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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  2000 Maxima - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By cubbie - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I like it. Smooth esp. on interstate. I am 6-4 and it somewhat low to the ground, coming from a SUV.

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  Nissan 350Z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Jhensley - April 6 - 2:00 am

  The car is solid and "tight." It seems to lack some of the power of the older twin turbo 300Z, but ultimately is more fun to drive.

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  Better the second time around - 2001 Nissan Quest
  By ourcrew - April 6 - 2:00 am

  This is our second Quest, the first being a 1997. It responds and handles well on turns with decent power for a mini van. We love the versality. Everything fits from luggage to a full- size recliner. Our grandkids love the video system. Only complaint is one of the side door windows occasionally becomes unlocked. Very reliable. Highly recommended over the Toyoya or Honda minis.

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  Objective? I think so... - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By wastintime - April 6 - 2:00 am

  We have had our LE 4wd for several weeks now and have made several road trips in it along with daily town driving. Ours has the Tech package and DVD (aftermarket 9" screen w/ TV and wireless headphones). The ride is sweet for a vehicle this size, very comfortable. The engine is phenominal, love the power and the sound from the tail pipes. When I drive, its hard not to play with that power so fuel mileage is averaging around 14 mpg. Interior is nice, comfortable and clean. Some complain about the cheap looking interior materials but I think the LE with leather works well.

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  GREAT OVERALL - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By ROBYD - April 6 - 2:00 am

  HAD THE 00 FORD EXPEDITION - HALF DECENT, HAD THE 01 TOYOTA SEQUOIA NOTHING TO BRAG ABOUT, HAVE THE 04 NISSAN ARMADA, I THINK ITS GREAT OVERALL.

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  4+2 Se Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By corgio - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I have own this Suv for approxiamately 1 month. The heat shield was rattling and deformed on the exhaust pipe. Nissan replaced the exhaust pipe with heat shield. It comes together as a unit. The dealership lost my original set of keys. They tried to make a new set of keys. The module was defective on the truck. So far in 4 weeks I ve had two defective parts replaced. It has a powerful engine. The ride itself is a little stiff compared to the GM trucks. ( Surburban, Denali). If I had to do it all over again I would have waited another year or so. Maybe by then some of these issues can be improved.

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  A+++++ - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Skiier3 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  Nissan went out on a limb redesigning their altima, but honestly what did they have to loose, the old altima was nothing short of average. This new altima is an entirely new car, and let me tell you, you cant get more bang for your buck. Compared to a new accord and new camry this car out does them in looks, style, comfort, options, and price. Highly Recommended!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  Cant be beat - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Waddy - April 6 - 2:00 am

  You show me another car out there that I can but for $25k that combines, performance, space, reliability, and looks and Ill buy it. As far as I am concerned every other car comes up a little bit short in in one of those areas, or has a higher price tag in order to match the Altima in those areas. The Altima cant be beat, literally and figuratively, just ask the Bimmers, Audis, Acuras, Mustang GTs that I leave choking in my dust on daily basis.

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  Love my Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Steve A. - April 6 - 2:00 am

  The first snow of this Winter got me to trade in my VW Jetta, which was awful in any precipitation. I test drove traditional SUVs and crossovers, liked the Murano style and comfort best, and it was not outrageously priced. Now I drive in any weather with confidence for the first time in years. And a nice thing for an SUV, my Murano has a very high Wow! factor from passengers and passersby.

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  its good - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By scott1966 - April 6 - 2:00 am

  I did not want the vehicle, but it was company issued. after 3 days of driving it, I loved it. It is just as good as any lexus. I have drove them all,and this is a great vehicle.