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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  Excellent - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By exalcazar - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I had a 1993 Nissan Quest and owned it for 5 years. My family used it for everything: road trips, vacations, day excursions. Even my teenage daughters learned how to drive using the Quest. After selling it I bought a different vehicle. Ultimately, this year I decided to go back to the Quest. We all love it and it is most definitely one of the best cars Ive had.

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  Dream to Drive - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By WandaJane - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is the most comfortable Ive ever owned for driving and riding. The interior design makes accessibility for passengers easy. The ability to fold down the center two seats rather than having to remove them is brilliant. We were able to use the vehicle for hauling stuff on a long trip and then convert easily to hauling people. Heads turn when I drive this automobile!

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  2004 Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Kick - March 19 - 2:00 am

  From a family man who avoided buying a minivan like a disease, once I looked at and test drove the Quest I was sold. It looks pretty cool(in minivan standards) has tons of room, easy to deal with interior, and a really great ride that blows away all the other minivans by far. Love the acceleration (240hp) and the handeling. Kids like it too.

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  Questing 2004 - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By CPBOB - March 19 - 2:00 am

  The new Quest has a smooth ride lots of power and as a hockey coach I have plenty of room to for hockey bags, pucks, water, bottles, sticks, kids, and parents. The offset information console is a little diferent at first but after a short time you realize its better than looking through the steering wheel.

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  Love our nissan - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By websters - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Truly best Vehicle my husband and i have ever owned....great room,comfort,and style

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  The Final Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Navidar - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Overall, we are well pleased with the Quest. The problems incurred were annoying rather then operationally dibilitating. They were also addressed by the dealership and Nissan. This is the first in 14 vehicles owned over the years, that I feel I am superviseing not driving.

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  First Minivan since 1964 - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By George Nelson - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Found the vehicle to be very versitile in that the second row seats lay down flat to the floor. Seems to get reasonable gas mileage though not as good or responsive as my old Lincoln Continental. Radio volume can be set to increase automatically as speed increases. Best gas mileage to date is amount 22mpg.

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  my favorite car in a long time of drivin - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By jd smith - March 19 - 2:00 am

  I had a dodge durango for four yrs. prior to buying me murano.the best mileage i could get out of the durango in town, 12mpg. hwy 21mpg..the murano is getting 16.8 in town which great for me sence 95% of my drining is in town. I havnt driven it on any long runs yet.

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  Swiss army knife of trucks - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Tripp 24 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  This truck has been great to own. The power is above average. I use it to tow a trailor with race car. It attracts attention whereever I go. Its bright yellow with ski rack. The crew cab is nice. decent room for short drives. and the extra bed length is much appreciated. Reliabity has been great. 1 year of ownership and no problems.

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  just what i needed - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By mk8 - March 19 - 2:00 am

  from the moment that i laid eyes on it, i knew that it was a match made in heaven. i grabbed the wheel through it in gear and was pleased with the results. its definitely a head turner.