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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  should be avoid nissan rogue2017 - 2017 Nissan Rogue
  By Tran - August 19 - 5:04 am

  Rogue was bad car , very noise on road , speed up very very slow ,when car speed up engine so loud , car very weak , all mode function does not help , MPG so bad not look like they said , please avoid this car .

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  Damn...Its Nice!!! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Nordel - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Like riding in a limosine with your head in the clouds. Over 3 month we test drove the large Ford, Chevy, GMC, Dodge & Toyota SUVs. They were nice but none of them grabbed both of us. Then my wife and I saw and test drove the Armada. There was just no comparison between the Armada and all of the others. We had to have one. The ride and overall comfort for this type of vehicle is exceptional. It can go anywhere I need and do just about anything all others can do with little or no effort at all. I cant stop showing it off and after a month I am still going into the garage to stare at it at night. You gotta get yourself one!

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  Suspension - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By phixsius - August 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car, run fast and have a great interior space.

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  04 sentra 1.8s - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By gls59 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  great value for price 2500 rebate, auto, air ,power doors/windows, cd player for 11K. 37MPH on highway, fill ups dont cost 45 bucks like the pickup does.

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  Quest second time around - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By QuestComplete - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I checked out Sienna 2004, Odyssey and MPV and decided that this van provided most value for my money. Lots of safety features, gadgets and most interior space among all the minivans I tested.

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  Gas mileage a farce - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By madecyn - August 19 - 2:00 am

  Gas mileage has been only 18 mpg even though it was advertised as 20/24. Driver seat moves back/forth when accelerating and decelerating. Alignment continues to be off; when fixed from pulling right, it starts pulling left, and the saga continues. Maintenance oil change mileage settings can not be turned back unless you have the dealer reset the computer. Has anyone gotten 20/24 mpg?

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  The verry best - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Jerry C. - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I have been waiting for a truck to have all of the awsome things that is offered by the titan

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  I couldnt be happier - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By hwwaaahhhhh - August 19 - 2:00 am

  This truck is all that and more. I cant believe i wasted all that time test driving the Fords and Dodges. Now, im comfortably looking at them in my rear view window.

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  Theres A New Sheriff InTown! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Black Label - August 19 - 2:00 am

  This Bad Boy is a Beast! Ihave been a GM lover for 25yrs+.But this time i gave every full size truck a chance! Nothing out there impressed me as much as this TITAN! To me it feels like a sports car/caddy with a big ass truck wrapped around them!! Dont go buy your old favorite without a least one test drive of the new KING of Full sizers!! Finest Truck ive ever driven bar none,Just touch that gas pedal and go from there.Though you may have trouble keeping the big GRIN off your face Good Luck!!!!!!!!

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  Fun to Drive - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Tbone 97 - August 19 - 2:00 am

  I own the 04 SE w/ the Elite Package. The car handles well, but the front tires break loose fairly easy. The car shifts hard from first thru second. Overall I am impressed. ,