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:

• 

  we love our murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By DOUG WILBUR - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Ride is smooth very quite and comfortable. Took driving vacation within 6 weeks of purchase through mountains of southern Oregon northern California then over the "grapevine" into LA without a hitch. Fuel economy nearly right on with epa estimates but since has improved to the point purchasing premium fuel is not a pain.

• 

  Cool Car - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Dr. Z - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Have owned the car for a couple of weeks. Its a great SUV. Bought it with all the bells and whisles, and love the features. Performance is super. Only 2 SUVs can blow this off the road, one is the Porsche SUV turbo other is the Infinity FX 45. Also, more powerful than many sports cars out there. And the 30-70 acceleration will leave some of these sports car guys scrathing their head. I wish I could see the expression on their face, but, they are always in the rear view mirror.If your looking for an SUV with performance at a great price, then, this is the one for you! And, rpm wise, crusing at 70 mph, with the rpms turning just above idle (1500rpm)) unbeleivable.

• 

  Looks aint everything...then again... - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Guy Mitchell - March 29 - 10:00 am

  at 4000 RPM the thing is a ROCKET. quick and RESPONSIVE. Interior steering wheel radio and cruise controls invisible at nite. Seats are TOO WIDE AND FLAT radio needs MP3 player. Info screen needs brightness control and display MPH? speedo is not clear lights should go OFF DRIVING AUTO to FULL ON and auto off. 3 outlets and they say use ONE AT A TIME! Love adjust seats and memory settings rear view mirror should be LINKED as are pedals. Middle console is cheaply designed Love the LOOKS it gets. car goes"BUDiBUM" whenever ruts and stuff. Horn should have THUMB control...must move hands to hit horn

• 

  Agreed. Sleeper! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By So far so good - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Nice to research this car and not find many reviews. Altima and Maxima are hogging all the attention. Fortunately, for small wallet buyers like myself, Sentra provides a viable alternative to the high-priced lines. Sensors are my concern, only suggestion to get warranty above the basic powertrain if keeping the car more than four or five years.

• 

  Quest SL 3.5 - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By stuw - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I had already decided on another van, but drove the Quest as a last minute thought. I was glad I did! I was worried about it being a 1st production year for the vehicle, but took a lot of comfort in knowing the drivetrain has been around for years. That engine is awesome! Good styling in and out, although a bit too much cheap looking plastic on the interior trim. Vehicle handles well with minimal body roll.

• 

  AMAZING Minivan - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By PRAaron - March 29 - 10:00 am

  This minivan amazes me each and every time I see and drive it. It almost drives like a sports sedan, its quiet, comfortable, has a great ride, great road feel and handling for a minivan - heck for ANY car! - Its GREAT looking and so NOT conventional! I get looks EVERYWHERE I go - people seem very impressed by a cool looking minivan. This minivan TRUMPS every other one out there, hands down in my opinion.

• 

  Luv My Sweet 350Z! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Rosita - March 29 - 10:00 am

  The experience I have had with my 350Z...is awesome! I love driving my Z...it handles the road really good. In comparison to my vette, I give thumbs up to the 350Z anyday.

• 

  I wouldnt own any other car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Steve Talmage - March 29 - 10:00 am

  After pestering my local dealer for months for a Daytona Blue version of this car, he finally found one. Im glad he did. Its absolutely stunning in the sunlight. In addition, Ive become addicted to driving it (I hate to actually park it--Id rather keep driving it around!). The shifter, clutch, brakes, and steering are tight, precise, and give me absolute control. The car never hesitates to respond to my every whim.

• 

  I Love The 350Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Cyndie - March 29 - 10:00 am

  I just love my Nissan 350Z! Its a real fun car to drive. It handles great and performs great!

• 

  Great Car... I love mine! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Joe Schmoe - March 29 - 10:00 am

  This car is great to drive. It handles very well, and has great pick up, not to mention the perfomrance specs put the Z in a league with cars like the Boxter, Boxter S, Carrera, Z3, Z4, and S2000. This car is not for the shy, because it is a real head turner. I havent gone a day yet without a second glance from other drivers.