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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  wow - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By master z - October 16 - 10:00 am

  this car is the best!!!!! and the salesman was the best.

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  Greates car - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By FIL - October 16 - 10:00 am

  GREATEST CAR EVER. It is the best mix of performance, luxury, comfort, and affordability. GREATEST

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  Best in its Class! - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By aliti19 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  First and foremost, the engine is an absolute gem! The clutch is smooth, making gear shifts a breeze. Order the limited slip differential with the six- speed because of excessive torque steer. The suspension is perfect for aggressive back road, or for calm highway driving. The interior is beautiful and user friendly. Although some have criticized the styling, it is truly gorgeous. The HID lights are wonderful. For someone looking for a wolf in sheeps clothing in the family sedan segment, look no farther.

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  Nice - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By April Summerall - October 16 - 10:00 am

  2nd one....drives like a car

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  my xterra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By balltongn2 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my first suv it rides just like a truck with great ground clearence for those who like to hit the trails which I have the only thing that I dont really like is that takes a few to get speed on the take off but once it gets going it moves i would recommened it for anyone

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  More than an SUV - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By PeterW - October 16 - 10:00 am

  The Best Car or Truck I have ever owned

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  Thumbs Up for XTerra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By A.D. - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love it!! Stadium seating for back passengers, Great Idea! Roomy, First Aid Kit, Comfortable to drive. The only thingI had to get used to was the automatic window controls. I have the Rockford Fosgate system and it sounds Great esp for a stock system. My husband didnt even want to change it! THANK YOU NISSAN!! but what is the square thing on the back?

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  I LOVE IT - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By jaY - October 16 - 10:00 am

  THE CAR IS GREAT ALL AROUND JUST DO NOT BUY IT FROM MOORONE IN FLORIDA

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  A Cut Above All the Rest! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By eyzviolet - October 16 - 10:00 am

  EVERY SUV I looked at pretty much had the "tippy" syndrome. In inclimate weather, I dont want a car thats going feel tippy much less BE tippy. Just about all these SUVs looked the same, too. Now...the Murano....what an unbelievably sharp looking car!! Weve had it for a year, and it STILL turns heads!! As for room, my husband is 62" and can cross his legs in the back seat...and it fits in our garage beautifully!! Absolutely NO tippy!! Take a turn and it stays flat!! We love this car!!

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  Murano is Great - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By TCN - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving the Murano for a month and really enjoy the ride and handling. Both are just perfect for the size and performance of the vehicle and the road conditions in southeast Michigan. I no longer even realize the non-shift operation of the CVT transmission, but it makes for very quick and smooth acceleration. In all, this is a great vehicle.