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:

• 

  The Titan Of All Pick Ups - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By newtontwo - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Best truck Ive ever had. And I have Had many.

• 

  well worth the wait - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By hotwheeljim - April 3 - 2:00 am

  had a dodge bad rear end had a ford 9 sets of breaks in the first year drive a new chevy at work 11000 mile had front end replaced doors falling apart tranz. shifts bad. got the titan 1/31/04 did alot of reserch on truck could not find anything that I dint like. well worth the wait. great power smooth ride plenty of room. It also runs good with a HD road king in the bed. getting ready to test it out towing a 28ft traler wit fore cycles.

• 

  Fun to drive, but.... - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By WyLd chyLd, RN - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought this "truck" a week ago and its a fun toy, but very uncomfortable in city driving & freeways (bumpy & I could feel every roll) & horrible fuel economy ($32 for a full tank). I do like the off road driving (a "nature- type" SUV -- excellent in the Northwest), the sounds (cd player) and the look. Only time will tell if i will be totally satisfied.

• 

  The Enthusiasm has worn off.. - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By nicoletheo81 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I was ecstatic when I first drove away in my 350Z! A year later I doubt the long-term quality of this sports car. I was tempted to trade it in, but the dealership I bought it from offered me $26,000 for a car that was worth $34,000 when I signed. Not a smooth ride, the tires are loud, the warning light system is not reliable, & the engine makes a constant clicking sound. Have you ever heard the phrase "Death Trap"? Just thought Id ask.. $40 to fill up the tank isnt helping either w/ gas prices on the rise. All in all I still enjoy the look of the 350Z but will not be interested in buying out the car at the end of the lease or leasing a new one.

• 

  FUN, FUN. - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Z MAN 12 - April 3 - 2:00 am

  UNEVEN TIRE WEAR, NEED BETTER TIRES FROM NISSAN.

• 

  Bullet Z....Dream car! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Gr8tZcar - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Having always been a fan of the "Z" cars, drooling over the 280 in the 80s and yearning to own a 300Z in the 90s, I finally got the opportunity to purchase my very own "Z"!! This car is superb on every level, handling, comfort, styling, speed. I highly recommend this speedy sportster!

• 

  drive it, and youll own it. - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By manny dasilva - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Drove this car back in Sept.2003, thought I had gotten my kicks out. Couldnt get it out of my mind. Finally decided in January to buy it.

• 

  owner - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By jaysthaname - April 3 - 2:00 am

  Over all good exp.

• 

  number 1 for the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By nivers - April 3 - 2:00 am

  This is my 4th Maxima and I just keep on buying them because I feel they are the best car on the road in there class.

• 

  Can we say Buyers Remorse - 2012 Nissan Versa
  By regrets1 - April 2 - 9:48 pm

  I owned a 2011 Versa Hatchback that was stolen out of my driveway so I decided to look at the Versa Sedan. I wish I hadnt. I ended up buying a 2012 Versa Sedan SV mainly for the gas mileage. This car does indeed have a cheap interior and doesnt even have clothes hooks in the back seat. The CVT transmission is almost impossible to get used to. The vehicle is bland and dont believe what others say. It is not fun to drive.