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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  A Winner! - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By 2nd time Owner - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought an Altima in 1993, the first year in production, and drove the car for 130K miles. The engine never wore out, but I decided to trade the car because the interior had seen too many hot summers. I could afford more car, but I didnt even have to decide which new car I was going to buy. The Altima was one of the best and most reliable cars I ever owned. My new Altima is awesome in appearance, handling, comfort, and price. I hope to enjoy many years of dependability with my 2004 SL with leather seats and convenience package, as I had with my 1993 GXE.

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  titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By sleightofhand - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Its only been a week but so far so good. Very good power, handling, and braking make this the most rewarding driving truck i have owned. Love the quality feel and the rumble of the exhaust. Rockford stereo is extremely punchy and has pretty accurate sound. Love the 5 speed auto, its very smooth and overdrive is amazing turning 1500rpm at 65mph. Satisfied customer so far.

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  Titan LE Crew - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Bob Hanson - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Less than 1000 miles, but like it better than F-150 that I test drove.

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  Great SUV, Bad Gas Mileage - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Elway - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Have only had the vehicle for a little over a month. It has surpassed all of our expectations so far. Have joined the Nissan Xterra Club of Southern California and put our Xterra to the test. Awesome 4X4.

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  wow! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By jessz - December 3 - 2:00 am

  What an amazing car. I have the track model, 6 speed, silverstone. Its an amazing car, the brembo brakes are magnificent, and being a girl really kicks ass to all those unsuspecting boys and their sorry little toys they think will beat me on the road.

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  04 Hot Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Murphi - December 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is absolutely great to drive. Mtn. hwys. turn into Disneyworld!!! It is one great auto! Will become a classic.

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  2004 350Z--MGB - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By mike mgb - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Good experience during the purchase. Compared to Vet for price and return for money spent. Looked at Crossfire. Not close and overpriced.

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  BACKK BEAUTY - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By BOBBYG - December 3 - 2:00 am

  FUN TO DRIVE,GOOD FUEL ECONOMY,LEAVE IT HOME IN THE SNOW/ICE WEATHER. DANGEROUS TO DRIVE IN THE WISCONSIN WINTER WEATHER BLIND SPOTS OUT THE REAR AND SIDE COULD CAUSE SERIOUS PROBLEMS.

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  AWESOME CAR!!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By NICOLE836 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR!!! MY SECOND NISSAN. GREAT HANDLING ESPECIALLY IN THE SNOW! THIS CAR IS SWEET AND FAST! PEOPLE ARE CONSTANTLY STARING AT ME!

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  Maxima, Superior to BMW, Cadillac, volks - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By fkovats - December 3 - 2:00 am

  A No Brainer buy