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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  I love this car. - 2012 Nissan Maxima
  By Jim - September 6 - 6:04 pm

  This is far and away the best car I have ever owned. The quality in the build of the car is apparent as soon as you step into the vehicle. The car is super quick. My previous car was a 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP with a 5.3 liter V8. This car feels every bit as fast as the Grand Prix and falls short only at high speeds. Ive test drove Accords and Camrys with V6 engines but this car feels like its in another class of performance and luxury. So far I am the second owner of my Maxima. Zero problems. The only issue I would say the car has is not good in snow despite being a FWD car. If you live in a place with snow get some nice snow tires. Still have the Maxima on 3/20/16. Everything i said above - true

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  Fun comfortable ride great Tech - 2009 Nissan Maxima
  By m - September 6 - 10:46 am

  My last car was the Infiniti M35x loved it but I love this Car more! I bought 5 months ago and have been very happy. I love the lines of this car and the Tech is about the same as what I had in my more expensive M35x. I do not feel that I traded down I was very worried about it but in the end I feel I traded up! This car is really fun to drive I recommend it to anyone who wants great Tech, comfort and a fun sporty drive! Heated steering wheel sealed the deal I would have bought another Infiniti but none of them had a heated wheel! And I saved a lot of money in the process! I am very happy with this car so far!

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  Cant believe this is so nice - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By AJ - September 6 - 5:03 am

  Even after 7 years of towing a 4500 boat, utility trailer and hauling yard supplies and people around this Pathfinder doesnt seem to skip a beat. The only problem I have had so far is O2 Sensor that needed to be replaced and squeaky belt. Other than that. Just oil, gas, and filters on a regular basis keeps her running nice. Most people who step inside are amazed how quiet and comfortable the Pathfinder is. We have received a lot of compliments on her towing ability as well. This vehicle was so good that my parents bought the 2002 model and they have had the same experience minus the O2 sensor going out. Beautiful running and well rounded SUV. Pretty quick for an SUV too.

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  This was a god choosen car 4 me!!! - 1999 Nissan Maxima
  By MarvinS. - September 5 - 2:03 pm

  I looked all over for the perfect car around $10,000 and this was gods answer to my prayers. This car has room, power, looks, and class. Every chance i get i want to drive it but on the other hand, i dont want to put a ton a miles on it. This was the only car that had an awesome rating (along with the subaru sti). So my advice to anyone looking, find on that has be taken go care of and enjoy it until the wheel s fall off!!! Remember i prayed for the perfect this car!!!!!!

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  Great Car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Chuck Konfrst - September 5 - 6:40 am

  This car has been fantastic. Its fun to drive, very roomy, and decent fuel economy. With the leather & moonroof, its almost elegant. Aggressive exterior styling along with the 255 horsepower engine make this car fun to drive. My only wish is for the suspension to be a bit tighter - the GLE is a bit softer than the SE. The back seat is very roomy and comfortable. I originally was considering the VW Passat, but I felt the value of this car was much better than the VW. If youre considering this car, I would definitely recommend it.

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  This car is a beast! - 2016 Nissan Maxima
  By peacefulruler - September 4 - 8:39 pm

  Drove a Maxima S, SV, SL, and SR on 3 successive nights...bought the SR almost instantly. The steering and road feel are sharp and precise, and the highway speed acceleration is exhilarating...reminds me of my Thunderbird SuperCoupe. A real highway cruiser. This car is much more exciting to drive than my friends BMW 328i...quieter, faster, more comfortable. My friend said its much more luxurious...and its less expensive AND more reliable.

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  Xterra the better choice - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Reiko - September 4 - 2:00 am

  superb handling and fun to drive. Very durable. Has all nessasary options without going overboard to add what you dont really need. Would definatly buy again. Former vehicle was Dodge Durango.

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  This isnt your moms murano anymore - 2016 Nissan Murano
  By Vinny - September 3 - 2:58 am

  I gotta say I LOVE this car!!!It is miles about the previous generation murano,if you didnt see the Nissan emblem you would think you where driving and sitting in an Infiniti!!!!Great,smooth,powerful ride.This truck rides like a caddy!I would gladly recommend this whip to anyone and they are still trying to get rid of the 2015 jeftovers,no new stuff for 2017 so go for a new leftover murano tones of rebates and great deals.My mom and I both just bought leftover muranis,I got 7 grand off window stickee,my mom got 10 grand off.

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  VTEC KILLER - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By JohnSpecV - September 2 - 5:56 pm

  This car is incredible, the low end torque is the best. Ive modded my spec and the car doesnt seem to mind. Runs very good drives very hard, the Back seat isnt that big so if you looking for a 4 seater this isnt the car. This is fast car.

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  Love this car - 2016 Nissan Rogue
  By Jeff Wilkinson - September 2 - 3:09 pm

  We were also interested in the Mazda CX-5 but went with the Nissan because it is very easy for my aging in-laws to get in and out of the back seat. The Mazda had a much narrower door opening. Also, the back seat is slightly elevated making it easier to see for the passengers in the back. Although the driving experience isnt as sporty as the Mazda, we really like the CVT transmission and are impressed with the fuel economy around town. All of the buttons are in the right place and we love the looks of the beige interior.