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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  Armada, Awesome, Magnificent, GREATEST - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Sandra K. Watson - January 24 - 10:00 am

  The Armadie is GREAT overall. As I pass by the measley Ford, Chevy, Dodge and Toyota products, I wonder "What were they thinking?" The Armadie, with its robust and brute strength appearence, demands attention on the spot!!! I had to stop suddenly one day, on a wet road, it handles the best Ive ever driven. The safety is great! People go out of their way to look at this vehicle!!! I shine my nails while I drive!! I can fit almost anything inside it, while the 3rd seat lies flat. It tows wonderfully. Not one bad word could I say. I will own this vehicle for the rest of its days. I will not trade or sell for any other kind, unless it is just a newer Armada.

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  Happy Arizona Driver - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Phoenician - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I love the Murano and I dont have a single complaint about it, except that I had to buy a pair of polarized sun glasses because of glare from Arizona sun against the angle of the windshield.

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  FAV...SUV - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By sunrrrrise - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Purchased my 2003 on a whim. Turns out to be one of my all time FAV autos. Looks great, rides great, sounds great! Comfortable to drive, plenty of space for my traveling needs. Used on two driving vacations....comfy. I guess I love this bar...er car

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  Titan is Superb! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Big Dee - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I got the king cab w/ leather. Ive only had it a week and a half, but I absolutely love the thing. Great handling, acceleration and power. 6 CD changer by Rockford Fosgate is the bomb! Had GMCs for years and this just blows it away. Made in U.S, too. Way too many little things to mention. Very well thought out machine. My buddy works at the dealership and he went to Texas for a closed road testing all day. He was very impressed w/ handling and braking. Has disc brakes all around. I would highly reccomend it. The only thing I really dislike is the gas mileage but it should get better as engine breaks in.

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  I Love this Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By kingraulph - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I have only owned my Titan for a month but it is the best truck I have ever owned it rides great and looks good. Nissan did a good job on designing this truck. I love the way it drives it has a lot of comfort and power. All of the interior part are were the driver has easy access. the engine has so much power this truck will nearly fly it is a very smooth ride it feels like you are floating and truck has great pick up speed and also great stoping. It handles great it is not like most vehicles where you have to get acclimated to it to drive it. The truck will not nose dive on quick stops. All around I think nissan did a great job on this truck.

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  excellent - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By fizzgigg89 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Love it. Its still the best looking SUV on the road!

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  options - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By cataldo - January 24 - 10:00 am

  optional equipment not readily available and very high priced not a lot of options to gingerbread the vehicle would like to see more

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  Super sport sedan - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By abcd1234 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  greatr looks,great handling, editors ratings are totally bogus

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  a lot of car for the money - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By Johnny B Good - January 24 - 10:00 am

  This car sells well below cars in its class and believe me Ive shopped around.It turns heads everywhere I go.And looks alot more expensive than it is.I love the styling from front to back. And inside there is a ton of room for a big guy like me.All the instruments are laid out nice and the ride is fast and crisp like and urban rocket.Trust me you wont be sorry if you get one.

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  A Unique Vehicl-Murano - 2005 Nissan Murano
  By Brenda Williams - January 23 - 6:36 pm

  I dont understand the comment about the CVT being energy sapping but it is something to get used to. Now that I have-I love it. It also seems to help the fuel economy. This vehicle is very smooth, luxurious ( I have the Touring package with heated leather ) safe and reliable. It has proven great in the snow ( I have the AWD model ) This SL Model is great and feels like a car. I did try the SE model and that is more like a regular SUV a little prancv. Anyway-alove it and still get a lot of compliments since July ( 8 months ago ) I would buy another one.