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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  a bad experience with a new murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By bad deal - June 22 - 10:00 am

  day one when i picked up my vehicle, there were spots and scratches on the hood. the vehicle has been in the shop 4 time as of today 10-13-03 and is schedule to go back in the shop any day now for the same problem, spots on hood, brakes, gas pedal, review mirror, whistling osund around passenger side window, missing black cover on front bumper and dent on door from previous visit to shop.

• 

  7 months in - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By cubfool7 - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Supremely comfortable,one of very few vehicles where I can fully extend my very long legs. Very spacious. Leather seats offer great comfort. Amber gauges recall the magical glow of antique radio dials, while still high tech and futuristic. Engine is incredibly strong and smooth. Shiftless transmission is a pleasure. Mileage is great while commuting, but disappointing on long trips....like overdrive gearing was forgotten. Concerns...I hit a bump last week, and the alternator went out. Overall, the package rates as best vehicle I ever owned. Highlander rides better, but otherwise cant compare. Braking, handling and engine have to be tops in class.

• 

  More than expected - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Cruiser - June 22 - 10:00 am

  After driving my Murano through the mountains of Colorado during the summer, I was anxious to see how comfortable it would be on a long road trip. Driving through the mountains was fun as it held the curves with very little or no sway at high speeds. I took a 2600 mile round trip through Texas and was suprised at the comfort for all passengers and also at the good gas mileage.

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  My 2003 Altima - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Anthony1975 - June 22 - 10:00 am

  This car is a hot ride. Even though I have the 4 cyl., it handles great-- nimble and sporty and has enough pep without having to sacrifice premium fuel (as the v6 requires). I really love the car but I just bought it in June, have 3,500 mi. on it and have already had to bring it to the dealership for a recall and a new radiator. There was a small leak in the seal of the radiator. Its kind of early to tell how reliable this car will be, but overall I would buy it all over again. It seems solid and has great precision!

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  Sorry, not a believer - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By RNMorton - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Kick-ass acceleration and solid handling with some wonky oversteer at the limits. But I think the bad news outweighs the good. A chintzy interior - in a $20,000 car I had to tape padding to the hard plastique armrests. Generally cheap feel. And just terrible gas mileage for a four in a light sedan. At 17 or 18 mpg around town I for one would trade some zip for more mileage. With the small gas tank and a nervous computer the car can be begging for gas in less than 200 miles, way too often for me.

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  Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Ultimate Quest - June 22 - 10:00 am

  So far so good. We have only had the vehicle a week. So far it has been wonderful. No problems, to speak of and the feedback from interested parties is unbelievable. We highly recommend it and the dealer we purchased it from.

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  Our new Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By OnQuest - June 22 - 10:00 am

  After checking out the new Sienna and its premium price, we decided to check out the new Quest (didnt even consider Odyssey). We liked the test drive and decided to buy it. At first, we were concerned about build quality as it is being built in a brand new plant in Canton,MS. But decided to the risk. We had the interior lights fuse blow out as the other reviewer mentioned. But, the dealers mechanic quickly traced the culprit as a interior light trim meltdown. We havent had a problem from them on. As we drive by, we turn lot of heads. We have people curiously looking at the central instrument control. Driving the new Quest is a pleasure.

• 

  I love it - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By zone01 - June 22 - 10:00 am

  It is the most fun I have had driving... it is fast handles well and is amazing for the money

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  Smooth-Riding, Head-Turner - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By M of Sacramento - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the 2002 Accords and Camrys before buying the Altima. The interiors of both competitors looked like more money went into their construction but the Altima rode smoother over the bumps and accelerated quicker than the others. The eye-catching exterior styling still turns heads, the acceleration still impresses and my only regret is that I couldnt afford the V6 at the time of purchase.

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  05 Maxima SE - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Ron Hartley - June 22 - 4:33 am

  This has been a great car, its the third Maxima weve owned. Wish it had Nav. It hasnt been back to dealer for anything but scheduled service. The tires on the SE are not great in snow even with traction control. Took it to Mo., and it got 31.7 mpg on premium. Do not appreciate the torque steer or the soft paint, otherwise love the vehicle.