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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  Bargain - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By wacka - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Well after 3000 miles and first service, this car has not let me down (RF Package/Sunroof). It has good power, nice interior, great looks and a great feel on the road. The fact that I got this for easily under 18,000 feels like a steal. There is a pre-cat recall but it was taken care of with no problems. great car for the price.

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  First non-american car I bought - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By extonguy2 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I went on line got the invoice price & negotiated from there. It was a no hassle sale & the car rides like a dream. Great sound system, lots of room. Im 6 tall & someone can sit behind me without having their knees around their throats.

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  Urban Assault Vehicle - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By stonemaster - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I actually wanted an SUV more suited for the city, not off roading; one with unique styling, decent power, and unlike the rest of the SUV pack. The Murano fit the bill perfectly. An eye catcher, the Murano is also fun to drive with tons of storage and cargo space. I love it!

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  I ADORE MY MURANO! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By seahorse60 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Ive loved this vehicle since I saw its first commercial (using "Smoke on the Water" and the jukebox!) Its look had me right away, and I knew I had to see it. One month later, at the Chicago Auto Show, I saw it, sat in it, and knew it would be mine. 6 months later it is, and it is my favorite vehicle of any Ive had....looks, performance, handling....you name it....all #1!

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  EASY CHOICE - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By nami - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Murano was our first choice. It was a easy choice. We were looking for riding comfort and spacious interior. Maurano seats, when set at the highest level are the highest of my test rides in Montaineer, explorer, Pilot, and some mini vans. With the retractible pedals, the heated seats and the high seating my ride is so much better.Murano looks good, rides good, have great open feeling inside and also better gas mileage than other SUV type vehicles.

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  Really bummed... - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By HColeman - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This is my 3rd Nissan-but my first brand new car. What a nightmare! Love the Murano itself, but I got a lemon! My car has less than 4,000 mi and has been in shop 5 times in last 6 weeks. Entire wiring harness was replaced last week. Trying to get issue resolved with Nissan, but a lot of red tape. Really hoping to get the new car I paid so much for soon because I have not enjoyed this car.

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  get a honda - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By gir420 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  for the most part the i happy with my altima. i have had it in for repairs 4 time in a year and a half. transmition and stalling problems. the trunk now leaks, the cup holder doesnt close, and the rear window doesnt roll up by itself(i need to wiggle it as i raise it). i am selling it soon.

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  2004 Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By xjbuilder - October 9 - 10:00 am

  After test driving a Sienna and Odyssey, and looking at a poor Windstar, this is the minivan to buy, if this can be called a minivan. I have no idea yet on reliability, but the ergonomics are excellent, it is huge for six people and a lot of gear, it drives and rides excellently, and continues the trend of redefining the minivan. Really it is a long car with sliding doors. What a nice car. But there is nothing mini about it. Nay

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  Great Car for the Money - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Cocobeann - October 9 - 10:00 am

  I have had the Altima for less than a month and it has been a great car. I just drove it out of the city onto the highway this past weekend to get a good feel. It was great! I had great handling on the curves and excellent get up and go. The exterior is very stylish and I get many compliments on it.

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  A great car for the price - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Sean101 - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This is a grat car for the price. Nissan seems to have really done their homework. The car is very comfortable, Bose sound system is excellent, and theres just enough features to make you feel like you are driving a very expensive car. It has more room than the Camry and looks better as well. I would give it a 10 but nothing is perfect in this world!