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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  I love my Sentra! - 1998 Nissan Sentra
  By AustinTX - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car because I wanted fuel economy. Ive driven it on trips into the mountains and averaged 40mpg, which Im thrilled with. It averages 35mpg, and of course the tradeoff is that the power is a bit on the low side. Looks good with a spoiler, and I love the cruise control. Not very roomy for long-legged people (62 and above), but it works. Fun to drive, and extremely reliable. I have had no major repairs to do - oil changes and maintenance on breaks is all. Very quiet. Back seats could use more room.

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  Disappointed with some noises. - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By fambriz - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I noticed a squeaky noise in the dashboard, right behind the steering wheel. I told the sales manager about it and they said they would fix it. I have taken it to the dealer about 5 times and still not fixed. There is another rattling noise that seemed to come from the dash, when I accelerate down the street. I took it to 2 different dealers and they could not find the source (it seems like the exhaust system is causing it), but they agreed it is a strange noise, and that most Armadas have it. I did notice other noises. The windshield had to be replaced because it was deffective, it had some white spots in the middle of the windshield (between the 2 layers of glass).

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  Not quite sure - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Ambivalent - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I have 1600 miles and it gets about 20mpg at best,not the 28 advertised. The inside is scratched up from who know what and when the dealer washed it for me water got under the clear coat in a few places. The interior has too many colors; gray, black and beige which I dont think match well. No rear leg room, but I dont sit in the rear.

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  Nissan Selling Lemons - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By 1unhappyowner - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Talk to dealer who sold me car, have purchased vehicles from him before. Said that this vehicle is causing major headaches for Nissan. Has a whole slew of problems. Said he sold three last week and already had to tow two of them in. Do not buy this car and if you have already, I hope you have one of the good ones! I have already had the vehicle into the dealer for repairs, had to be towed once because it just stopped working and this is a brand new vehicle with only 8k miles on it.

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  The Z of SUVs - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By christos - July 23 - 10:00 am

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  love my murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By spunkd13 - July 23 - 10:00 am

  overall great bargain for the money, feels like I am driving a luxury SUV

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  Titan vs The Others - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Keithndeb - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a Ford F150 extra cab, a GMC extra cab, and a Cherolet Z71 extra cab and the Titan is a step above the rest. So many features, great style and loads of power put the Titan in a class by itself.

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  Look before you leap! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By 48izhot - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Can you spell G A S ??? Own a country in the Middle East before you buy. EPA rating of 14/20 is a myth, who tested this vehicle? Unique design, great Fosgate stereo if you play CDs, forget the radio sound. Quirky color scheme - butterscotch and gray? Japanese build quality not as good as I expected, minor problems become a nuisance. Only headphones disguise the exhaust roar...

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  Great Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Pari - July 23 - 10:00 am

  Previous owner of a 2000 Chevy Silverado LT. Two weeks ago, we purchased a Titan LE with Big Tow and Off-Road Package w/ Leather about two weeks ago from a local dealership for $34,000 even. IMHO, this truck rides much better.

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  Very good Car! - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By richard69 - July 23 - 10:00 am

  I Know that I very pleased with mine. I love my car. I havent really had anything go really wrong with it as of yet.