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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  4DSC - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By mhorn325is - June 2 - 1:33 am

  I bought my 97 SE with a 5 speed manual trans in 2006 with approximately 90K miles. The car appealed to me for a variety of reasons: silky 3.0 liter V6, plush creature comforts, impressive factory Bose unit and the relative ease of finding a reasonably priced variant with a proper 3rd pedal. I certainly indulged in a bit of wrench time - Koni struts, Eibach springs, Centerforce clutch, front/rear Brembo cross drilled rotors and a few Stillen add-ons - that greatly increased the pleasure of being behind the wheel, but the car was a solid, quick-ish workhorse even with the OEM equipment. Be mindful of rust and leaks (oil, coolant, etc.), but Ill miss the old girl when I trade her in this week

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  Yes indeed I like Maximas - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Martin - June 1 - 8:13 pm

  This the third Maxima Ive owned. That should tell you something right off the bat. These are really great cars, reiable cars, that also give you pride in owning one. Its as well made as a Honda Accord but gives you three time more fun in driving. Im not a dealer or a Nissan rep, just a guy who loves and believes in these cars enough to take the time write such a message for your benefit. I cannot imagine why people consider any other four door (sports) sedans when they can get one of these. Enough is enough. My new (used) Maxima SE is just as good, if not better than the other ones Ive owned. Or you can get some slower, lamer, more expensive Lexus for more money.

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  2002 Maxima SE vibration problem. - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By bvf10376 - June 1 - 4:00 am

  Im noticing a vibration in the steering and seat but only at highway speeds ( not noticed in the demo ride because it was just around town ). Service people recognized problem. All 4 rims and tires replaced. Slight improvement but still not right. Nissan says this is normal???? Im wondering if theres a flaw in the SE because Ive heard rumors that other new SEs owners have complained and that all SEs on the dealers lot were shown to have the problem.

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  Goodbye Accord, Hello Altima - 2016 Nissan Altima
  By michael yarber - June 1 - 3:14 am

  I had a 2014 Accord, our third one and we love Hondas, but after a long trip from Nashville to Richmond, VA, I couldnt stand it. The drivers seat was wearing me out! I couldnt sit for more than 90 miles at a time. I told my wife, we have to look for another car. I was going to buy another Honda, but the new ones werent any better in the seat department. I saw a ad for a Altima(NASA seats) and we went to try one out. We live just five miles from the Nissan plant and never thought about buying one since we see them everywhere. I sat in it and thought...Wow this is nice and went for the test drive. I liked almost everything about it. After the negotiating stage, we bought it. The ride was great and and seats were even better! Yes, we did make another long drive again and with no problems, I loved the ride. We bought the SV model and my only regret is that we should have got the NAV option. Nissan has done a good job on the new 16 model. One that long trip from Nashville to Indy, we got over 40mpg. At one point I saw 41.3. We are getting a good 30mpg in the city. Thanks Nissan for making a better than excepted car.

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  Nissan Altima 2005 - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Amanda - May 31 - 10:43 am

  I have really enjoyed my Nissan. It is comfortable and easy to drive. Very good on gas also.

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  RELIABLE - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By southwest7 - May 30 - 10:00 pm

  I have 226,000 miles on my Maxima, and wouldnt hesitate to go on a road trip in it right now. The need for the catalytic converter to be replaced is about the most expensive thing Ive experienced, which doesnt affect the performance of car, just satisfying emissions needs. Otherwise just a radiator, alternator, shocks/struts and starter needed replacement after 100,000 miles which is to be expected for a 13year old car. It starts and runs no problem, All my Nissans have been good reliable vehicles.

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  Fairly Satisifed Armada Owner - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By krlchw - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Owned the Armada since Feb. 2004 and bought it for its towing capacity. We are towing a boat and it tows great. Problem is loud squealing brakes when they are warm. So far dealer cannot fix - says squealing is normal - I dont think so. Interior quality not up to par - 3 out of 4 window units had to be replaced. Console rattles and were still waiting for a replacement since August.

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  A different animal - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Frobozz - May 30 - 10:00 am

  Its got a lot more style than other car-based SUVs and is a lot of fun to drive, all things considered. Interior leaves a lot to be desired, though -- enormous dash, cheap leather seats, cheap door handles all detract from the look. Some cloth interiors have a rat fur look to them. Popular packages boost the cost of this car in a big hurry. I like the CVT. Not a good value but youre not going to buy this vehicle for the value. Its sporty and attractive (from the outside).

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  My 3rd (and best) Altima - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Jason - May 29 - 12:16 am

  I love the Nissan Altima. I had a 2005, a 2010 and now I have the 2015. The interior space and ability to see 360 degrees from the drivers seat is what I have always loved most about Altimas. Plenty of room in the back seat for a car seat and a very tall toddler. Plenty of trunk space fits a load of groceries PLUS my golf clubs. This new Altima has the blue tooth (which will interrupt anything coming through the speakers when a call comes in even if you have an external device plugged into the aux port). Throw this baby down in "sport" mode and she rips along pretty darn good for a 4 cylinder. I love it. I dont think Ill ever buy anything other than Nissan.

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  nissan altima 96 review - 1996 Nissan Altima
  By DRAGON - May 27 - 2:00 am

  great overall built car and very reliable.