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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  So Far, So Good - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By TMG - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Purchased new SL 2WD 3 weeks ago, $300 over invoice. So far been an excellent experience. Design and ride are great. Fuel economy seems to be improving (after bad start), on 3rd tank, up to 21mpg, but since mostly highway, should be better. Havent found many disappointments, its a great vehicle. One complaint is that it does still have a trucklike/SUV ride when cornering (but this is my first SUV after 10 years w a sports car), SE may be tighter suspension. Overall would recommend to any new crossover buyer.

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  Great SUV - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Cathy - April 29 - 10:00 am

  This suv is great and fun to drive.

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  Great Vehicle - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By lnichols - April 29 - 10:00 am

  This is truly a great cross-over SUV. It handles and accelerates like a sporty car. The CVT is fantastic. Gas mileage is great for an SUV, but I find that the city values are below the window spec of 20 mpg (more like 18 to 19). Bose Radio system is good, but the RDS is not fully functional. I have to have a few rattles looked at by the dealership.

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  great buy - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By bang for the buck - April 29 - 10:00 am

  the car is so much fun. with lots of goodies straight off the lot. best buy. and for only 17345. great interior and fast as hell.

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  Buy the Nissan Quest!!! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By tkinrokop - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I just got into the Quest SL, and the vehicle is outstanding!!! Doesnt look boring like the other competition, and drives like a car. Has "fold-flat" 2nd and 3rd row seats...no one else does. Buy the Quest.

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  Hot my quest!! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Rafael - April 29 - 10:00 am

  The car is great. Got it with the DVD player, six cd changer and navigation. Includes sonar, power doors, etc. I did do a test drive on the Sienna and the Honda Minivan but liked the Quest much better. I test drove the base S model and it is to basic for me. Wanted the SE model but to much money ......

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  Almost there - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By cgp - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I have been very pleased with this car. Seats are very comfotable, tons, of space, plenty of power. The biggest negative is a slow shifting automatic transmission that I havent adjusted to yet. The interior plastic dash and door panels are very cheap materials (but you can see that when you chose the car). The cup holders are worthless. Stereo is great and exterior styling is great.

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  My new max - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By billdo - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Have had my new max for about 90 days and i have to report that it is one of the most fun cars i have owned to date...however, little electrical glitches keep arising, cruise control kicks off(twice), sunroof malfunction (twice),and the latest is the auto headlights have been malfunctioning (twice). Have taken it to dealership about glitches, and you guessed it...nothing happens. I would hate for this to be the first car that i have to make them buy back, i hope these little things will dissappear because this car is sooooo sweet!

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  my new Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By connie winstead - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive HAD THIS CAR A LITTLE OVER ONE WEEK aND SO FAR SO GOOD. THE GAS MILEAGE IS A LITTLE DISAPPOINTING SO FAR, IM HOPING IT WILL IMPORVE. RIGHT NOW ONLY 15MPG, mostly CITY DRIVING. The power, handling, and style is what I like best . Reliability is very important to me so only time will tell. Ive driven Honda Accords for over 20 years but the new Accord didnt offer the stylishness of the Maxima.

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  GREAT - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Jenny Karmichealz - April 29 - 10:00 am

  Good Fun Car! I Could Not Live Without My New Nissan Maxima! My Kids Love it and I do to. I Love The Interior and the build of the car.