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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  Amazing - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By IgS - November 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is great. if you need a car with a lot of room and a lot of speed and oomph, the maxima takes the cake for the money. i have a 6 speed and its o so fast. got a 0-60 in 5.97 seconds. and it has lots of room and comfort, you dont see many cars with those two things together.

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  Great SUV for the price - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By Bianchi - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Test drove the Highlander and the Pilot, if you use Viagra those would be great for you!!! The X loaded with all options still came out cheaper than those base models.

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  Excellent car - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By earlk - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Best new car I have ever owned in fifty years.

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  Best Kept Secret-Nissan Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By William-Maple Grv MN - November 22 - 2:00 am

  I dont know where the "power sapping" is coming from because the SL 4WD steps out real nicely and gets outstanding MPG for an auto of that size. Nissan scored with this one and I dont think there will be a lot for re-sale down the road.

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  Exquisite, Smooth, Powerful Ride - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By huntersky9 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive put over 10K miles on my new SL Murano, and without a doubt it performs flawlessly whether in the city, suburbs, or open interstate. It is nibble and responsive. The fields of vision are impressive for a SUV and it is a vehicle fun to drive. I have a new 911 Porsche Carrara and driving the Murano gives more delight than the Porsche. Go figure!

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  Murano Review - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By browder - November 22 - 2:00 am

  So far, there have not been any problems and the unique styling has been interesting reactions. We find the Murano to be very fast for a suv-wagon type car. Dont reall y agree with Consumer report that the vehicle is being robbed of power. It has got to be one the most fun to drive vehicles around. Use of the 2nd gear for passing makes a very fast pass. Holds the road great. Stiff ride smooths at 60+ mph.

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  What a Looker - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By seven Hills Guy - November 22 - 2:00 am

  Everyday people stop me on the street to talk about this car. Best car I ever bought. Its fun to drive as long as your going forward. Backwards cant see too much

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  350 z Roadster - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Andrew Lundstrom - November 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is a beauty to look at, and just a load of fun to drive. Color is Sunset Lemans, and, boy, does it turn heads.Gotta love it :-)

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  awesome - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By 350zlover - November 22 - 2:00 am

  perfect it is a great car i love it i think nissan makes very good quality cars

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  MAXIMA FAN - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By jchanl25 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS THE FOURTH MAXIMA I HAVED OWNED SINCE 2000 AND THE 04 IS BY FAR THE BEST EVER.THE SL IS SUCH A SMOOTH RIDE AND VERY ROOMY, YET POWER THAT RESPONDS LIKE A SPORTS CAR.FOR THE PRICE YOU CANT GO WRONG.