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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  New Altima-OK Car - Nothing Special - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By Reston, VA - October 19 - 2:00 am

  The new Altima is a nice, comfortable car, but nothing special. Have had several recalls in the last two years, and have had the clutch replaced in less than one year. One big problem with our car, is that it handles very poorly in wet (snow) weather. The car slides and does not stop very well when the roadway is wet/slick. I dont know if this is attributable to the tires, the weight or perhaps the weight distribution, but it can be frightening. In fact, my wife is nervous to drive the car when it rains or snows. Wouldnt buy the car again... need something much more fun to drive.

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  NISMO...................!!!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By busyburns - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I love my SE-R,-(Super,Excellent-Ride) its sporty & fun w/what we call a "sleeper" look - may not be too flashy but hauls you-know-what! The brace under the hood tells you something. Great ride, great sound, great price! Nissan definitely knows quality. That is, NISMO.

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  Great Van - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By dlb123 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this van about 2500 miles. Love the interior! It is comfortable and spacious for passengers. The luggage/grocery well in the back is great for trips to the store. Acceleration is fair to good, a bit too much shifting between gears as it speeds up for my taste, but trade off is decent gas milage. I have gotten around 27 mpg on the highway, 20 mpg for mixed driving. The car handles nicely, very comfortable to drive, handles snowy conditions well. Towing capacity is 3500 lbs, which is much better than the smaller SUVs we were considering. Would definately recommend this van!

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  Great Cruzer - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Cruzin Bill - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive,great crusier.So far i am really impressed.I think this is the best suv i have driven.My looking is over,i think i made a good choice.A good built suv.I like that it has a full frame under it.So far i have no complaints.Plenty of power and a great looker.Off road i cant help.

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  350 Z Touring Roadster - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By markmartin12197 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Just love this vehicle. Quick and responsive. Everything is within drivers reach. Love the way it hugs the road. I have owned other sports cars and I must say that this one is the best yet.

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  This is car is expensive but AWESOME! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By PinkStar8906 - October 19 - 2:00 am

  I am a young driver (been driving for 1 week) and My parents bought me this car on Monday and Its the Greatest!

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  1 year review - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By dennis m - October 19 - 2:00 am

  people,so far so good 1 year and i can`t complain no problems so far as of right now i would definitly buy another nissan again.

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  King of the midsize sedan - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Lyon - October 19 - 2:00 am

  Simply marvelous, it handles and accelerates like a $50K car is supposed to and is comfortable at any speed. Interior design, comfort and amenities are of entry level luxury car standards. The 320watt 8 speaker Bose audio system is the best there is this side of $30K. Still, its not the greatest car ever, there are faster cars, more luxurious cars, more spacious, even better looking cars, and certainly more practical cars, but none with a better combination of all these attributes anywhere near the Maximas price range, and thats why the Max is king! Also why I traded my 03 3.2 Acura TL w/ 14800 mi.

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  Very impressed - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Chambliss - October 19 - 2:00 am

  This car has been a surprise. Neck snapping torque, loads of space, plenty of amenities (though not always intuitive)and four doors make for a very fun ride indeed.

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  Smooth Ride - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By AMartinez - October 18 - 6:33 pm

  Fun to drive car and very smooth on the highway. Tons of room inside especially in the rear seat and a huge trunk. Has enough power to have fun with. Girls love it when I let them drive my car.