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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  Great SUV - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By C. Hernandez - May 29 - 2:00 am

  This is the best SUV Ive driven, wont drive any thing else but a NISSAN they are great vehicles.

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  Good so far - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By supshaw - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Ive the Armada LE RWD for two weeks now, and Im very happy with it. You wouldnt believe the looks it gets. Quick, nimble and sure in city and highway driving. It is SO big.

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  03 2.5S - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By hadanaltima - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I like the styling. Interior layout is pretty good, but you will notice that Nissan just doesnt use very high quality materials on the interior. Ride and handling is pretty darn good in this car. The 2.5L has plenty of power, but the automatic transmission was not all that great, but ok. Fuel mileage is good, 28-30mpg on the highway. Overall, this is a pretty good choice considering I got mine for a little over 18K. I ended up trading for a Toyota 4Runner. I would recommend the Altima, but would also encourage considering spending a little more on a Honda or Toyota as I believe those cars are of superior quality and have better residual values.

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  Nice but poor gas mileage - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By KellyM - May 29 - 2:00 am

  The car is excellent in many respects, but I have two concerns: First, the front seats (cloth) are not comfortable (the angle of the drivers seat is pitched too far forward), and the gas mileage (EPA says 20/24) has averaged about 13 city / 17 highway. Other cars Ive owned have averaged about what EPA estimates, this one is a hayburner.

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  Never buy your car from Midway Auto Team - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By ndcyciv - May 29 - 2:00 am

  My only suggestion is to never buy your car from Midway Auto Team in Arizona. My car has had minor problems, but the service department just bills your warranty company and never satisfies the repairs.

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  Exciting for less - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By William - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I think that this car is an excellent deal if you goal is to find a fun ride for an economical price. It is not a particularly comfortable car and very few people could sit in the backseat. But if you are looking for driving pleasure for cheap this is it. I paid 15,800 after rebate and negotiations.

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  Great Family Fun - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By heatherty01 - May 29 - 2:00 am

  This is a wonderful vehicle!! Great for my family, tons of room. Kids love the dual screen DVD.I love the headphone so I can listen to radio while they watch. Wish it came in all-wheel drive!!!!! That is the only negative I have found. Would be good to have here in the Northeast.

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  I love it! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By proud soccer mom - May 29 - 2:00 am

  I had some major personal issues with the "soccer mom minivan" image, so I refused to drive one..until I saw the Quest! I have an SE with rouge interior and its the best, most stylish vehicle Ive ever owned. I traded a Lexus LX470 for it and I couldnt be happier. My kids love the ease of entry (auto sliding doors are great!) and the 2 DVD screens...I love the way it drives and the open feeling of the skylight roof.Its like piloting a plane..cockpit, cabin..I could go on and on. The interior is so much bigger than it appears from the outside. And oh, yeah..I love the automatic rear hatch. Great job Nissan...this "soccer mom" thanks you!

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  Great Vehicle - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By darkelf - May 29 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had this vehicle for four months, but so far I could not ask for a better ride or performance. On the highway you want to keep going. This urban vehicle gives a smooth and comfortable experience, above and beyond my expectations. So far; "Real good".

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  good stuff! - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By jmoo - May 29 - 2:00 am

  love this car with all the extras...only big downfall is that is sucks down as much gas.