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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  A+++++ - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Skiier3 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Nissan went out on a limb redesigning their altima, but honestly what did they have to loose, the old altima was nothing short of average. This new altima is an entirely new car, and let me tell you, you cant get more bang for your buck. Compared to a new accord and new camry this car out does them in looks, style, comfort, options, and price. Highly Recommended!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Cant be beat - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Waddy - April 6 - 2:00 am

  You show me another car out there that I can but for $25k that combines, performance, space, reliability, and looks and Ill buy it. As far as I am concerned every other car comes up a little bit short in in one of those areas, or has a higher price tag in order to match the Altima in those areas. The Altima cant be beat, literally and figuratively, just ask the Bimmers, Audis, Acuras, Mustang GTs that I leave choking in my dust on daily basis.

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  Love my Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Steve A. - April 6 - 2:00 am

  The first snow of this Winter got me to trade in my VW Jetta, which was awful in any precipitation. I test drove traditional SUVs and crossovers, liked the Murano style and comfort best, and it was not outrageously priced. Now I drive in any weather with confidence for the first time in years. And a nice thing for an SUV, my Murano has a very high Wow! factor from passengers and passersby.

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  Tight Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Dawg - April 6 - 2:00 am

  This truck is well built, fun to drive and handles like a sports car. The engine is powerful and smooth. I love the 5 speed automatic tranny w/overdrive. Nissan hit a home run with this truck and I can only see it getting better as they continue develop this product. This is truly the beginning of the Asian invasion and I love it!

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  le crew - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By spaadavecchia - April 6 - 2:00 am

  this vehicle does great and it handles delivers, solid look and ride. can keep all tires pined to the road at full trottel. rear gate is heavy not cheap alot of room in cab.like the idear of swing back tool box to rear gate.alot of safty

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  Look Out Ford-150, here comes the Titans - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By BenF802961 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I went into dealer ship expecting to buy a Ford -150. One look at the Nissan Titan I quickly forgot about the F-150 and drove home with a Titan. One hell of a smooth ride and a beautiful spacious truck. You dont know how many compliments I have received from perfect strangers admiring the vehicle.

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  Excellent Christmas Present - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By PHDguy - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I bought my wife a Nissan Titan for Christmas 2003.... Awesome vehicle..the affordability and comfort are head and shoulders above my F150. Also the practical use of the truck bed is unmatched!

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  Awesome Ride - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Ryan73 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I was a bit suprised with a foreign truck... Its sure bound to knock the sox off of some people.

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  Best Truck out there!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By James242424 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Ford f-150 lowest safety rating. Check out this titan. It is the best vehicle i have ever driven. The sellsman at lake manawa nissan are superb.

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  LOVE IT!!! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By diana23496 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love my Z roadster. The handling is fantastic and the get up and go is amazing. There is never a time I go anywhere that heads dont turn and people ask "what are you driving? Man, that is nice!!"