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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  Its Okay - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Snowbird - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I love my car!! But the turn radius is not the greatest. It handles good except when tight turns are necessary

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  This is a car built for 2 - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Sherrie Malmberg - September 26 - 10:00 am

  There are a few things about this car that I dont like. The back seat is built for midgets, there is absolutely no leg room for the passengers in the rear. also, my Sentra is sometimes a little sluggish when you take off or are climbing a hill. I like the cup holders in the back, but the ones in the front are too close to the stereo, so only the small to medium drinks will fit in them.

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  Nissan Altima - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By JojoN - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I love the cars looks, especially the rear view. We had aftermarket leather seats installed, but am happy with the other interior. I traded a Buick Century for this and am most disappointed in the Altimas ride. I even lowered the tire pressure to try to help. Also, my Century V6 use to get about 32mpg on the road and Altima 4cyl only gets about 28mpg.

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  it mine and i like it - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By antonio - September 26 - 10:00 am

  this vehicle is much better than the xttera and handles better and a very noticible improved fuel friendly system than the xttera and its mine and i like it.

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  Nissan Murano FWD - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By thommmasss - September 26 - 10:00 am

  We were prepared to buy a small sedan but my wife likes the visibility from this higher than normal vehicle. Its a quick and capable performer.

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  Very Nice - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Bed1976 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This car is a wonderful car. Compaired to all the other cars in its class, the Murano has all the added features to a car in its standard model that one could get if they were to upgrade another car, S.U.V. or truck. The standard features on this car is more than enough for me. However if you would like to really be spoiled than you could spend the extra money and really live it up. The handling of this car is just as great. As well as the pick up this vehicle delivers. All in all, the Murano is a very nice car and I have no regrets about buying one.

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  I love this car! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Beth M - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Best car I ever owned! Love it!

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  Overall a Keeper - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By KMMN - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I love driving my Quest. I am very tall and having the displays in the center of the console prevents the steering wheel from obstructing my view. Automatic side rear and back doors are wonderful with two small kids. So are the fold down seats and ability to pull second row seats forward to access third row, even if second row seats have child seats installed.

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  One fault - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By manchu - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I really enjoy driving this car. If Nissan would only make it a rear wheel drive design, I would be in heaven. Love the 3.5 V-6 and its power. Handles nicely and gets looks every where I go. Nice job!

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  Altama,s + and - - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Ralph Celia - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Had my 2003 Altama for a few months now, but yesterday was a different situation for me. Iwas driving in the right lane and about 5 cars to my left were next to me coming on pretty strong. The lane merged into one lane to the left. Well.For the first time i had the car i hit the accelerator all the way.WOW!!!!! I saw the pack of cars in my rear mirror, quite a car. FORany person buying a altima get the 6 not the 4. Also before you buy it have the dealership take those Brigestones off and replace them with Goodyear r/s GTs. the Brigestones are garbage.Also very comfortable car, stiff suspension but its a hell of a road car.