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 the Nissan Maxima! - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By jrmj72 - May 9 - 6:03 pm

  I was reluctant to get a Maxima because I had a Ford Mustang GT and a Chevrolet Camaro Z28 just before the Maxima. The Z28 would blow the Maxima and the Mustang away...but the Maxima has the same horsepower as my 1996 GT and it is a higher quality car. I am very glad I purchased the Maxima and Nissan now has a loyal customer...

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  2008 Nissan Rogue SL AWD - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By tarmstro - May 9 - 4:40 pm

  This car is truly a value. We looked at Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and the Rogue. We liked the Rogue the best... very functional, drives great, quick acceleration and it looks great! We are very happy with our choice!

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  Great engine but need better suspension - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By MIKE - May 8 - 8:33 pm

  Cant complaint about the Nissan VQ35 V6 engine. Its silky smooth and powerful to launch. The only refinement should be the struts. Perhaps need to spend additional $1,000 for the Nizmo struts to have more connection with the roads. Often feels double bouncing while on uneven pavements. The sport shift transmission is OK, but 1st to 2nd gear is not as smooth as other higher gears.

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  Happy for the most part - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By T-Bone - May 8 - 6:30 pm

  This vehicle has one big issue: Oxygen sensors! There are four, and they need to be replaced anytime after 50,000 miles. All four have been replaced at a cost of 135 dollars each. Besides that, I love it. Great ride, handling, steering. Great BOSE stereo. Some loose trim around doors, but otherwise good solid build quality. AUTO 4WD is a nice extra on the LE.

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  Hot rod suv - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Firststrike - May 8 - 10:00 am

  The V6 powering the newest Pathfinders is awesome to say the least, especially when using mid-grade to premium gasoline. It is comfortable even at the highest speeds and is always under complete control. Only thing I would ask Nissan to adjust would be the drivers seat. It simply will not slide far enough rearward. Oh yes, we Americans have slightly larger feet than the Japanese, and I would like to see a greater distance between the accelerator and the brake pedal. Ive come close on numerous occassions to slamming into a car or object in front or the rear of my vehicle, due to my foot hitting the accelerator and brake at the same time

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  Lots of car, yet affordable - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By My 3rd Nissan n19yrs - May 8 - 10:00 am

  Its like having a sports car, yet being conservative.

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  Loving it more everyday! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Kari Leigh - May 8 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle. We bought this out of state and drive it on a 2000 mile trip immediately to take it home. I was skeptical at first due to some reviews posted here. Im glad I decided to buy this. Overall much better than my 2001 Tahoe in drivability (Although I only had 1 problem in 3 years where the starter neede to be replaced). I looked at Toyota (Why do people like the interior of Toyotas so much? Just boring.) I think Nissan did an outstanding job on this vehicle. The only complaint I have is a few rattles.

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  Great Care for the $$$ - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By novynich - May 8 - 10:00 am

  I think this is one of the best cars for the money, mine is fully loaded and has more features than many high end cars in the similar price range.

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  Wonderful Max. - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By MDao - May 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Maxima, I bought it two months ago.I just brought the car in for repair due to rattling noises from the dashboard and rear speaker, right front brake squeaking, and the rear left door rubber seal came off! The dealer was happy to fixed them all. So far I am very satisfied with the dealers services. Over all I love the car, its fast and fun to drive.

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  Wonderful Altima - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By MBK - May 8 - 5:32 am

  If you are tall with long legs, you may have a bit of a problem getting in and out. Otherwise, comfort is fantastic. The interior is very nicely put together. Exterior is wonderful. I would highly recommend this vehicle if you want a decently priced vehicle, reliable, and good looking interior and exterior.