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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  worth for the money - 1998 Nissan Sentra
  By chester - March 29 - 10:00 am

  very relaiable. never had any issues after doing just regular maintenance. since the car is light, the breaks might lock some times, if doesnt have ABS.

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  Best compact truck - 2003 Nissan Frontier
  By Bob Baker - March 29 - 10:00 am

  This is the best compact truck on the market for the money.

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  Former Mustang Owner - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Pete Smith - March 29 - 10:00 am

  The best thing about owning this car has nothing to do with its features. It is the admiration and respect people have shown towards me. I never thought a car could do all of that for me. I get compliments and thumbs up everywhere I go. My Mustang was an enjoyable ride, but I never got this much attention. I got mine in Silverstone w/ Orange leather seats. As far as mods, I will check out some 19" wheels and some minor engine tweaks.

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  Only an X-Terra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By DebbieQ - March 29 - 10:00 am

  My first X-Terra was the first vehicle I ever purchased based *nearly* solely on appearances. Of course, it was Nissan, and I only buy Nissan, so I assumed that it would run forever as well.

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  Nissan Murano 2003 - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Snapshot - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Great power, acceleration and ride - very fuel efficient on long trips - have owned the car for 3 months now, and have nothing to complain about. The CVT is smooth and gives low rpmss and noice. Navigation system is great, good screen quality, even in sunlight. Spacious design.

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  we love our murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By DOUG WILBUR - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Ride is smooth very quite and comfortable. Took driving vacation within 6 weeks of purchase through mountains of southern Oregon northern California then over the "grapevine" into LA without a hitch. Fuel economy nearly right on with epa estimates but since has improved to the point purchasing premium fuel is not a pain.

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  Cool Car - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Dr. Z - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Have owned the car for a couple of weeks. Its a great SUV. Bought it with all the bells and whisles, and love the features. Performance is super. Only 2 SUVs can blow this off the road, one is the Porsche SUV turbo other is the Infinity FX 45. Also, more powerful than many sports cars out there. And the 30-70 acceleration will leave some of these sports car guys scrathing their head. I wish I could see the expression on their face, but, they are always in the rear view mirror.If your looking for an SUV with performance at a great price, then, this is the one for you! And, rpm wise, crusing at 70 mph, with the rpms turning just above idle (1500rpm)) unbeleivable.

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  Agreed. Sleeper! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By So far so good - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Nice to research this car and not find many reviews. Altima and Maxima are hogging all the attention. Fortunately, for small wallet buyers like myself, Sentra provides a viable alternative to the high-priced lines. Sensors are my concern, only suggestion to get warranty above the basic powertrain if keeping the car more than four or five years.

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  AMAZING Minivan - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By PRAaron - March 29 - 10:00 am

  This minivan amazes me each and every time I see and drive it. It almost drives like a sports sedan, its quiet, comfortable, has a great ride, great road feel and handling for a minivan - heck for ANY car! - Its GREAT looking and so NOT conventional! I get looks EVERYWHERE I go - people seem very impressed by a cool looking minivan. This minivan TRUMPS every other one out there, hands down in my opinion.

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  Luv My Sweet 350Z! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Rosita - March 29 - 10:00 am

  The experience I have had with my 350Z...is awesome! I love driving my Z...it handles the road really good. In comparison to my vette, I give thumbs up to the 350Z anyday.