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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  love it - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Fall River Mike - July 18 - 2:00 am

  Best car I have ever owned. My choice was between a Jetta, and the Altima, and very glad I chose the Altima.

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  A race car disguised as a family sedan - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Educated Consumer - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This car performs really good for a 4 cylinder automatic. Once you drive it, its hard to believe its only a 4 cylinder engine. I find the ride quiet and pleasurable. Afterall tires do make a difference with regard to road noise. This car came through with Bridgestone tires, good choice from Nissan, excellent tire. The cheaply made door panels have no affect on the overall performance.

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  Best Car Ever!!!! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Sarah Ryals - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This is my first brand new car and I LOVE IT!!!! Ive gone to Georgia, Michigan, and now back to North Carolina and it has handled so well. The car has a sporty outside look but has the luxury feel inside. My husband and I looked at the Grand Prixs and the Chevy Impalas and the Altima STILL had more room than both combined. I was shocked. It handles so well on the road and has such a smooth ride every time I drive it. Its amazing. We put a sun roof in it and a spoiler on the back and I love it. Everything about it, I love.

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  great suv - 2003 Nissan Xterra
  By ttb2873 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This is a great SUV, I have really enjoyed it. Great on and off road, 4x4 is much better than 2000 model. Effortless hill climbing with the super charged engine. Flew up the continental divide in Colorado, no engine strain at all. Design inprovements from earlier model are noticeable.

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  A Crossover Doesnt Get Any Better! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Letmegotoyou - July 18 - 2:00 am

  There is not one thing I would change on this vehicle. I just wished I had gotten the AWD, but it wasnt available in the color I wanted when I went to the dealership. I buy a new vehicle every 2 years and I did thorough research and test drove 4 different SUVS, and clearly made the right decision and I say that 14,000 miles later.

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  Nice Car for this price - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By suraj - July 18 - 2:00 am

  this is best commute car for the money you pay. very reliable and good build

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  best car in the world!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By toes442 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  love it alot great ride

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  FUN - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Bruceco - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I have never been a car enthusiast, that changed as soon as I got behind the wheel and on the road with my roadster, I have the leather/mesh seats, this car makes me FEEL the road, the shifting is so smooth you almost dont need the clutch, need to pass someone? go ahead, make it a boxer too!! Cornering is incredible, Ive actually tried to get the car to skid, nothing doing. 20 seconds to put the top down, yes you can get ooos and ahhhs when you put it down while waiting for the light to change. have fun, I am. Bruce

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  i Love this cAr!!! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Melissa Tucci - July 18 - 2:00 am

  i love this car!!

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  ZZZZZZZZFUN04 - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By J&RII - July 18 - 2:00 am

  FOUND TO BE A SUPERIOR AUTOMOBILE FOR THE MONEY,GREAT LOOKING,GREAT TO DRIVE,