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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  get one - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By bruckins - October 13 - 10:00 am

  the best car out there

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  LOVE MY MAXIMA - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By HASAAN - October 13 - 10:00 am

  THE BEST MONEY I EVER SPENT

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  I feel HOTTT in my new Maxine!!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Aug810 - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I love my new Maxima. It drives and handles great, looks fantastic and I get compliments on it all the time. I have the spirited bronze SL with caffe latte interior. Love the horsepower and all of the extras even on the base model.

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  tha maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By joe avs - October 13 - 10:00 am

  the maxima is a great car.it has a powerfull v6 engine with 265 horse power

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  Excellent Car and Excellent Company - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Robin90277 - October 13 - 10:00 am

  I had an Altima before this that never gave me problems, and now I love my new Maxima, it drives beautifully and looks beautiful. ONLY problem Ive found is the turning radius, cant make a sharp U-Turn. Otherwise, best car for the money out there.

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  Great Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Star Gray - October 13 - 10:00 am

  It has great performance and I love the style. I love the interior and exterior style. I get so much compliments in the car. I love it!

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  I love my Maxima!!!!! - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Lisa S. - October 13 - 10:00 am

  The performance is excellent. Gas mileage is approx. 22 mls per gal. I drive often on the turnpike and with the cruise control its a joy. I drive 30 miles a day to my job and its a pleasure to drive this car. I cant say enough good things about it. Driving my Maxima has become a hobby.

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  maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Rook445 - October 13 - 10:00 am

  Everytime i thought that they cant built it better nissan came back and surprised me. There is some much there to like about this car from the skyview roof, to the interior design that is in a class of its own. I was kinda shaky about the exterior design, but it is growing on me now, and everytime i look at the car it just looks good. Given the choice between a Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and a VW Passat i will buy the maxima in a heart beat, coz after test driving them all, this is the most fun car out of them all.

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  Best Maxima Yet - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By cooldog45 - October 13 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the most beautiful cars ever put out by Nissan. The car handles and performs like a dream.

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  X treme - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By Alex Garcia - October 13 - 10:00 am

  this is my favorite car yet . ive never rode a car like this its is superb and thank the nissan company that they built a excellent car.