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:

• 

  SPEED DEMON!!!! - 2002 Nissan Altima
  By NIGHTRIDER - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car while overseas. It was great gift for myself coming back. I took it instantly on the highways of Southern California. It is great and fun to drive. Passing is a breeze and handling the car at high speeds was also simple. Oh I have to say that its top end speed is the most alluring factor. While on a late night drive on I-15 I hit 140 with pedal to spare.

• 

  I only buy sentras! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By TheLittLady - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I have always loved the nissan sentra. This is my third sentra. My sentra is a member family. I like the new longer front, the styling adds an elegance to the car. Great milage and excellent CD sound.

• 

  QUEST IS THE BEST - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By JANETMGILMORE - July 10 - 10:00 am

  After searching for over one year for a van ... always walking away because it was missing something I FOUND THE QUEST. It is like driving a cloud with all controls at your fingertips. With plenty of room and seats that fold down effortlessly. Doors side and back open and close with the remote making loading and unloading a snap.The acceleration and handling is the best of any of the vans I have tested. The STYLE is just the BEST. People stop me nearly every day to question me about my QUEST. I cant wait to tell them how much we LOVE it.

• 

  My New Quest - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Dball - July 10 - 10:00 am

  While researching info for a new mini van, I eliminated the Quest. I had the Quest twin, Mercury Villager, in 97 and assumed the new Nissan would be the same. They are too small for my needs. SUPRISE! My Consumer Reports arrived with mini van tests. Nissan redesigned the Quest. I looked, I bought. The car is great. Loaded with standard features. First trip- 26MPG.Try one if you are looking for a great mini van.

• 

  Roadster - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Willaiam Humphrey - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Car handles great, great power.

• 

  Taking Over the Flagship - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Michael Stevens - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Nissan says that Maxima is their flagship. Having owned my Altima for a mere six months, Id argue that point. The dramatic new body style and sleek design drew me to the car at first sight. I owned two Sentras before buying my Altima and those lasted from 1988 through 2003. After 15 years, I dont think Nissan could have given me a better car to replace my Sentras with. Forget the Maxima, choose the performance and fun and downright sexiness of the Altima! I LOVE mine! Michael Stevens Brandon, MS

• 

  theresas review - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By theresa - July 10 - 10:00 am

  fun car to drive. love the look and feel safe.

• 

  way to go, nissan - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By doe53 - July 10 - 10:00 am

  this is our second maxima, we traded in a 97, which we also loved. this 2004 is a fabulous upgrade for anyone, but having been a nissan family for years, this tops them all. it is sporty, fun to drive, very luxurious and from experience, we know will be dependable.

• 

  hot car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By mayette - July 10 - 10:00 am

  awesome red car w/ skyview total guy magnet!!!! looked really sharp w/ tinted windows

• 

  I love my Maxima. - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By paul h. todd - July 10 - 10:00 am

  The improvements in this car as to head room,leg room and the exterior are unbelievable. It is just a head turning unbelievable car.