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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  Best Auto I ever owned - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By donaldtruely - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This automobile is incredible for the dollar amount. Thank you Nissan. Everytime I get in this machine I am proud I bought it. It is truely an amazing piece of mankinds best work. It is rolling art. Love it

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  This car is living a dream - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By rafaelfoss - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Besdies the fact that I have never seen another car like mine on the road, beening that it is so limited, the car outperforms anything I find on the road under 50K.

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  The Precious Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By hjgfffyt - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I love the shape and size of the z not to mention its speed.

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  zeelicious - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By zgirl44 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  i have only had my z since october and have only driven it 1200 miles, but i love this car!! everywhere i go heads turn and everyone asks, what is that? is that a porsche? i got the daytona blue, windows tinted, 19" wheels, chrome grill. it looks sooooo awesome!!! and it flies!! seems like all the hondas and toyotas are the ones that want to race....zzzya!!!

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  Best bang for your buck - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By levedis - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Why go for a bland camry when for the same money get more. Its extremely roomy and can fit 5 comforably. Its sleek styling is only going to want to make automakers copy it.

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  Maxima still great - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By JoyS - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Hope Nissan tweaks 2005 This is 4th Max Sporty enough to keep adrenaline up but more luxurious for older bones Int/ext quality not as good as prev Max Question durability Hey Nissan, loyal customers shouldnt doubt

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  The best Max ever - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Testoni - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This is my 3rd Maxima (had a 97 and a 01), and Nissan has done a great job overall. Even though the Maxima is based on the new Altima, there is a substatial difference in the driving feel, giving the Maxima a more "upscale" feel (my wife has the Altima).

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  Eye Catcher - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Reddingben - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This is the second, and best, Maxima that I have owned. It looks good moving or parked. The interior is quiet and comfortable, but there is a throaty sound to the acceleration that is very satisfying to the ear. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Better Than the Altima - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Orthopod - July 20 - 10:00 am

  I went to the dealership expecting to own a new Altima Se, but when I drove the maxima I was Hooked. I admit the Altima may be a tad bit sportier, but what the maxima lacks here, it makes up for in comfort,refinement and style. I have always wanted a sports car, and at 34, am finally able to afford one. However,time and family(two toddlers) have changed my taste, style and needs. The maxima makes me feel young and sporty again when I need it, but is comfortable, convenient and beautiful the rest of the time. Overall, a wonderful combination for a young at heart family man.

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  A truly beauty - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By Nobbs - July 20 - 10:00 am

  This car is a wonderful car for the young driver. I had a 95 Maxima before I got the 02 SE Auto. I got into an car accident a little over a month and my old Maxima GLE saved my life. The car is built so well, and care is taken to ensure its perfection. I enjoy driving my 02 Maxima SE Auto as it is very roomy and sporty. The car is great for anyone who like driving a sports car, but prefers a 4-door sedan. The suspension on the car is great; I have tested it out on a number of roads. I would highly recommend this car to anyone who wants a safe, beautiful, and enjoyable car.