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 SUV but, glad I got the 5spd! - 2000 Nissan Xterra
  By Reggie - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I love this SUV! The look is GREAT and seeing other XTerra owners around town makes you feel part of click! We live in CO and go to the mtns frequently. The 4X4 capability is great over rocks and thru creek beds. Long distance travel is nice but a little cramped! My complaint, as is most peoples, NO POWER!! I was wise and found a 5spd and love it. Its great on the hwy going up the mtns. Maybe in a couple yrs Ill buy the supercharged version! I would recommend it to anyone!!

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  What a great SUV! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Don P - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Im extremely impressed with the SUV and LOVE driving it. The Armada drives much smaller than it is and is surpisingly maneuverable in tight situations/ downtown. Auto folding mirrors would be a nice touch for narrow garages however. The engine and drive train is phenomenal. The transmission is smooth and there is a lot of power... Im surpised that its only rated at 305hp... seems like more. The ride is a bit stiff but will soften over time. I have not experience any of the resonance issues.. perhaps this is not a problem with more recent builds. This is an excellent vehicle for people with kids/ dogs and the like.

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  BUILT FOR MY NEEDS - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By JOHNTANA - September 24 - 2:00 am

  NO BUT WARMER OR HEADLIGHT WIPERS JUST FUNTION AND PRACTICLE. THEY READ MY MIND IN THE DESIGN CENTER . GOOD JOB!

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  The Big "X" - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Korichan - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Love the "X"... family trips are a kick for everyone, even the kids in the backseat!!! I love driving it, looking at it, and this is the first time that we do not complain making monthly payments, thats how much we love it. Positive handeling, power enough to climb whatever, room enough for your arms, legs and heads, kickin stereo, and all that air bag stuff makes us all feel safely tucked away...ours is avalanche white and has everything but auto transmission (wanted a 5 speed) and supercharge (didnt want it).

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  Poor performance - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By mark78 - September 24 - 2:00 am

  MAJOR power steering problems. Not a smooth ride. Great sound system. I average 16.2 mpg between city & freeway. For optimal performance of supercharge, you need premium gas. The extra money you pay for supercharge is not worth it compared to the regular model.

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  Some quirks... - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Pat D. - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Fabulous engine. I never have to shift out of 6th even on NY17 or hilly Taconic to Albany. Great gas mileage considering the motor size. I get 32- 33mpg on the highway all the time. Only like 24-25 in city tho.Base radio sucks unless you unhook the really cheap 6.5" sub on the rear deck, which introduces more distortion than bass. Trust me, its able to play louder and clearer without it hooked up. Shifter is really notchy, and clutch is very long throw. Ride is also very harsh, and already im hearing rattles throughout the cabin. Seats are great and supportive.

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  EXCELLENT - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By ALFIE - September 24 - 2:00 am

  A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE DRIVING ON HIGHWAYS AND POWERFUL ENGINE.

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  Best ive owned - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Aston Man - September 24 - 2:00 am

  The Nissan Murano sets a new standard in comfort and driving experience for a mid sized SUV. More fun to drive than the Mercedes ML and BMW X5, this model compares to driving a sports sedan. The seats are the most comfortable ever and for a hot climate the non leather option is perfect. The engine note coupled with the CTV transmission offers power take off at all speeds. Finally, at around $30000 what a bargain.

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  GREAT - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Kat - September 24 - 2:00 am

  I loved it very much. It looked so gorgeous.. I really enjoyed driving around all the time and got people attention too.. The Murano was much better than Xterra because of gas saving..

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  it rocks! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By zigtaw - September 24 - 2:00 am

  after driving all of the crew cabs on the market, i chose the titan. finally, a japanese truck(actually, its from tennessee)that is big enough for the whole family. the motor is powerful, the transmission smooth and the interior is HUGE! plus, check out the way it looks. the ford is the only truck that comes close in styling, but the titan beats it hands down in performance and quality. ford, chevy and dodge-watch out!