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:

• 

  03 Murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By mullooly - November 4 - 2:00 am

  After pricing and driving the BMW,Benz, Volvo,Lexus,Acura and Infiniti, I found the Murano almost as comfortable as any of the aforementioned and faster than all but the Infiniti FX35 (just as fast though) and smoother than all. For about 10K less ...what a deal. Own a Suburban also and the Murano is sooooooo much more fun to drive!

• 

  2003 Murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By P Varner - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car! Fun to drive and great power. I have a family of four and it is perfect. I have all the options of a higher priced car for less!

• 

  This is one fun SUV - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Sescokid - November 4 - 2:00 am

  For the first few months I kept wondering if I had something on my face the way other people would stare at my Murano. Once you get past the great exterior the heated seats will melt you into a large puddle of contentment.

• 

  still not sure - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By firstmini - November 4 - 2:00 am

  We wanted the Sienna but it wasnt available (order only) and the Toyota dealers would not deal at all. Weve have the van for 3 weeks now and both love it and hate it - not what I expected from an almost $30000 purchase. The ride is great and the handling is fabulous. The gas milage is only around 17mpg (still in "break-in" period), the blower setting defaults to air conditioning (in PA in Nov??), the radio/cd work intermittantly and the power door works intermittanly - the dealer says there is no problem

• 

  Murano counterpoint - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By muranodriver - November 4 - 2:00 am

  First off, about the sluggish, power- sapping CVT.It isnt.This SUV is very lively.Put your foot down and the RPMs go to peak power,and stay there as the CVT constantly adjusts ratio to maximize acceleration. Motor Trend says "The Murano consistently took 0-60 mph and 1/4 mi acceleration honors." Believe it. There is more road noise than I would like, but otherwise driving dynamics are great.Interior space is fantastic, materials are pleasant to look at and touch.The large dash expanse (a result of the windshield rake) screams mini-van!,but otherwise the cockpit is great.I have the base model, and it includes everything I want.

• 

  Nissan Xterra buyer for life - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By basta - November 4 - 2:00 am

  Nissan Xterra is the best vehicle I have ever owned, I have driven over 30,000 mile in 6mo without any types of problems. I am a nissan buyer for life.

• 

  RUGGED ROCK RIDER - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By c2cfree - November 4 - 2:00 am

  This outstanding non generic SUV was completely customized for me, in Japan, Rate at 9.9.

• 

  Z HOT E - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By ELIZABETH SALAZAR - November 4 - 2:00 am

  IT IS A GREAT VEHICLE, PERFORMANCE AND SPEED IS EXCELLENT, OUT OF THE DEALER. FOR THOSE THAT LIKE OPTIONS, THEY ARE AVAILABLE. THE BEST PART IS THE PRICE, YOU GET AN AWESOME CAR FOR A REASONABLE PRICE.

• 

  my car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Amanda Ardese - November 4 - 2:00 am

  It is a fun good car with alot of good qualities.

• 

  2004 nissan maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By emt168 - November 4 - 2:00 am

  The nissan product is the best, Ive owned nissans for16 years and my new maxima is the best for the money. Dealing with Peruzzi was a great expierience