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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  great car, some squeaks and creaks - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By guyincity - May 14 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car, I have no regrets but the persistant creaking coming from the pillars between the front and rear doors could be a sign of poor structural design or poor build quality. We will see. The center console is really confusing, I need to study the manual. Aside from that its an all around great car giving me good utility ,looks, speed and handling. I would be interested in hearing if anyone else has had this problem.

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  Love at first sight! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Juston - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Weve had our Murano for two weeks now and we love it. This is the only SUV that my wife and I could agree on. We looked at all of them. I find myself looking for reasons to go places just so that I can drive it. Its only flaw is the cabin pressure that is created when only the back widows are down while moving.

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  This car is ROCKS! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By RockinCar - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I have only had this car for about a week but it rocks! The guy who wrote the first review and slammed it should have his head examined. The car has TONS of power and the handling on the SE is incredible. The premium sound system is awesome. The styling of car is impressive. I get comments every day on how beautiful they think the car is. Keep up the great work Nissan!

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  Nissan Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By L-Lucy - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Not a bad car when you consider the excellent interior design. Very comfortable and powerful. Turning is pretty good and the suspensions keep the car glued to the road on high turns.

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  Best car I have owned - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Blackjet - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Great car, fast, fun to drive, handles well, I am 63 and have plenty of room in the drivers seat and could ride in the back seat comfortably. Compares favorably with the Acura TL but with more room. Many amenities, heated steering wheel, automatic folding mirrors, verital sun roof, nice display of car functions, friends envy it

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  08 Titan - 2008 Nissan Titan
  By AFBLU - May 14 - 9:20 am

  I just upgraded from a 06 Titan SE. I was impressed enough with the SE to look at the 08s. The 08 LE CC is almost to pretty for a truck, but it is a truck and will be used as one like its predecessor. Its ride is improved and is quieter. The brakes, like the engine, are smooth and strong. The utili-track bed system should be in every truck on the road. I drove Ford, Toyota and Chevy and found this truck not only to be the best for the money, but the best truck overall.

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  Power and Style in an Underrated Package - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By ATLCNP - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive put 6000 miles on my 03 GLE (traded in my 99 GLE) and have been nearly 100% satisfied. The 355 hp V6 is smooth and powerful. The features and available options (mine has Meridian package but not the nav) cant be beat for the price: I got mine for the low 25s. After test driving the 3.2TL (nice, but more expensive and pricier insurance), Saab 9-3 (did not feel as roomy and somewhat slower), and Audi A4, (not worth the xtra $$) Im thrilled with the value and amenities of the Maxima.

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  The Z of SUVs - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By jes7 - May 14 - 2:00 am

  The Murano handles, accelerates, and brakes like (or better than) a mid-size sedan. Acceleration is outstanding, and interior cabin noise is amazingly low. Style is great- if you dont want a box on wheels, take a look at the Murano.

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  RUN AWAY............FAST! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By joe-joe tucker - May 13 - 10:40 pm

  Nissan has lost its reliability and will not stand beside the customer. 5 years of listening to a sqeeling serpentine belt, tough to re-start after the car has been drivin... Tough to start when the car is cold and now my headgasket is blown with 59,000 miles on it. Now im finding out that there are Major problems with headgasket failure and Nissan is ignoring it. Ive owned 3 nissans over the years and anything over a 2002 is gonna break your pocketbook. Sorry Nissan but it reminds me of a washed up prize fighter who once stood tall and then took a great fall.

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  nice car,but - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By jack norman - May 13 - 8:46 pm

  rides good, does not turn as tight as i would like, has a lot of get up and go, need to work on gas mileage