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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  First and last Nissan - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Racheal - April 19 - 10:00 am

  My sentra was my first car and I was at first excited because I had limited means and the Sentra is an affordable car. I have had the car for nearly two cars and have had to replace the transmission take it for at least two recalls. They replaced the transmission because it had a piece of metal in it and yet I still hear grinding noises when I accelerate. BEWARE

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  Very Good little car - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By hptorres - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Overall the Sentra is a very good car. Its not far behind the Civic or Corolla in terms of reliability and quality; not as refined but not far behind. Perhaps the best value amongst the three. I purchased with the $2500 rebate so it was defenitely a great buy for around $12K dlls for the 1.8S w/ carpets, microfilter & splash guards and Auto tranny. About $3500 less than the Civic and Corolla.

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  love it hate it ...back again - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By love it & hate it - April 19 - 10:00 am

  Well after 55 days in service dept. they did finally fix the interior light problems, which I still believe to be electrical malfunctions. That was Dec.,this is April so far so good. Now just really annoyed by rattles and squeaks. Pass.side slider, driver seat, also losing the motor on the rear wiper already. Having some acceleration hesitation, which I share with another local owner of a new Quest. Hes been in often for service too. Starting to regret decision on a 1st time model. Should have waited til 05 or 06. But...it still turns heads!

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  This Van Turns Heads - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By MaryAnn - April 19 - 10:00 am

  This is our 4th Mini Van, and the best so far. We love it. After test driving both the Sienna and the Honda..( The Honda had very sloppy handling ) The inside of the Quest seemed to be roomy for both my husband and son..6ft 5 and 6ft 3. The Sunroofs were also a plus. After a Grand Caravan, GMC Safari, and a Mazda MPV this Van is dream come true. It handles well is fun to drive, overall we are more then happy with it. I would say the only draw back is the attention it gets were ever you go. If your not in the mood to talk to anyone dont take this car out for a drive.

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  Jon - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By jonanderson - April 19 - 10:00 am

  nice car you should go out any buy one right now they look good and they drive great

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  300 miles and still here - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By MAXMAX - April 19 - 10:00 am

  well driving the titan is a great exp the power is wow the tranny is quiet. IT IS LIKE A INFINTI PICK UP THE ONLY PROBLEM I HAVE WAS WITH THE CLOCK COULD NOT SET IT AND ONE THAT I TEST DROVE IT WOULD NOT LOAD CDS THE RUBBER AROUND PASSENGER DOOR IS COMING OFF.

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  Unbelievable Driving Experience - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Mike Farris - April 19 - 10:00 am

  I was having my 03 Maxima serviced today, so I decided to test drive a Titan while I waited (after reading several reviews on this site) to test drive a Titan while I waited. Immediately I was hooked. It handles and performs like a sports sedan - no joke. Long story short, as of this afternoon, I have in my driveway a Titan, not a Maxima. The only thing I dont like about the truck are the seats. They are too soft for my taste.As far as exterior design, perfromance and fun to drive, this truck defies description. You have to experience it. If youre considering a truck or SUV this truck is a must test.

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  Great Value! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Wine/Spirits EC - April 19 - 10:00 am

  A much better road car than my 96. Over 4000 miles in two months. Very comfortable, and lotsa fun! Terrific acceleration in 3-4-5th gears can snap your head back! Everyone comments on how "cool" the car is, especially hard- to-please teenagers. The rear windows even go all the way down.

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  Rogue Saved My Life Today! - 2008 Nissan Rogue
  By Monica - April 19 - 8:00 am

  I was in an accident today and I have to say that my Rogue held up well. I was T-boned by a Big GMC Yukon that hit me at about 40mph. While the doors did suffer lots of damage, the side air bags saved my son and me from getting lots of glass in our face. Overall we got away with a few bumps and bruises. Thanks to my Rogue!

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  Nice Truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By DC - April 19 - 5:50 am

  This Frontier is a nice truck. The long bed is actually large enough to carry some cargo. Towing capacity is good. The crew-cab is very handy for carrying stuff or kids, a little tight for adults on a long trip. Rides and handles very well for a truck. The crew cab and long bed makes it a nice compromise between a compact and full size truck. Fuel economy has become more important lately: my Frontier gets about twice the mpg of my friends Chevy full-size, and about 6 more mpg than another friends Toyota 4-cyl 5- speed Tacoma!