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 REALLY came to buy a truck.... - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Rich K. - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I went to Clay Nissan to look at Frontiers. The people that came with me said I should check out a 350Z. So, the dealer got the keys (for the 2003 Touring model of course) and I went for a drive. I fell in love with it right away. I then took a 2004 Maxima for a spin, but it didnt compare. After another spin in the Z I put my money on the table and drove away with it. Um, I kinda forgot about test driving the Frontiers....

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  Best Car Ever Owned - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By doc - February 2 - 10:00 am

  We bought our 95 Nissan Maxima GLE nine years ago and can not believe what a great car it has been. The interior leather is pristine as is the plastic. There are a few wear and tear dings to the exterior, but nothing too bad. Mechanically, the car has been absolutely PERFECT. Other than routine maintenance and losing the antennae in a car wash, it has never had a single problem and still drives as well as it did when it was new. Great acceleration - the 3.0L engine in a 3000 lb frame gives it more than enough acceleration.

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  2003 max - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By bremner44 - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Its powerful, stylish, has a lot of nice features, and is reliable. Best car for the money. The mistake people make is when they try to compare the Maxima with the Camary, Accord, Or Mitsubishi. It is in a higher class, a head above the previous mentioned. The only things I would change are: It needs a telescoping steering wheel,Im 65" and my seat is pushed all the way back. The steering wheel is to far away. Also, the exterior paint seems to chip easily.

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  first SUV - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By rocketboy - February 2 - 10:00 am

  The X is an Awesome SUV! I test drove a lot of other SUVs and the X just offers more bang for the buck. -Get the 4-wheel drive. As soon as you get it home you want to get it muddy. And 4x4 insures your ride home-not INTO the mud! -I bought the X with the stereo upgrade, but an in-dash DVD nav sys would be nice. I have a handheld and that is better for me anyway. (I can take it with me into the woods). -I like the engine configuration. It is mounted rotated to the left. This also allows easier maintenance for mechanical and electrical systems. The X is a very well thought out design and is truly driven by whats inside,the 24-year-olds that buy it.

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  You Cant Go Wrong - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Juan from DC - February 2 - 10:00 am

  This car is a bargain compared to Acura MDX, Honda Pilot, Lexus RX330. Its comfortable, has acceleration, maneuverability, convenient/easy to operate interior gadgets(tailgate, seats, etc), has a phenomenal Bose radio, and the styling is a head turner. Handles like a car and is built solid. Fuel use: 19mph in gross rush hour traffic (like average speed of only 27 mph per week (thats not a misprint). Nav system is tremendous convenience. It has a traffic avoidance feature that helps getting around wicked traffic jams. Its easy to use. Caution: If youre looking for a real offroad capability...dont buy a Murano. Other than that...this car is an ace.

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  Nissan Murano - Refined Car - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Tiyo - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Murano for three weeks now and I totally love it. Love everything about this car, the interior build is of nice quality, the exterior is sharp looking too - head turner! Its got a smooth ride, wouldnt know you are in an USV. Overall, good car!

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  Perfect Car! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By OURTOYS - February 2 - 10:00 am

  This is the first car that I have owned that I absolutley love!! My previous car was a Honda Civic and the Altima is a far superior car than the Civic. I commute in my car about 1 hour everyday. The seats are very comfortable and the controls on the steering wheel are a wonderful feature. It has a lot of headroom, my husband is 65" and he has more than enough room to sit comfortably in the car. I recommend the Altima to everyone I know.

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  2004 MAX SL is a Great Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Ramcon - February 2 - 10:00 am

  After three weeks and 2400 miles I am very pleased with my new Max. Great power and exellent cruising on the highway. It really wants to go! Around town it seems a fair bit bigger than my 95 Maxima but I am getting used to it quickly.

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  Family enjoying 2005 SL - 2005 Nissan Quest
  By Pat - February 2 - 1:53 am

  Well soon add a new baby seat to the 2 infant seats we have in my wifes Passat, so had to move Minivan. My wife did not like having to give up here sportiness and power, but have found a worthy replacment in the Quest. Compared it to the Mazda MVP, which is also sporty, but was smaller and would not "grow" as well with the kids. Only hit 500 miles so far, but love it. Was worried about getting used to the center consol concept, but it did not take long to adjust. Too early to say for sure about reliablity, but looking good so far, and no obvious build problems.

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  After 27,000 miles - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By chris - February 1 - 11:56 pm

  Problems with door rattles have been made acceptable certainly not a complete fix. Do not like "searching" shifts with cruise control - will not maintain speed on hills except with abrupt shift to 3rd and will return to 4th requiring a reset. Mileage on recent 7000 mile trip (plains and mountains) was 25 with 28 as a high (70 to 75 mph). Goodyear Eagle LS tires are terrible, one separating at 27K -- there are very few choices for replacement; I plan on going to a 235/55 size.