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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  Love my car! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Young 50 year old - April 3 - 2:00 am

  After doing months of research, I finally took the plunge and bought a fully loaded Murano. I have enjoyed it immensely. It has a responsive engine with quick acceleration. After driving an Explorer for the past 10 years, there is no comparison. Unlike the Explorer, the Murano doesnt drive like a truck, instead it feels like a luxury vehicle. My only complaint would be the mileage isnt what I would have hoped it would be. Only hurts right now with premium gas prices thru the roof.

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  Great truck for the price. - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Rick A M - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Looks good but performs better. It drives and rides better than my wifes car. It has an excellent turning radius and has a great deal of room in the interior. The only drawback is the gas mileage but I expected that when I bought it.

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  The Titan Of All Pick Ups - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By newtontwo - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Best truck Ive ever had. And I have Had many.

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  well worth the wait - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By hotwheeljim - April 3 - 2:00 am

  had a dodge bad rear end had a ford 9 sets of breaks in the first year drive a new chevy at work 11000 mile had front end replaced doors falling apart tranz. shifts bad. got the titan 1/31/04 did alot of reserch on truck could not find anything that I dint like. well worth the wait. great power smooth ride plenty of room. It also runs good with a HD road king in the bed. getting ready to test it out towing a 28ft traler wit fore cycles.

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  FUN, FUN. - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Z MAN 12 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  UNEVEN TIRE WEAR, NEED BETTER TIRES FROM NISSAN.

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  Bullet Z....Dream car! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Gr8tZcar - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Having always been a fan of the "Z" cars, drooling over the 280 in the 80s and yearning to own a 300Z in the 90s, I finally got the opportunity to purchase my very own "Z"!! This car is superb on every level, handling, comfort, styling, speed. I highly recommend this speedy sportster!

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  drive it, and youll own it. - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By manny dasilva - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Drove this car back in Sept.2003, thought I had gotten my kicks out. Couldnt get it out of my mind. Finally decided in January to buy it.

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  owner - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By jaysthaname - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Over all good exp.

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  number 1 for the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By nivers - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th Maxima and I just keep on buying them because I feel they are the best car on the road in there class.

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  Fun to Drive - 2005 Nissan Pathfinder
  By smudge - April 2 - 5:40 pm

  I have to say that we looked long and hard at the pathfinder and the 4runner. We liked both, but the 4runner didnt have the features unless you wanted to get the luxury model. It didnt even have power or leather available unless you were willing to spend the money on the luxury model. We have the SE off-road and we love it. It handles very well.