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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  Raising the Bar - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Mr.E - May 15 - 10:00 am

  Three days/three hundred fifty miles and its exceeded expectations thus far. I purchased the leather even though the reviews were not favorable. I find the seats both supportive and comfortable. I did find a small screw pushing out from the side of the seat when I purchased. This was a little unnerving but I tested the seat thoroughly and have not had a problem. Gas mileage is what I expected. The steering wheel mounted controls/wireless headsets for the stereo and DVD have made driving more pleasant. Both family and friends have been impressed with the amount of room in the 2nd row. Acceleration and braking exceeded my high expectations.

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  The Mac Daddy of Family Cars - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By lghtskndymnla - May 15 - 10:00 am

  Nissan out did theirselves when the re- designed the Altima. The performance is excellent, Braking distance is outstanding, fuel economy could be better but is still better than that on the Accord. You get alot of great features for the money unlike Camry and Accord. This vehicle is fun to drive and can hold up to alot of daily driving abuse. THe only Problem I have is the shift boot that keeps coming aloose during swift shifting action.

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  Good, but needs design improvements - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By jkl458 - May 15 - 10:00 am

  Overall good car for the money, especially compared to others in class. Rides really well overall, but feels a little big around fast corners. Exterior design very nice, but interior needs improvement with materials, ie flimsy and too much plastic. Biggest issue is $8 headlight bulb burning out and not being able to fix it myself: Was quoted $120 by dealer because of labor involved. This is to fix a simple light bulb!

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  My 2004 Nissan Sentra - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Ms T - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Sentra. It drives like a charm. I drove a Ford F250 Long bed pick up befor this...WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!! I would not give my sentra up for anything!!!

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  Beat out Civic and Corolla - Great Rebat - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By fratomdev - May 15 - 10:00 am

  Originally we wanted a Manual, but couldnt find one in upstate NY. Went with an Automatic, sunroof, ABS, side ABs, Road Trip Group and spoiler. For all these features we paid what a stripped down Civic or Corolla would cost, due to the $2500 rebate. Nissan also gave us a 4.25% loan. Quality is up with Toyota and Civic, dont know what Edmunds is looking at. Its got adequate power and is stylish. The interior is functional and well laid out. The back seat is plenty big, again what is Edmunds looking at - Im 6 with long legs. Trunk is a good size and the fold down seats are welcome. Not sure on gas mileage yet, only have about 500 miles on it.

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  Nice, but always room for improvement - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By sfelten - May 15 - 10:00 am

  We bought our van one year ago and have 26000 miles on it. Overall it is fun to drive, very comfortable and really fits our lifestyle (2 kids, dog, active). Not so happy with the dealer, and when we bought the car (S model) they said we would be able to add a roof rack system later, as an accessory but this is in fact not true. We travel a lot and would never have bought the van if we knew it would never be available. Occasionally there seems to be wierd things going on with the transmission, the sliding doors rattle, the interior plastic trim is CHEAP and the air conditioner whistles on fan speed #2 (drives us crazy!) I also feel the paint is cheap.

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  Greatly dissapointed - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By In look of lemon att - May 15 - 10:00 am

  I bougth Quest mostly because my wife fall in love with is from the first sigth. Now shes crying calling me that air conditioner is not working AGAIN - and thats in Arizona in August ! I lost count how many times I vizited Pinnacle Nissan dilership (which is even greater dissapointment then car itself). Rattling doors, squeeling front suspention,falling down interior lights, intermittent problem s with AC, 8 recalls... I have had it enough - Im looking for lemon lawer.

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  Best Suv/Car Value - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By JIM2006 - May 15 - 10:00 am

  Pound per pound , this is the best SUV value. Nothing comes close. I test drove Highlander , Pilot 4Runner, and Touareg. They are all bland , heavy and unexciting. Got the spirited SE over the SL for the 6 speed CVT for better control and acceleration. Always a smile whenever I drive this vehicle. Betters my 5 Series BMW in driving. Nissan underpriced this vehicle. I am getting a second one for my wife.

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  my review - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By knit-32 - May 15 - 10:00 am

  now 11/2 years of driving the murano and i still enjoy this car. i have had no problems with this car. into the dealer only one time. minor problem service was great car is great.

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  Nissan Xterra SE 4wd - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Buteo - May 15 - 10:00 am

  If youre looking for: -Off Road prowess -Utility everywhere -An acceptable towing vehicle -A fun to drive car -An spacious vehicle The Nissan Xterra is the vehicle of your dreams! If youre looking for that features that typical cute-utes can bring... Go for another car.