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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  No problems - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By vmccaul - May 24 - 10:00 am

  So far have had no problems with this SUV after almost 5500 miles. Lots of room for people and cargo. Very comfortable for long trips. Does well in snow. Nice to have peace and quiet with the kids using the DVD with the headphones. Love the way it drives. Plenty of power.

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  Not bad at all.... - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By armadian - May 24 - 10:00 am

  So far, the Nissan Armada has been about what I expected after doing my SUV homework. Its definitely "different" and not easily comparible with other SUVs.

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  Gas Guzzler - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By clang - May 24 - 10:00 am

  It eats gas. Be careful. The stated consumption is nowhere near reality.

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  3.5 SE Baby! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By jspirate - May 24 - 10:00 am

  This car is fun to drive. I did have a clutch problem though. It was squeaking right at engagement, but not every time. It took 3 trips to dealer before they heard/felt it. Its fixed now (warrenty) and I really like the car. Had a 2001 Acura CL Type S before this that I liked more, but I needed 4 doors. Altima is lighter and more responseive, but not as luxerious.

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  Great car for the money - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Convert from VW - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Great little car. Fun to drive,great milage. Very happy with my first Nissan, I have had 3 VWs before this. Bought the car with 2500 cash back! Get the road trip package it is worth every penny. Love the fabric on the seats, dog hair does not stick to them.

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  Stylish and Smooth - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Ekaiwo - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Handles like a car, tows and hauls like a truck. Quiet, nimble, quick.

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  Love my Quest!! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Babbies - May 24 - 10:00 am

  We love the new design of the Nissan Quest - a little bit "space age". The vehicle feels more powerful to drive than the previous Quest. Fuel economy is also great - 19 mpg average - even while driving bumper-to-bumper California freeways.

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  zoomzooom - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By ed fab - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Roomy interior, nice looking, high above others

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  Fun to drive - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Golf26guy - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my Murano for 1 month and 6500 miles already. I spend most of my time driving, and must say this is the best choice out there for less money than lexus and acura. Gas mileage is 24 on interstate and 19 city! If you put it to the floor it will outrun most other cars. I fully shopped before making my decision, drive this before you buy any other SUV. Wish I had XM radio!!

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  some fixes needed - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By pzig - May 24 - 10:00 am

  So far not a bad vehicle. Power is good, and nice design. Does have a lot of nice features and a very comfortable ride. Perfect for a family of 3 or 4. Does have some quirks. Bose radio not so great in sound quality, no automatic locking doors, cup holders dont hold different size cups, too many controls on the turn signal and wiper levers, hard to use, no tailgate open lever from inside or remote, inside plastic on tailgate will easily scratch if stuff moves aginst it, and the worst is the gas mileage, have averaged about 17mpg and only 21mpg on a 400mile trip.