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:

• 

  03Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By sub1 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  So far, so good, no problems but a manual transmission sure would be fun. A different slant on the SUV.

• 

  exterra - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By deebee - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Underowered, gets lots of looks

• 

  If you want a car that turns heads... - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Dennis Swit - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I fell in love with this car the moment that I walked into the dealership. I looked at the Boxter S, Audi TT and Corvette but the 350Z was hands down, the best designed car out of all of them. I purchased my Z on 9/11/2003 and I havent seen another Roadster on road in Cleveland yet. I know that I am going to hate the day that I do. Its fast! Its Beautiful! And it turns heads!

• 

  Fun to drive - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Bad ass girl - January 4 - 2:00 am

  This car is a lot of fun to drive and drive fast. The suspension is a bit rough and the visibility is a little challenging at times when backing out of tight situations. I feel the inside is very comfortable. I love the heated leather seats, the Bose system, the dash, the whole interior and exterior and the power. Basically, I love my car except for when I drive on bumpy roads.

• 

  ROAD TRIP WITH NEW ROADSTER - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By ROADSTER350Z - January 4 - 2:00 am

  On a 8,968 mile trip I found the following problems. At 3010 service engine light with code P1754 Desert Nissan Las Vegas said not to worry computer error and a fix is on the way. At 6990 miles the right front brake locked solid for 15 minutes in parking lot Wade Nissan in St George Utah cleaned and turned warped rotors no further problem at 8544 miles front tires started to feather changed toe in to 0.00 and flipped ties side to side. I still love this car even with the problem encounterd, it fun to drive.

• 

  Could this be love? - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Grafiker - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Its been exactly a week since my sweet new Spirited Bronze SE automatic with Frost leather and Skyview roof came home with me. Its an admittedly short review period, I know, but long enough for me to say with conviction that Im smitten. In fact, I think it may be the best car Ive ever owned, and that in the face of some pretty stiff competition: two Acura Legends, a Saab 900 SPG turbo, and a Supra. Drive it and youll be a believer.

• 

  hot sedan - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By joe marsella - January 4 - 2:00 am

  very fast and stable on the road , great in rain or snow with the front wheel drive . a five speed auto a must

• 

  MAXIMUM MAXIMA! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By jaw431 - January 4 - 2:00 am

  What a great car! I previously owned a 1997 Maxima and loved it. I just turned in a Lexus IS300 and loved that too. But this is everything I had in the Lexus in a more sizeable and comfortable performance sedan. Couldnt believe it could come with all the options I had in the Lexus. Exceptional comfort plus power.

• 

  Greenvikings Maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Greenviking - January 4 - 2:00 am

  We just purchased this car a couple of weeks ago. We are very impressed with the styling and performance of this car. The new design stands out much more than the previous years design and still has the quality. The dealership I bought from was superb.

• 

  Nothing But Issues - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By Sunshinej01 - January 3 - 3:56 pm

  I bought this car with 47000 miles and have had nothing but issues since. I first replaced the MAS, and have since replaced both front ball joints and axles, air conditioner clutch pulley, water pump, brakes, and still have many issues including water leaking in from mysterious places, sputtering upon cold start, and my cd player is also very sketchy. This was my dream car, but I now wish that I had never purchased it. I would have never dreamed that Id have put over $2500 into repairs in two years while still being under 90000 miles.