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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  former Explorer owner - 2003 Nissan Pathfinder
  By GOMizzou - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is a well made SUV (still make them in Japan for now) and I couldnt be happier with this car. The LE interior is very close to the Infiniti version of this car. I have the traction control option and tire pressure monitor as well.

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  my xterra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By balltongn2 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  This is my first suv it rides just like a truck with great ground clearence for those who like to hit the trails which I have the only thing that I dont really like is that takes a few to get speed on the take off but once it gets going it moves i would recommened it for anyone

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  More than an SUV - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By PeterW - October 16 - 10:00 am

  The Best Car or Truck I have ever owned

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  Thumbs Up for XTerra - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By A.D. - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I love it!! Stadium seating for back passengers, Great Idea! Roomy, First Aid Kit, Comfortable to drive. The only thingI had to get used to was the automatic window controls. I have the Rockford Fosgate system and it sounds Great esp for a stock system. My husband didnt even want to change it! THANK YOU NISSAN!! but what is the square thing on the back?

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  I LOVE IT - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By jaY - October 16 - 10:00 am

  THE CAR IS GREAT ALL AROUND JUST DO NOT BUY IT FROM MOORONE IN FLORIDA

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  A Cut Above All the Rest! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By eyzviolet - October 16 - 10:00 am

  EVERY SUV I looked at pretty much had the "tippy" syndrome. In inclimate weather, I dont want a car thats going feel tippy much less BE tippy. Just about all these SUVs looked the same, too. Now...the Murano....what an unbelievably sharp looking car!! Weve had it for a year, and it STILL turns heads!! As for room, my husband is 62" and can cross his legs in the back seat...and it fits in our garage beautifully!! Absolutely NO tippy!! Take a turn and it stays flat!! We love this car!!

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  Murano is Great - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By TCN - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I have been driving the Murano for a month and really enjoy the ride and handling. Both are just perfect for the size and performance of the vehicle and the road conditions in southeast Michigan. I no longer even realize the non-shift operation of the CVT transmission, but it makes for very quick and smooth acceleration. In all, this is a great vehicle.

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  NISSAN MURANO - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By BRIAN LEBLANC - October 16 - 10:00 am

  THE SUV IS AWESOME, THE ALARM WENT OFF FOR THE TIRE PRESSURE AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER RIGHT AWAY TO KNOW THERE WAS A SCREW IN MY TIRE. AS WITH OTHER CARS I WOULD HAVE NEVER KNOWN AND GOT A FLAT AND BEEN STUCK! BUT THEN AGAIN NISSAN ALWAYS BUILDS A GREAT CAR FOR YOUR MONEY.

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  2.5SL Altima Silver - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Dezbum - October 16 - 10:00 am

  I searched for months on what type of vehicle to buy, I went from a coupe, to SUV, to truck, and then I was online searching in the sedans category, I never realized they had redesigned the Altima. I bought it for the realibity, it has 20,000 miles on it. I bought it from a peronal owner with 11,000 miles on it. I love it!

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  2002 Altima Review - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By JabbaJ766 - October 16 - 10:00 am

  Great car overall. Since I bought the car about a year ago, I have had to replace the boot on my shifter, because it came apart, and I have had to get the black part of my window repaired twice. Wish the dealership was a little better. Have gone there along time, since they changed owners they have been going down hill. The car handles great, I wish they offered sunroofs in the 2.5S, that is all I wanted when I bought my car, but I could not afford to go up the next step.