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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  Intermittent Cruise Control - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By D. Land - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I love Nissan.Leased a 98 before buying.Had problems from day 1.The inside is often noisy,the rattles vary in volume,frequency and location. The cruise is intermittent & they cant find the problem.It works on restart but is a concern.A rear speaker has blown repeatedly w/o resolve.Also the entry remotes work off/on. Otherwise, the car is great.Their lack of competency & empathy is disappointing.If resolved,Id have bought another Nissan.The fact that Ive had problems in a new car over 2 years, makes it hard to trust Nissan. Would like to know if others are having this happen, Nissan says no.

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  Great SUV - Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Carole Ann - June 11 - 10:00 am

  After going to the Atlanta car show and seeing the Armada I had to drive it. I have test driven almost every SUV on the market and the Nissan Armada came up 1st. I travel often long distances and need a comfortable well handling vehicle and I have it with the Armada. Extremely happy with this vehicle.

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  Happy Quest Owner - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By 1SEP - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Tried all and selected the SE for the power/engine, the sky view roof to avoid the cave feeling, and the looks. Worried about the reliability, but so far no issues and no rattles after 7 months of daily use (8k mi) with 2 active kids. The 5 speed transmission is a must. Averaging ~18 mpg in daily city driving.

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  Im afraid of liking this too much! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Dodge Shuler - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Only have 1,400 miles on new Murano, but so far absolutely thrilled. Computer says averaging 23mpg... rides nice... very quiet (even when sunroof open)... great stereo...comfortable (especially ease of entry)... moveable pedals etc, with memory, quite handy...dual zone air a big plus...transmission a beaut...heated seats a "necessity"...xeon headlights a huge advancement...so far; Dealer A+.

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  Great design and performance - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By OId Bill - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I evaluated the Toyota Tundra and the Titan in similar configurations. The Titan won the comparison test hands down. I like the fact that although it is a full sized truck, it handles "small," good turning radius and responsive steering. Performance is superb. Short length hood is a real plus. Very roomy in rear seat area. I ordered from factory w/out any options and am pleased with standard features. Price was about $2000 under MSRP.

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  The Xterra is a great vehicle - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Xterra4ME74 - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This is, by far, the best vehicle Ive owned. It handles very well for the size of the vehicle. Steering is effortless; braking as well. Its a very smooth ride and loads of fun to drive. Ive also ridden, in the back seat, and the "stadium" seating is an extremely nice feature. One can see out all the way around the car, even from the back seat. There is immense cargo room in the back and on the top . Having the cargo area lifted in the back makes it convenient when loading and unloading items. The console is designed well and the two extra power ports are convenient.

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  beautiful Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By williamkaikala - June 11 - 10:00 am

  Unbelievable car! I get compliments almost daily. Although, Nissan could have made it a bit faster from stock, it still is fun to drive and one of the best looking cars on the market. Though dont get me wrong, the car is quick. I raced my stock 2004 350z against a 2002 Corvette C5 two weeks ago and he only had half a car length on me every race. I wonder what it will do when I get done modifying it???

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  Dream Car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By sail3engineer - June 11 - 10:00 am

  This car operates like a dream, there is no better feeling then punching the gas pedal and seeing the speed jump, as you feel yourself being pushed into your seat by the G-forces. Handleing curves is fun, this is one car you have to take on a road trip....just do not pack to much, it will never fit. Also the rear view once you get used to it, and adjust it in just the right spot, you find you have full visibility, but is seems very discerning at first.

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  Loving the Sentra- All over again! - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Jenn - June 11 - 9:16 am

  We really wanted to get the Yaris (sedan) but they were on back order. After test driving the 08Yaris (hatchback)& 09Corolla. We werent impressed at all. So, we headed to Nissan. We test drove the Versa (sedan) and I have to say that even that car drove better than the Toyotas. Then we drove the Sentra. WOW! It is quite and we were very impressed, that we purchased it on the spot. And we had no intentions of buying a car that day. Its a fun and awesome car. Infact, the back seat is roomier than my hubbys 03Galant. It fits 2 adults & 2 kids comfortably. This is just a 3rd car for us, but I have a hard time giving it up so my hubby can have his turn. The CVT is awesome too!

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  SuperCharged 4x4 Frontier - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By Bob - June 11 - 7:29 am

  This has been a great truck now for 12 years. Never a big repair beyond brakes,battery,etc. Great CD, Great A/C, Great in snow and even trails. Only two complaints; Its a longbed and hard to park at the Mall. Its also very poor on gas- about 12 mpg in town and 18 on the highway.