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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  great - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By bluto - August 30 - 2:00 am

  honestly this is the best car/truck i have ever owned

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  Dont buy an F-150 yet - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Mr. Titan - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Just bought the truck last week and am in love. Go for the Crew Cab Le, you wont regret the extra money. This truck has it all: power, looks, comfort, and utility. Gas mileage is what you would expect for the power this truck has. I tear up my friends Silverado with the 5.3.

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  This is an awsome truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By jtrayser - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This truck is absolutely amazing! It is by far the nicest vehicle I have ever owned and Ive bought new vehicles every year for the past 4 years. Ive been a dedicated Ford guy and this Truck far and away beats the new F-150. I also bought a "04" XTerra with the World championship package for my Wife and we are now a dedicated Nissan Family!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  lots of car for the money! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By neilAnnis - August 30 - 2:00 am

  this car is really designed for the driving enthusiast. There is very little storage room. It performs terribly in the snow. You can only accommodate one other passenger. But...if you want to drive, have fun, feel the power, and do it in great style, this is the car for you. YAAHOOO!! Great sound system too!!!

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  I love this car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Jerome Deutsch - August 30 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great buy for what you get. With the available drop top on the roadster, and an available 300hp v8. For 36,000- WOW!

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  Return of the affordable Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By 3fiveohz - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Im a long time Z fan and after getting a second car that has space I traded in my 03 A4. I should have bought this car a year ago but waiting a year was probably a good choice so Nissan could find the bugs. Power, handling, looks, and Japanese build make this thing worth the money. I would suggest looking into the Track model since upgrading the brakes is $5K alone and the light weight wheels will set you back another $3K. Im extremely happy with the Enthusiast Model.

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  WHAT A BEAUTY - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By NISSAN NORM - August 30 - 2:00 am

  Just got this car about a month ago, and it is as much fun as you want, but it looks even better. Everybody looks at this car when your on the road. Its comfortable for a non luxury car, AND THE CONVERTIBLE IS A REAL BONUS. It handles like a dream. This is my toy fun car and it really lives up to my expectations. My neighbors asked me if it was a Porshe! (At a third of the cost!!)

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  Feelin Great about my 2004 Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Houston Maxima - August 30 - 2:00 am

  You cannot get a better combination of performance/styling, practicality, and price than the 2004 Maxima. I have put my first 4,000 miles on my Maxima without a single complaint. Its fun and fast and turns heads around town but is also practical enough to haul the wife, kids, and dogs around the Lone Star State with room to spare.

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  This car is awesome - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By offthewall3669 - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I got this car when it first came out and it is awesome. I have the car fully loaded with navigation. This car is worth the money and it drives like a dream.

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  My second 350Z - 2003 Nissan 350Z
  By Natasha - August 29 - 6:30 pm

  You get the true sports car feeling when driving. I love the highway gas mileage! My second 350Z.