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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  Bobs - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Robert Kuzniewski - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Very good pickup. Good Lines.

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  fun ride - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By max rules - July 10 - 10:00 am

  handles great big car ride more head room

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  Great looks and Fun to drive - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By lOS - July 10 - 10:00 am

  GREAT CAR LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT IT FROM ITS COLOR TO THE WHEELS. FUN TO DRIVE,HAD IT FOR ONLY A FEW MONTHS AND ALREADY THINK ITS THE BEST MAXIMA I EVER HAD ,I HAVE OWNED A 93 AND 95 .TEST DRIVE AND YOU WONT REGRET IT

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  MY Maxima is wonderful, classy car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Wilkins - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I had my cars for 93 days, I have driven it every day. I use to dislike driving until I found my Max. She is elegant, and easy to handle on the road with my BOSE CD player. I will be Nissan Max driver for life. Thank you Nissan

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  Get One!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Doug Bekemeier - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Had the Maxima for 2 months, very fun to drive, very fast, and other than a dead battery cell the car has been perfect--oh by the way, an awesome sound system BOSE!!!

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  Totally Awesome Sedan - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Mr. W - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I have always been impressed with Nissan products, but this new Maxima is absolutely the most outrageous sedan Ive ever driven. Its incredibly fast, the handling is extremely crisp and precise and its very roomy and quiet inside!! My wife loves the power tilt/heated steering wheel. We both hate getting out of this car!! WE get stared at a lot too!!

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  I luv my car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By jmoney0049 - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This has been the greatest automotive purchase the family has made. Its style, performance, and luxury are unbeatable for the price.

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  Great Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Paul Sowder - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. I owned 2000 Maxima before I purchased this one,there is no comparison. Fuel economy is also great on the road I get 35 mpg.

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  2004 nissan opinions - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By CARL BURT - July 10 - 10:00 am

  It is entirely to rough for me. performance is there but I would like a car with a much better ride. It just dont smooth out the small imperfections in the road. The low profile tire is most of the problem.

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  PERFECT - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By MARCK - July 10 - 10:00 am

  LOOKS AND ITS FEEL NICE, REALLY FUN TO DRIVE