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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  2003 350Z Base Model Brickyard Red - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Robert Dadd - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This car is a real fun car to drive on long trips. I have achieved on one tank of gas an average mileage of 31mpg (565 miles on one tank of gas). In addition the oil changes are very simple to perform on this car. The car is so much fun to drive and has plenty of power.

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  You cant get this car for the prices quo - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By tweety - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Love, love, love the car, except for a few minor things. They put a cheap sleazy plastic gas cover on this car! The back window is limited to see out of.........like when cops are coming up on you. It has no inside button to open back hatch, the cup holders are a joke........other wise it is great. I have the leather seats, wish the sides of doors looked better than whatever material they used.

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  the best vehicle around - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By huonglinh - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I just brought my murano in May of 2003. I love it!!! Everything about the Murano is awesome. If you are thinking about buying a vehicle and you can afford the Murano, dont hesitate. You will love it as much as I do and everyone else who has the Murano.

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  I love it - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By FredNation - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I read all the reviews here before I bought it. A great resource. I truly love the Murano. It is fun to drive. I love the style, I get more compliments and head turning as I go by. It handles great, could be a bit smoother but this is the SE and it still is a SUV. Great power and for the money I cant think of a better vehicle. It looks and feels like a luxury SUV for $5-$10K less than the usual suspects. Curious? I paid invoice and got them to waive the marketing adjustment. Sales Rep sold one the week before to a couple who "had done their homework" for $2k more. Edmunds TMV was also $2K more than I paid. Sticker $35,384 - paid $31,800. Any fedback?

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  bad boy - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By sentraman - December 1 - 10:00 am

  nissans are a quality brand of car. yhis is my 3rd car of this make. i would highly recommend this brand of car to nayone i know in the markrt to buy a car.my hats off to nissan.

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  Mini Van,NO WAY! Quest changed my mind - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Tag - December 1 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I wrestled with & agonized over the idea of buying a mini van for our growing family. Then we saw the new Quest. There is no mistaking this for anything other than a mini van, however,this is a nice looking and unique mini van. The performance is spirited and fun. The ride is quiet and comfortable. The centered speedometer and display took a little bit of getting used to, but now I really like it. The room and versitility of the interior is great. If you want the versitility of a mini van, but dont the stigma typically attatched to owning one, the new Quest lessens the blow and is fun to drive.

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  Awesome Minivan :) - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By AngelR - December 1 - 10:00 am

  I love just about everything about this van. At first, I had planned to get a Toyota Sienna - until Fowler Toyota in Norman told me it wasnt in their interest to do business with me (I had negotiated to get $2000 of MSRP). When I found out they ordered the wrong color, I changed to the Nissan - and was wonderfully happy I did! Hudiburg Nissan treated me well :) The kids love the dual DVD screens, and everything about the van is a gadet- girls dream :)

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  Itz More then a Car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Tripp - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Great car, Noce design.. its aget a 10/10 in my book

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  best buy - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By donald jones - December 1 - 10:00 am

  nothing touches it for the money invested

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  Great! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By LuisPimp - December 1 - 10:00 am

  its a great car!