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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  FUN FUN FUN !!! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By magnum - March 12 - 2:00 am

  A fun car, I bought the car loaded except for the special headlight and wood interior and fin. Its worth test driving even if your looking at a higher end car such as a 3 series BMW, acura TL and, a lot better than any volkswagon. A lot of POWER. I have had the car a year and it still give me chills when I am on the highway at 70 and I press on the gas (watch out for the person in front of you). I am also a person that does not like rattles within the car, and this car I dont hear any. Very well built very sound.

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  Stykish, Yet Not so Reliable - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By skurl - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Our experiance with our first minivan is a mixed one. The styling and power were what moved us to go with this vehicle versus some of the more well known brands. So far, in only 3700 miles, the van has been to the dealer twice for electronic/mechanical problems and needs to go back again for a rattling sliding driver door. The rear lift gate has gone out once and also all interior lights have gone out as well, much to the dismay of the service center. We are keeping a positve view because we like the driving and styling of the car, but it is testing our patience.

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  Exceeds Expectations - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By rtuttle - March 12 - 2:00 am

  First rate in every respect. Powerful, quick response, great road control. Roomy and comfortable. Great safety features. And, gets looks!

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  Great Truck - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By carsdepot1 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Frontier and they have both been great trucks. The supercharged engine is very powerful and my truck can easily hold five people. I love the Rockford Fosgate Stereo.

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  love it - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Lindsey - March 12 - 2:00 am

  Fast, sexy car. The most stylish car on the road. Corners on rails. Feel the road.

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  Tires are dangerous - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By RedRaven - March 12 - 2:00 am

  With this car I had a flat tire (Conti tires). My tire was shredded as if someone cut with a knife the back of tire all around. I then read on the internet the following from other owners (many like this one): "Do not buy this car! The car had 2 tires shred within the first 2 months" I paid for the tire replacement (not covered by warranty) I sent a letter & an email to Nissan Canada quoting comments above (attached also pics of the tire) Wrote at the end of my letter: "What I am looking for is a reassurance that the Nissan Altima 2003... is safe & that the tires installed have been tested" Nissan never replied. I recommend AGAINST buying this car.

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  Catch me if you can - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Cam0001 - March 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Maxima.(prev was a 1996 GLE)This one rides pretty hard. I think I would have been happier with the SL. It definately turns heads. The funny thing is that when ever I pull up to a light, everyone waits for me to pull off first. I love it! This car truly is a rocket.

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  2004 Nissan Maxima 3.5 SL - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Roosevelt Short - March 11 - 11:10 pm

  My 2004 Maxima exceed all my expectations thus far. It is a fun car to drive and a beautiful car to look at. This is my second Nissan Maxima. My first was a 1989 which I still have and have no intention of geting rid of. It has 180,000 miles and runs as good as it did the day I purchased it. I have had no major repairs and between the two cars I am likely not to ever purchase another during my life time baring a major collision.

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  Dependable! - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Valeriern2004 - March 11 - 3:53 pm

  My first Xterra was a total loss due to a careless driver who pulled out and rolled my truck. This vehicle was incredibly tough. I had a seat belt on and came through the accident without a scratch! I honestly love the Xterra. I feel it safe and reliable. I bought another. I love the look and know I can load up the dog,bikes,camping gear, and a couple of friends! It is a good buy for the 2004 models. I love shifting on the fly, it does well in the snow! This is a well built vehicle! I love it!

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  Im part of the 3 percenters - 2015 Nissan Altima
  By Chris - March 11 - 1:43 pm

  I rent the 2.5 all the time and personally wouldnt buy that version. I do believe it is too noisy and underpowered. I was one of the few that went with the 3.5 SL (Nissan confirms only 3% of Altimas sold are of the 3.5 variety). Sure, it was several thousand more, but the performance make it worth it to me, and the CVT purrs nicely (nice engine growl) when paired with the larger engine. Otherwise, it is fully loaded and Im loving it. Came from a 2013 Fusion Titanium and had nothing bad to say about that vehicle, but LOVE the new Nissan...