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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  I love my Maxima - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Terri Miley - May 22 - 6:06 am

  I have only had my Maxima 1 week, but I have never enjoyed driving a car as muchas this one. I absolutely love this car. I dont think I have ever owned a vehicle I could have been prouder of and I get so many complments from my co-workers. I hope it performs for many years to come.

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  New Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By BDB - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Former Tahoe owner -- 200,000 miles on a 1997. Test drove Yukon/Tahoe, Suburban, Lincoln Navigator. Although I thought I wanted a GMC -- I fell in love with performance, safety and new look of Armada. 1,000 miles in first 5 days -- Las Vegas -- Phoenix and back. Have nothing but praise for the handling and engine performance.

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  BEATS THE DOORS OFF THE SUBURBAN - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By SCOTT F - May 22 - 2:00 am

  WHAT A GREAT VEHICLE I LOVE IT! IT HAS GUTS AND DRIVES DOWN THE ROAD LIKE A DREAM. I CAN TOW MY BOAT AND IT STILL HAS POWER TO MAKE IT UP THE HILLS. GREAT JOB NISSAN YOU GOT ME. GAS MILEAGE IS NOTHING TO WRITE HOME ABOUT BUT I DIDNT BUY IT FOR ECONOMY REASONS. BEFORE YOU BUY YOU SHOULD AT LEAST DRIVE ONE.

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  Car Review - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By semsem01 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Great car to own, Dont like the dealership.

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  Massachusetts Driver - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Mass Driver - May 22 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for 5500 miles. It is smooth, powerful, handles well and is a ball to drive. The entire family really likes the interior room and Bose stero system. I think it is a terrific value

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  murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By bill cooley - May 22 - 2:00 am

  so far i have liked my murano very much. the comments are all very true but it still remains alot of fun to drive eventhough it is a little firm due to the fact that i have a se model.

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  My new adventure.... - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By RRL4664 - May 22 - 2:00 am

  For the most part I have enjoyed my Murano, I have had the vehicle since 11/2002.

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  nissan murano sl-awd - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By bruce seward - May 22 - 2:00 am

  this is a fun vehicle to own and drive.... the 3.5 litre v-6 is smooth and powerful .... the cvt transmission is seamless and efficient.... averaging 20 mpg for a mix of driving.... the murano is tight handler on the twisties as well as a smooth boulevard cruiser.... the interior fit and finish is excellent, as is the bose soundsystem ... legroom and headroom both front and rear are generous....this vehicle almost always attracts positive and admiring comments during gas station fill-ups...there were no flaws in the paint or interior when delivered, and the dealership did a top quality job of selling and delivering the vehicle... a great buying experience

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  my murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By murano driver - May 22 - 2:00 am

  i just bought the new 2004 murano and am extremely pleased with the comfort, attention to detail, and technology available with the car. it seems that they thought of just about everything when making this automoblile. i am truly enjoying driving it!!

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  xterras are cool - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By camshaft - May 22 - 2:00 am

  really good interior room in drivers compartment and rear stow area.very comfortable and fun to drive. all gauges and controls are easy to see and operate....rides great and not choppy..handles good in corners without a lot of vehicle roll