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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  murano in florida - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By debbie rae - July 21 - 2:00 am

  this vehicle is great for city traffic, quick to respond and easy to negotiate congested areas. i am well pleased with my murano and this was my first import car purchase ever.

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  Nissan Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Cookie 7 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun car to own and drive. Never had anything quite like it! Good power, nice interior, roomy for both front and rear occupants.

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  I Love it - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By yihariha - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I test drove many SUVs and nothing compared to the Murano. I see that they rank down the 1 speed transmission. However, even though it takes some getting used to because your waiting for it to shift, it gets up and moves. Especially, on the freeway. Ive owned many cars in my life, but never a car like this. I LOVE MY MURANO :)

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  Great SUV for the $$$$. - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By FloGarb - July 21 - 2:00 am

  It handles really well. Comfortable ride. Does not ride like a truck as my previous SUV.

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  MzMurano says....Mezmerizing to Drive - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By MzMurano - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Choices: FWD or AWD, SE or SL, Color? Leather/Audio package? Sunroof? In the end, I got the base FWD SL in the glittery Pearl White with the wheels chromed for a little more pizazz. It is an awesome ride & handles nicely. The CVT transmission takes a little getting used to at a slower speed, but the "sport/second" feature makes up for any lagging at slower speeds. It is a head turner as well. Built on the Maxima platform with that award winning 3.5L V6 engine, with the chrome flash of the assertive front grill and door handles, plus my added chrome wheels, you might actually notice me driving around Orange County sometime.

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  We love our Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By TxDet - July 21 - 2:00 am

  We bought the base model, but would like to have been able to afford some of the bells and whistles in the SE package. The engine and its performance is a good trade off for 18.6 mpg in (in city) fuel economy. All in all, we are very satisfied with our Murano. With the Nissan dependability this car is sure to have a good trade in value when we decide to buy our next Nissan.

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  Comfort and Fun - Not the fastest - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By PeteGus - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful design, good fuel economy. Lacks poewr on the low end but never loses it in the mountains even fully loaded and hauling! Head turning design, and was the 1st crossover to actually hit the market. If it had moew power, nothing else would touch it for the price.

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  Murano sets pace for all crossovers - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By razmataz - July 21 - 2:00 am

  My 2003 Murano sets the pace for all crossovers to follow as far as style,roominess,power and smoothness.For all those who complain of the harshness of the SE modelsride, I guess they have never ridden in a BMW before. The SE trim nets you a more agressive/sporty suspension. If you hate barracuda-stay out of the ocean!As far as the smooth as silk transmission-it not only does not sap the powerful engine but helps to turn in better performance times than all in its class and most in the next class above.Also it out brakes all in its class as well. Can you tell I love my Murano!

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  Overlooked Crossover - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Linny55 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  The Nissan Murano is the best mid-range crossover on the market. It is much too often overlooked. Unlike the Edmunds reviewer, we find it has plenty of power and the transmission is great. In recent snowstorms it performed better than we could have hoped for. On a long trip this summer, we were extremely comfortable and very happy with the gas mileage despite running the a/c constantly. We love the roomy seats you just dont get when there are 3 rows of seating. This is perfect size vehicle for empty nesters. The Bose sound system is awesome and the ride is smooth and quiet. For this price range, this beats all others we test drove.

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  Affordable style, handling, performance. - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Todd T - July 21 - 2:00 am

  If you are considering a convertible, I urge you to at least try a Nissan 350Z Roadster. After every intention of purchasing a Honda S2000, Im very glad I test drove the two back to back. Now I wave to the Honda dealership as I go by; should the top be down in my 350Z.