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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  please consider before purchasing - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By LOOKING OUT - April 16 - 10:00 am

  TO ANYONE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING THE MAXIMA PLEASE BE AWARE THAT IT IS PRODUCED WITH ZENON HEADLIGHTS THAT HAVE BECOME EXTREMLY POPULAR TO THEIVES. I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR SIX MONTHS AND THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE BEEN STOLEN "6" TIMES, THEY COST $750.00 PER HEADLIGHT AND $350.00 FOR THE LABOR TO BE REINSTALLED. DUE THE MATH YOU CAN BE DRIVING A MERCEDES

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  2003 Sentra S-ER - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By jay-c - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I really like this car. Other than the less than perfect transmission shift quality and bumpy ride mentioned below, there has not been much to complain about. Interior trim details, such as the HVAC controls seem a little cheap, but they work fine. Plus this car will smoke Civics at a stoplight.

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  Your info is wrong! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Dar - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Your info listed for this car is wron! There are many more options than you list. You have not available listed for many things that are available! I have auto locks/windows/ mirrors, front interior map lights,vanity mirrors on both sides, abs brakes, split seats in the rear that fold down w/ acces to the trunk, alarm system that shuts the engine down if someone tries to steal it, cd player and other things. So, please list that these things are available. Thanks!

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  Awesome Off Road - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By bigutpile - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I have not gotten stranded anywhere Ive gone off road. The clearance is 10.3 inches (tallest in its class). Xterras have an excellent approach angle. The fuel mileage is not bad (18.5)for the weight:engine size ratio. Get the SE/SC model if you can cough up the cash. Plenty of leg room for all 5 (five) passengers and room for lots of gear (for 2-3 people). Roof rack is sturdy with lots of optional attatment available from YAKIMA.com Audio equipment is awesome. A/C and heater work great. There is lots of room in the fender wells for big meats and turning radius is tight. Test drive one and see for your self, not just on the pavement either.

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  Wonderful in ice ans snow. - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By maccam - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful design. Love the CVT. It handles on ice as if it were sandpaper- -true grip! I still get stopped after 10 months by admrers who want a "tour".

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  WOW, Its the Best - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Nan - April 16 - 10:00 am

  This car/SUV is beautiful, comfortable to the very MAX, rides high like an SUV, gets mileage like a compact car, (Im getting 28 MPG) Bose speakers are just over the top. I highly recommend it to everyone. It makes me feel like a million bucks. Get lots of looks and inquiries.

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  This Car is well worth it. - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By metropolis32221 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  The car is very good in 99% of all the areas. I had never even considered a Nissan because of past ones that I have seen or ridden in. I was looking for a Sport Compact and decided to stop into my local Nissan dealership just out of curiousity. I looked at the Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V and immediately started to like what I saw. I then proceeded to take it on a test drive, and I was completely sold. It is extremely fun to drive and has alot of potential for sport compact enthusiasts and aftermarket products.

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  Excellent Car - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By PoliceHummer - April 16 - 10:00 am

  If you like a car that hugs the road and a car that turns with no problem and is a lighter wieght car then the Nissan Sentra SE-R is a excellent car and you dont have to go by my word but go to your local Nissan Dealership and ask them if you can test drive the Nissan Sentra SE-R. If you want to E- Mail please send it to PoliceHummer@aol.com.

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  Best value - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Wyrmfang - April 16 - 10:00 am

  This car has very good engine performance, although the mileage is not spectacular. The tilt steering is a joke; I am 62", and I have to push the seat all the way back to drive; not much legroom up front. Seats are comfortable, the sound system is good; the steering could use improvement at highway speeds (seems like an effort to steer straight; could be the Bridgstone tires). Excellent standard equipment for the price (ABS, 4 wheel disc brake, front and side airbags). Great all around car.

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  Great - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By CLIO - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I went from 1988 Nissan 5-speed down to earth car to 2004 automatic heaven. The Sentra has grown up. I wanted a car that was a little bigger than the one I had but was as great as the old one. Looks like Nissan knew exactly what I wanted. I cant beleive this is a Sentra. I hated giving up my old car, but I am very pleased with my choice. I love my 10 day old car.