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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  Great Car - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By Gold Maxima - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Great all around sedan. Plenty of power and has a comfortable interior and rides very smoothly. One of a kind sedan.

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  03 Maxixma - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Oost81 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  The Nissan Maxima is the best car I have ever had. This is the first car I have purchased in my young life and I dont think I will ever buy anything else. The car rides so smooth its like your riding on air. The power from the 3.5 V6 is amazing! I love the way it handels. And the way it accelerates. I have not had one problem with it.

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  Nissan Maxima -- outstanding - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Igreaves - September 26 - 10:00 am

  How many 6-cylinder mid-size sedans can return a highway mileage in excess of 32 mpg? I can consistently achieve this economy with the 2002 Nissan Maxima SE with manual transmission. The 6-speed manual transmission takes some getting used to, but it is silky smooth, very responsive, and above all economical on the highway. With a mix of highway and local driving, I can average 30-32 mpg and still have the sporty feel and comfort of this first rate automobile.

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  The Maxima is a must have - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By kennyinbalt - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I truly love this car! It was a toss up between a Lexus and the Maxima and the Maxima won by far! It is very stylish and dependable! I feel this is an excellent value for the money. The car feels very solid and safe to drive, I dont feel like I m driving in a tin can on wheels.

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  Buy you one! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Steviec - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I absolutly love it, it is fun to drive and it will haul a$$!

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  Its Okay - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Snowbird - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I love my car!! But the turn radius is not the greatest. It handles good except when tight turns are necessary

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  This is a car built for 2 - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Sherrie Malmberg - September 26 - 10:00 am

  There are a few things about this car that I dont like. The back seat is built for midgets, there is absolutely no leg room for the passengers in the rear. also, my Sentra is sometimes a little sluggish when you take off or are climbing a hill. I like the cup holders in the back, but the ones in the front are too close to the stereo, so only the small to medium drinks will fit in them.

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  Excellent Altima - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By jeanheller - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I had a 2000 Altima which I did not like at all. My 2003 model is head and shoulders better in pickup, perfomance, appearance and design. I have the touring model, which is a showstopper, literally. A man stopped me in the street to ask what the car was, so taken was he with its appearance. The handling and performance match the looks. Lots of back seat and trunk room, too.

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  Nissan Altima-good driving - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By christine m - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I did experience a problem with the computer ABS when I first purchased car that took awhile to be repaired, but Nissan did make good, and I have not had further problem. Great sound system but maybe a little to powerful for car since it cause the rearview mirror to vibrate.

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  2004 Altima - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Ghoastrider - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car for my wife two weeks ago and the car is perfect for her. The 2.5L has plenty of both city/highway power, the interior is excellent with the leather and it has lots of room for five. The outside can only be discribed as beutiful. Sitting next to my 2003 ford taurus (company car) there is no compairing. I would tell anyone looking at this car to buy/lease it.