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:

• 

  Speedometer NOT work at 55+mph - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By aaa1 - December 22 - 10:00 am

  After one month I bought the car, the speedometer does not work when speed at 55mph and above. The dealer said that the Unified Processor needs to replace. However, the part in back order is still not available since Sept. 20. I called Nissan about this and they said they would do something for me and would call me back, but they never did. Their cars are bad. Their customer services are bad. Another minor problem is that the driver seat makes noise when turning. I will never buy Nissan again! Hope your car is good.

• 

  So far, so good! - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By r6girl - December 22 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Nissan - my last vehicle was an Xterra and we were looking for a bit more room and towing capacity. My husband didnt particularly like the looks of the Pathfinder (though I like it a lot!), but it was a great deal since the new 05 models are arriving and dealers are working to get the 04s off their lots. My Xterra was very reliable and fun to drive, and the Pathfinder is the same, but with more power and comfort features. We tow our motorcycles to local race-tracks and look forward to the added power. If the 4-wheel drive system is as effective as the one on my Xterra, it should be great to drive in the snowy mountains this winter when we go snowboarding.

• 

  Fully Decked Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By mycamel - December 22 - 10:00 am

  We looked at all of the large luxuary SUVs and drove the ones we liked. All of them had limited leg room for rear passengers. We first saw the Armada going down the street in downtown Las Vegas. We both did a double take and loved the styling. Within days of returning home, we test drove and bought the Armada. Going from a nice leather mini van to a V8 loaded SUV is a great feeling. Tonight we went to dinner, cranked the Bose, opened the moonroof and grinned all the way back home. The only interuption was the sweet voice of the GPS nav system telling us how to get back home. With 1000 miles on the OD, it might be too early to judge, but we love it so far!!!!!!

• 

  My "new" baby - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Twin620 - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I just got my Morano in July. I absolutely adore it! Its fun to drive, handles amazingly and rides extremely smooth. It has great acceleration when getting on the highway. The ONLY negative thing I can say about it is the fuel economy. I have been getting approximately 16.5 MPG. Id been hoping for better gas mileage, but I truly love it and wouldnt hesitate to buy another one!

• 

  Repeat Nissan Buyer - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Z33Fan - December 22 - 10:00 am

  As one of the first owners of the 350z coupe in 2002, I had a unique opportunity to evaluate the "new" Nissan, and wasnt disappointed. When my job required a pickup truck, going back to the dealer to look at a Titan was a sure bet. As a direct result of the excellent performance, reliability, and dealer service on my 350z, I had no problem taking home a Titan, especially after a test drive. Interiors have improved dramatically from 5-10 years ago, and the mechanicals are still world-class. At the price point, this truck was by far the best in class. Very solid and sturdy feeling. I went back to Nissan, and will go back again to buy my next vehicle, no question.

• 

  Xterra makes for love/hate relationship! - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Nothead - December 22 - 10:00 am

  I have had my Xterra for about a month now and I am truly in a love hate relationship with it. I must say that I do "love it" much more than I hate it though. The power must be increased for this monster. The gas mileage must be worked on too, it really sucks to have poor mileage from a vehicle that has weak gittyup! I have to really step on it to make it get out of the blocks if I want to pass another car. Kinda wished I had waited to get the 05 model coming out nest year. Leg room is down right short for rear passengers. Front driver leg room can be improved too. I scrape my knees on the wheel each time I climb in even though the steering wheel is in the high tilt position.

• 

  My New Car - 2003 Nissan Altima
  By Ben Mendoza - December 22 - 10:00 am

  My Altima color is Sunset, it looks expensive, handles like a sport car and is good on gas. My son is over 6ft.,there is plenty of leg and head room,we can fit five, and it being a four door, we can get in and out very easy.

• 

  Best Truck On The Road - 2005 Nissan Titan
  By Mark McKune - December 22 - 3:33 am

  I have owned my Titan since November, the Titan is a 10. The interior is very functional and spacious, it is almost impossible to use all the interior space. With 5 adults there was additional leg room for both the front and rear seat passengers. Even with the offroad package the truck rides smooth. The Driver Memory system with the power adjustable pedals makes it easy for my wife to drive. The dash is easy to read and driver friendly. Powerful truck and everyone I have let drive it says they must have one. Nissan has really done it this time.

• 

  Not Safe - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By RH - December 21 - 3:50 pm

  My family was in a car accident head on FORTUNATELY no one was hurt. However, no ones airbags deployed. Read the reviews before you BUY. If my car is totaled. I will buy a toyota or honda

• 

  Truck of the Year - 2005 Nissan Frontier
  By Joe - December 21 - 12:53 pm

  Bought 2005 Frontier King Cab, w/NISMO package in Red. This truck is awsome. It has huge horspower / torque and lots of cool features you can add on. It rides great and pretty much whoops on all other midsize truck that have a V6 engine. I upgraded and got the Audio Package, Bed Package with liner ect.., the in cabin microfilter, and alarm.