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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  well put together car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By manoj - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd maxima. I have also a 93 and 96 maximas. I love the engine, interior, and exteriors of the car. Only thing I am little disappointed about is the suspension system. I feel that they could have improved upon it. Other than that, I love the car. I have so far about 8000 miles on it. For the money, this is a great car.

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  well put together car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Manoj - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd maxima. I have also a 93 and 96 maximas. I love the engine, interior, and exteriors of the car. Only thing I am little disappointed about is the suspension system. I feel that they could have improved upon it. Other than that, I love the car. I have so far about 8000 miles on it. For the money, this is a great car.

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  The Best thing on four Wheels - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By R.dot - December 20 - 2:00 am

  The Murano is simply the best vehicle I have test driven and I have driven quite a few, From the Highlander, Pilot, Trailblazer, Axiom, Etc.. Great sound system (Bose), great handling and design inside and out. All the other car companies need to watch out because Nissan is no longer on life support with the new Z and the Murano. Nissan will put A strangle hold on the Mid price market. I have yet to see another Murano around my town, but i dont think that will last long. Best Midsize SUV Hands down.

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  Some reviewers out to lunch - get real! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By marque - December 20 - 2:00 am

  My buddy and I were the first in our SW Ontario city to test drive one of these beauties. Hes driven both models several times each. Nothing in this category compares to this vehicle in looks, design, quality, handling, power, or price, and weve driven lots of small/mid-size SUVs. These people who say otherwise dont know their arse from a hole in the ground! They expect Japanese quality for domestic price - this aint no Ford Escape or breeder wagon. Test drive one - anyone smart enough to know a decent vehicle will love it. If you think this vehicle is overpriced, you cant afford one anyway. Check out the Infiniti FX35 or FX45 if youve got lots of money.

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  Silver Chariot Redux - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By gust334 - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Performance is better than expected from a V6 moving this much mass. It feels very responsive around town and also leaps forward when passing on the highway. Fuel economy is surprisingly good for an SUV, but it still drinks vs. sips. Front and rear seating have extraordinary leg room and excellent support, but side bolsters do not grip well in the corners that the chassis encourages so willingly. Excellent field of vision forward and to the sides, rear vision is worrisome. Body styling makes it difficult to judge where the corners of the vehicle are when parking. Controls come immediately to hand and are easy to distinguish and manipulate by touch.

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  This is THE Urban SUV! CVT rocks! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Nikolai@ConejoValley - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I selected Nissan Murano SL AWD after seriously considering other luxury/urban SUVs. I test-drove Mercedes MLs, Lexus RX300, Infinity QX4, Honda Pilot.. Nothing came close to this vehicle. And I got it for only invoice + $500, which was a nice deal. Navigation system is a dream, great Bose sound, fine leather.. It looks great, drives great, and its fun for both driver and passengers..

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  Bang for the Buck - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By JAG - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the best vehicle I have owned. Powerful engine, exotic looks, and comfortable interior. Overall the best car of 2003.

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  The 2003 Altima 3.5SE - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By maddysdaddy7 - December 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is my first new car and I love it. I have drove just about every car in its class and I am glad I chose the Altima. I am a Nissan fan and own 2 others, mind you they are older than this. I would recommend this car to anyone who need a four door sedan with lots and lots of room and tons of power to spare. This car also turns heads, at least as many as a BMW or Mercedes.

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  Love It! - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Linda - December 19 - 4:03 pm

  I just picked up my new 2005 Murano 3 days ago. After owning 2 Lexus RX 300s, I was hoping I wouldnt be disappointed. I had nothing to worry about! This one is a gem. Not only do I find the car pleasing to the eye, it has a luxurious feel inside and out. As compared to my Lexus, it has even more "toys" and so far I am getting slightly better gas mileage (19mpg...all city driving so far). Id highly encourage anyone shopping for this size SUV to test drive a Murano. Fot the price, I dont think you can beat it.

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  Its a keeper - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By CHRISTINA - December 19 - 12:03 pm

  At first i wanted the altima. This was lower priced, already installed system w/ woofer. Great on gas. Safe