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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  Maxima 1995 - 1995 Nissan Maxima
  By gocubbies - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Great Car. No problems. Just general maintenance. 1995 With 90,000 miles and still rides great.

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  Always Nissan - 2001 Nissan Pathfinder
  By niasmom2 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive never bought a car unless it was American. I ;ove my pathfinder. Its sporty, handles good, and I bought it at a good price. But most of all it holds its value...thats important for trades.

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  go - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By jbru - June 20 - 2:00 am

  geat car - nice design inside & out - very safe, good price, FAST..WILL LAST 4EVER

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  My 2004 Nissan Altima - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By PASS - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I have always liked the Nissan aotomobile. Unfortunately, I married a Ford man who would not even consider a FOREIGN made car! Now that we are separated pending divorce, Im back with the old tried and true-a 2004 Nissan Altima which I am thoroughly enjoying. This is my first Altima. I previously owned a Maxima and a Sentra GXE both of which were wonderful cars.

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  8 months of fun and no problems yet - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By mjmarcinkus - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this vehicle for 8 months now (~7200 miles) and have experienced no problems. Fun to drive, the back seats are very roomy and the passengers love the recline option. Sound system is top notch (Bose), although the reception could be better (94 Taurus got better reception in the same areas) - probably a result of the stubby antenna. Nice acceleration, smooth ride. With half city/half highway, I have been averaging 18.6 mpg. I have the FWD (not AWD) and didnt notice any major difficulties navigating through the snowy Chicago streets the past winter. I hope this review helps anyone thinking of buying a Murano.

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  Love IT - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By MistyRM - June 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is what I have wanted since I saw it. We purchased it in October and I am always excited to be in it. The family is comfortable and the kids cant live without the DVD player!

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  Nissan: 2004 Quest Great / ? Tow Package - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By thumper300zx - June 20 - 2:00 am

  We love our 2004 Quest. Great Power, Comfort, Size. We compared the 3 Japanese models and chose the Quest for price/options, enthusiast appeal, and originality. We had the door rattle thing, but our local dealer did something right to take care of it. Other than that, our only problem has been with the "tow package" and an alignment issue weve had since purchase.

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  Nissans Lemon - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By ericka - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Beware, I have has many bad experiences with my brand new Nissan Quest. Nissan keeps giving me the run around. My car has been in for repair 4 times since I purchased it. While at the Nissan repait shop, I encountered another unhappy new car pruchaser from Nissan. He had also had his brand new Maxima in the repair shop 4 times and Nissan does not have a clue as to what the problem is. I myself have has a radio replaced, which still is not working and also a fuel pump. This is a brand new vehicle!!!

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  2004 Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By sams21 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I love It! NOt too big, not too small. The Hatch/truck space is huge. So fun to drive, I gave up my Lexus!!!

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  What is that your driving - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By TAYSDAD - June 20 - 2:00 am

  We chose the Murano for its styling and sports car like ride. When we compared with the Rx330 we could not see spending $4ooo more for tye lexus name. Boy do we get compliments on our Muranos looks.