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:

• 

  maxima review - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By oneslowhemi - July 10 - 10:00 am

  great car ,quality is great,engine and trans work very well together,I would reccommend to all, great car for the price.

• 

  2004 Maxima is a great car! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Ken B. - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned a Honda Accord, Lexus ES300, Saab, BMW, and Land Rover. Nothing compares to the beefy and sophisticated styling of Nissans new Maxima.

• 

  Maxima is a must own - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By keith dantonio - July 10 - 10:00 am

  i have had 3 maximas in a row, and 6 total nissans. Ive never had a problem with any of them, not even a sqeak.

• 

  so coollll - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By playbt - July 10 - 10:00 am

  i love my maxima. the drive to totally fun and i get so many compliments on it.

• 

  Cool car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Balam - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I just love it, very smooth, and powerful

• 

  I love my maxima! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By pamela white - July 10 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2003 in Novemer of 2002. When I saw the new 2004 I had to drive it. 2 Months later I traded my 2003 for the 2004.. I love it. I love the way it feels, I love the way it looks, I love the way it handles. As you can see I love the 2004 Maxima. Keep up the good work. Oh by the way it is my 4th Maxima.

• 

  More fun than you think - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Nissan Max - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Fast, slick, with a large slice of luxury. I was looking at quite a few cars, and the Maxima easily won. I had owned sports cars and needed a 4-door. Thought I would be giving up a lot of performance. I was wrong. The elite package has brought a LOT of nice comments. I upgraded to full tint windows, crome wheels, but thats it. Get it loaded you wont be disappointed.

• 

  the best - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By bob iguchi - July 10 - 10:00 am

  i have owned 5 maximas. the 2004 maxima is the best !! it is the fastest, smoothest ride, and luxury car i have ever owned. i get people stopping me at the car wash, in parking lots, and on the street saying how beautiful the car is. the performance is incredible.. stevens creek nissan is the best also. i bought my car from the fleet manager. i have since bought 2 more cars( my son and daughter in law ) from them. their service and attention to detail is incredible. bob

• 

  sweet car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By thud 90 - July 10 - 10:00 am

  i found this car to have great speed and excellent handeling. the inside is very comfortabel and is very classcy for its price

• 

  An Infinity in Nissan clothing - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By DTLSMITH - July 10 - 10:00 am

  Our Maxima SE has thus far exceeded my expectations. This is one terrific ride; an Infinity in Nissan clothing. The performance, smoothness & overall build quality is superb in its price range. It is well equipped, even in base form, with 18" wheels, computer, 265 hp and choice of 6-speed or 5 speed auto transmissions. but add a few options, like navigation sytem, VDC, memory seat, 320w Bose sound, and you have a very upscale car at a very medium car price.