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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  Incredible Review - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Scott O - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Just got my loaded Armada SE Off-Road 4WD and it is impressive. This is my fifth Nissan in 6 years and this is by far the most impressive. Performance is incredible. Comfort is amazing. While fuel economy is less than desireable, my supercharged XTerra got the same mileage and required premium.

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  Great style - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By CarlosArguello - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I searched and test drove every major brand. I ended with the Quest for its style, passenger style driving, big engine and lots of room. No regrets!!!! Love the van. Get the DVD system, best option I ever paid. Kids were great on the long trips.

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  Minivan sports car - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By thebrit1970 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Not only did I have an excellent experience at the dealership, but has been extremely impressed with the van. It drives like a sports car, but has the space of a minivan and the comfort of a luxury SUV. Could not be happier with my purchase.

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  Almost Perfect - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Kiawah5 - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Fun, enjoyable, ruggedly sexy just a beautiful dependable vehicle. I always owned 4 wheel drive vehicles (30 years ) but this is like nothing I have ever owned or driven. We have had number of snow storms and its perfomance has been impeccable

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  Coops Choice - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By COOPS - September 16 - 2:00 am

  I have waited on this truck for over a year and this truck is everything I hoped it would be. I have only driven a little over 300 miles so far, and it handles great. Acceleration is smooth and very powerful. Heads turn when this truck rolls. Not kidding. Gas mileage is hitting around town at about 15, but expect to get a little better as it gets a few more miles on it. The crew cab has lots of leg room in front and back seat with comfortable seating. The back seats actually have enough recline angle to be comforable. The only problem I forsee is keeping my wife in her Max and out of my truck. I am very satisfied.

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  350Z Review - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Dr. Jones - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Well besides the fact that the car isnt very well in the snow, on regular dry pavement this car is a blast. It handles corners really well and the accelleration is great. Owning other sports cars in the past the seats have never been comfortable on long trips, but the 350Z seat are very comfortable. The rear window is a little difficult to see out of but after a little time you get used to it. All in all, this is just begs to driven more and more.

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  rating the maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By kingkarl - September 16 - 2:00 am

  this car is awsome...it feel like a V- 8! i cannt ask for more!!!!....NISSAN is the best!!!

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  Want a fun ride, take it to the MAX - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By Mikie/mkaplan - September 14 - 10:00 am

  No car is perfect! ItÂ’s neither the perfect luxury sedan nor sports sedan. Its a car that has the best of both worlds. What a car! A beautiful Fit & Finish; Leather; Heated Seats, Mirrors, Steering Wheel; 6CD Bose Sound; E/C Rearview Mirror; Electric Seats; Sunroof; Key fob that lowers windows; etcÂ… But most of all, those lovely Xenon HID Headlights; seeing is believing. Powerful engine & a tranny that shifts smoothly. The car handles wonderfully & holds the curves great. The Maxima is just a wonderful car.

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  the best SUV yet - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By carluvr - September 14 - 4:16 am

  We bought this Armada used in December 05 with only 11000mi on it and my dad and family took the truck to Yosemite in the winter three weeks after we got it and it worked wonders in the snow and its got the 2WD off road package....it has dusted every suv out there and returned 20+ mpg on the highway back from camping fully loaded....One problem is a rattle that happens once in a while by the drivers A-pillar...overall this rig is the best SUV we have owned or driven...

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  Excellent Car - 2008 Nissan Altima
  By Great Value - September 14 - 2:50 am

  Very sporty, fast, comfortable, and extremely fun to drive. Perfect blend of speed, power, and agility. This car will make your heart pump on the highway, and look professional in the office parking lot. The technology package is worth the additional money. The seats are comfortable and provide many different options, its a spacious car, and reasonably quiet. The shifting is smoother than any car Ive been in. Bottom line for the features and reliability you get, there is no other car that can match the price. I am so happy with my Altima.