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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  Radio problems - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Frostop - July 21 - 2:00 am

  While I am pleased in general with my Murano, I have had a miserable time with the FM reception on the Bose stereo system. The problems are sporadic -- reception at times is excellent. However, when the signal goes, it goes with a blast of static that frightens everyone in the car, and then the signal is lost for the rest of the day. Im looking for a solution to this problem. Nissan hasnt been overly helpful. Also, the Murano sensors have required service, and the interior aluminum trim dents rather easily.

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  My 2003 Murano - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Janine F - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This automobile is my all time favorite! Ive had many autos ranging from cars, vans, and SUV of all makes and models. My two favorites are my 94 Nissan Maxima and now my 2003 Nissan Murano. Nissan seems to build the cars around me...for me...

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  Fun, powerful, agile AWD - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By W. Keith - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun, powerful, agile AWD vehicle. It has the power to get you where youre going in a hurry, as evidenced by my two speeding tickets, (the only in several years). But its so fun to drive that you wont want the drive to be over! Excellent ride, with sportscar-like handling, but AWD performance to get me back and forth to work in a snowy rural area. This is the perfect vehicle!

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  I like it - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Marko1464 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Going from a 1986 Camaro to a 2004 Sentra is a big jump. The car is very quiet and feels pretty solid, light years beyond the creaky, rattly camaro. Definitely needs more rear leg room. I also wish there was a choice of wheels with this model, they only come with the 2.5 models. Otherwise I like my car alot, and look forward to driving it for a long time.

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  Nissan Quest Minivan 2004 - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By sr douglas - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Ride is great. This was compared with the Sienna 2004. The van rides and corners extremely well. The centered control for the vehicle was of great interest to me. I like it. The six zcd changer is great. The rear well behind the 3rd row of seat is grest and spacious. The skyview is a great innovation.

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  2004 Quest Hits the Mark - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Captain Alaska - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Extremely nice ride and the technology included makes it a winner for the male ego. The navigation system is superb, with the ability to edit locations real handy for fine-tuning the general to the specific. I am truly glad I purchased this automobile.

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  A great car to own - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Viviana Morales - July 21 - 2:00 am

  After much research, the Quest won our over the Odyssey and Toyota. It feels like youre driving a car not a van. The interior is great and its like they thought of everything you could ever want/need. I also love that the minivan doesnt look like a minivan. It has great style!

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  try it youll like it - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By bobon2001 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  unique.......fun to drive ..feels like car..really an entry Infinity..best quality interior Nissan has ever made......solid....

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  Great Car!!! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Earls Girl - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I Love my Murano! Lovely to look at and great to drive. There is a lot of commentary regarding the CVT, but I like it. I get plenty of power for merging and passing, so I dont understand the nay sayers. The vehicle is wonderfully appointed and very luxurious. I have all the options except 4 wheel drive. (This city girl will never need it!) Perhaps if I were to change anything, I might put in a 3rd seat, but then it would be a minivan! I have plenty of room for groceries etc. No complaints from me! I just love this car!

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  Sports Car of SUVs - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By SReed - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a great suv and I really dont have anything bad to say about it. Its very sporty so it may not be for everyone, but its a heck of alot of fun to drive and its very roomy inside. Unlike what Edmunds says, the CVT transmission does not detract from any performance. I wonder if they really tested this model. I personally compared the performance to other Nissan cars with the 3.5 (Alitma & Maxima) and found that considering the weight difference it was about the same, but the CVT was alot smoother.