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:

• 

  Flawless, fun, fast! - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By alias777 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  By far the best car Ive ever owned (I had a Lexus before this). This car is comfortable, sporty, fast, fun to drive, powerful, luxurious. I love everything about it. Ive only owned it about 6 months, but I absolutely love it. Its the sharpest looking car on the road, plus its comfortable and fun to drive too.

• 

  muranos fun - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By J Torres - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Have had this vehicle for about 9 months. So far it has been great. Drove cross country and got great fuel economy. It gets lots of looks on the road.

• 

  UM GOOD - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By spaniard3 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  plesure to drive, goes when I say go and stops when I say stop. If I want to cruse at a 100 mph no problem. Sound system um good. tested other and well.IF your buying and dont try this one your crazy! Judged on more than a name. Thank You

• 

  Titan , name kinda says it all ......... - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Redd - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Solid truck .......as well if not better built than Ford! If the reliability runs like most Nissans ...the Big Three are in "Big Trouble!" Dont take my word for it......drive one and then be sure to drive a Ford, Chevy or Dodge asap.........and BE HONEST......no comparison!

• 

  2004 Titan SE KingCab 4X4 - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Warbie - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Comfortable, powerful, properly executed full size pickup.. I only have one complaint. There is no way to turn off the traction control! 305 horsepower/379 ft/lb of torque and no smokey burnouts, even with VDC turned off. I just want those "HEMI" owners to smell a little smoke when my Titan is smokin em!!

• 

  greattruck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By 10356 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  this is a great truck

• 

  Powerful truck! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By sangio - December 29 - 2:00 am

  I test drove the Ram 1500 with the HEMI and an Avalanche. The acceleration respose does not come close. It reminds me of my 1972 Monte Carlo.

• 

  The ZR reigns - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Zman - December 29 - 2:00 am

  The best deal in town. The only thing missing is the on/off switch for the passenger air bag.

• 

  My Fifth Nissan Maxima - New 2004 SE - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Al Kappenstein - December 29 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 Max is my fifth. I started with a 91,92,98,2000 and now the 04. The 04 Max is by far the best of the litter. It has come a long way. I thought my 2000 Max was as good as it could get, but Nissan proved me wrong. The 04 is a good looking car (sexie as my wife says) and the performance matches the look. I had it in the drive way 45 minutes and the neighbors were all over it. In fact two of them asked me to adopt them......no kidding. It is fun to drive. My previous cars all were manual shifts, but I went with the automatic/manual trans in the 04. I am thrilled with its performance. If you love to drive, the 04 max is just for you.

• 

  Bext Maxima Ever - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Msquare - December 29 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Nissan Maxima (previous models 1996 GXE, 2000 GLE). I absolutely LOVE this car!!! Nissan really got it right this time. This version is much more comfortable than previous versions. The car handles and rides very well. Also, a lot more luxury items than previous models.