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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  If you must drive a minivan! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By DONNA S. - June 2 - 2:00 am

  In preperation for the birth of our twins, we purchased a Toyota Sequoia. As the babies got bigger, we found it increasingly difficult to lift them in and out of the car. Putting them in their car seats was tough, and I had to climb in with one hand first. After only eleven months, we traded it in for the Nissan Quest. Not only is this van stylish, but the features are amazing! If you have to own a minivan....the non- minivan design and amazing features sure do make the transition into motherhood a whole lot easier!

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  Just like its namesake - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Happy Murano Owner - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Its a reflection of beauty just like its namesake. The Nissan Murano is a wonderful sculpture turned into a reality, with enough features to keep someone looking for an ample SUV happy (and then some). Ive had this car since April 2003, and at 15,000 miles, Ive had no problems with it. The comfort and interior design is outstanding, has good room for storage in the back, smooth ride, and just an incredible piece of machinery to own. Like many here agree, its the one of the best cars that one can purchase for him/herself. Outstanding work, Nissan. Bravo.

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  Comments on the Nissan Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Alberts - June 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a great all- weather, long distance , comfortable car. Over the years weve owned a lot of cars,theyve all had their strong points and weak points; the Murano seems to combine all the good attributes in one package while minimizing the negative issues. This is the only car my wife has ever fallen in love with.

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  I Love My Nissan - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By MyklH - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I saw this truck early in 2003 and knew immediately that it was the truck for me. Great looking, plenty of power, room for the kids (Im a single daddy). It is the best all around non- full size truck that Ive ever seen. It is a beauty, performs awesome in all terrain types, and is comfy and built rock solid. My son really digs this truck too and we expect to have MANY years of fun in this baby. Buy one, you wont be sorry.

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  sold - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By TITANIUM - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE DRIVING THIS TRUCK. I HAVE OWNED TEM ALL. FORD, CHEVY, DODGE. THIS IS A HOMERUN. I READ ALL THE REVIEWS AND CAN NOT BELIEVE SOME OF THE BAD ONES. THEY MUST BE FROM FORD AND DODGE DEALERS LOSING SALES.

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  great color too!! - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By dawnie - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS VEHICLE. IT DRIVES GREAT.

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  My love of the Z-car - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Kumacho - June 2 - 2:00 am

  In 1972 I purchased my first Z. It was the 1970 240Z and a more cost efficient sports car I have never seen. As an avid autocrosser I was looking for something reasonably priced. I compaired the Z06 Corvette, the Mazda RX8, and the 350Z. I was very impressed with the handling of the Z and at a price that was 16 grand less than a Z06. The Zs 3.5 liter V6 offers very good midrange tourqe. On the track the Z says, Drive me hard. It has very slight understeer. Exiting a corner the Z becomes instantly neutral. Inducing oversteer is very difficult. This car is the embodiment of the original 240Z, offering performance at a reasonable price.

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  awsome - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By 350tre - June 2 - 2:00 am

  i love this car. not used to the attention though. it is fast and fun. the mpg is around 24 on highway and 19 around city, even when driving like a a maniac. get it if you want a cool car. i have had mine a week and went away for spring break, and after 1 day i missed driving it.

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  Excellent - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By GI James - June 2 - 2:00 am

  I just got the new nissan maxima. I love it. I almost got the new impala. But I was sold on the 130,000 miles tuen-up. Its the best

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  04 Maxima SL - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By The Wizzard - June 2 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has good looks and great performance. It is such a joy to drive,and I see a lot of heads turn to look. The car has the style and performance I was looking for. It was a good choice.