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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  AWSOME - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Mike Palance - October 16 - 10:00 am

  The new 350 Z is by far the best handling car I have ever driven,and Ive had a few sport cars It is fun to drive it gets a lot of looks from other people and is it ever fast.

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  My Z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Henry8 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  A little stiffer ride than 280 and 300 Z-cars Ive owned. Needs a handier power outlet for radar detector and cel phone. Hard to resist challenges of other drivers who seem to like to pass me. Wish it ran on regular gas.

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  The Gift - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Frank Clemente - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Great fun to drive! Its hard to remember NOT to drive too fast! It just wants to open up and go!

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  Our 350 Z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By ehaddix - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Traded our 300 ZX twin turbo after 11 years & 90,000 miles only to fall in love all over again with our new 350Z. Not quite as much power but still fun to drive & great engineering. Door panels on the interior are pretty bland but otherwise, no complaints.

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  RonZtoy - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Ronald Curtis - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Awesome to drive, attention getter no matter where you go, everybody loves the vehicle as you fly pass them!!!! Chick Magnet rating: 10!

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  Great car - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By ZId3 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This car i sgreat! its fun to drive and i cant tear myself away from it! If u want a reliable car and one that is fast and great to drive get this.

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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