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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  nissan - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By fthomas23 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  was surprised by how much room their was inside this vehicle, the trunk was average sized.

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  excellent - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By duphud - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I have owned 4 Nissans in the last 13 years. They are well built, easy to drive, comfortable, and give you a little bit of luxury with out the big price on any model you try. Test drive one and you will feel and see the difference.

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  Altima excellence - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By Tippy - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Driving is not one of my favorite things to do, but after buying this car, I cant wait to get behind the wheel. My only complaint is that it is so comfortable to drive it almost puts you to sleep.

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  Advice from an X-Hyundai owner - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Jen Ryan - April 3 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 Nissan Sentra 1.8 S is everything a small family needs. It has a extremely stylish exterior and a roomy and modern interior. For the price it is the best buy. Also, Nissan has one of the highest resale values. It far surpasses its competitors with standard features and price. If you are looking for a foreign car at great price I suggest checking out your local Nissan Dealer and taking a Sentra 1.8S for a ride. You will be impressed!!!

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  Worth the wait for new model - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Mrs. BJ C - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I waited for the new quest, since my 97 Quest was 7 years old and knew a new model was on its way. I get so many compliments on my van, it cracks me up. Theyre complimenting a mini-van! Its comfortable, fast and sporty, and its loaded to the max. I got everything, dual screen tv, nav system, running boards and so on. I drive a lot and average 2,000 miles a month, running my children to sports events. The nav system is great and has saved time getting to events. The handling is outstanding, very sporty. The SKY LIGHTS ARE SO COOL! I just love it!

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  nissan quest is an excellent buy - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By kl douglas - April 3 - 2:00 am

  every inch of the 2004 quest is used to the driver and passengers advantage. the front console allows more room than any other vehicle i have seen, and i have test drove all the minivans made. great design, it doesnt even feel like i am driving a minivan, its more like a smooth riding suv.

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  murano 2004 - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By leni - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I love my murano. Its the most awesome car i have ever had. For someone who doesnt really like to drive, I look forward to getting in her everyday! The ride is smooth and quiet. The acceleration is awesome. She isnt too big on the outside but she is huge on the inside. The Murano is ahead of its time in looks. Modern sleek, interesting and stylish.

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  murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By bella - April 3 - 2:00 am

  im fairly new with this velicle but it seems to be a nice ride,very comfortable seating,nice head room/leg room,all round comfort interior... exterior sharp suv. I have many suvs this rides totally differnt then one io must say like a cross between a luxury car/ride and a smooth suv...so far no big complaints

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  Love my car! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Young 50 year old - April 3 - 2:00 am

  After doing months of research, I finally took the plunge and bought a fully loaded Murano. I have enjoyed it immensely. It has a responsive engine with quick acceleration. After driving an Explorer for the past 10 years, there is no comparison. Unlike the Explorer, the Murano doesnt drive like a truck, instead it feels like a luxury vehicle. My only complaint would be the mileage isnt what I would have hoped it would be. Only hurts right now with premium gas prices thru the roof.

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  Great truck for the price. - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Rick A M - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Looks good but performs better. It drives and rides better than my wifes car. It has an excellent turning radius and has a great deal of room in the interior. The only drawback is the gas mileage but I expected that when I bought it.