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:

• 

  Perfect daily/first car - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By nametakennow - September 20 - 10:00 am

  This is my first car. I love it to death. Quick and understated, but it always turns a few heads. "Hey, what do you drive?" etc. A lot of fun and perfect for a daily driver, particularly for a young driver like myself. Quick, but not quick enough to get you into too much trouble. The suspension is incredible, handling is amazing, way more suspension than power, which is good for a young driver. Some boost -I have my plans there ;)- and this car would be perfect. Besides the God-awful tires, that is... Ditch the Firestones. Stock LSD is wonderful to have whenever youve got to get on it to get out into traffic. 00-01 SE> 02+ SE-R/Spec V

• 

  GREAT SUV!!!! - 2004 Nissan Pathfinder
  By NELLY - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I TRADED MY FORD EXPEDITION IN FOR MY NISSAN. THIS SUV IS A GREAT ALL AROUND VEHICLE. ITS BETTER ON FUEL,COMFORT, AND OVERALL HANDLING. I HAVE NO BAD THINGS TO SAY ABOUT MY PATHFINDER. I ALSO THINK OVERALL YOU GET A GEAT PERFORMANCE SUV FOR A GREAT PRICE.

• 

  I love it!!!!! - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By Susan H - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Its a large truck but has a large turning radious.which makes turns a peice of cake. It has quick pick up and a smoothe ride. Im surprised theres not more on the road. Theyre really not that expensive considering how spacious they are. They have more leg room then compartible trucks in there class. I just sold the Land Rover Discovery, Which it blows away.

• 

  I love this minivan! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By amystoops - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I just got my minivan last month! It was a hard decision as I was torn between this one and the Honda. In the end I have been happy with my Nissan I previously owned so I went with the Quest. I would recommend this van to others!

• 

  Murano Rocks - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By purrrin - September 20 - 10:00 am

  The Murano is an awesome vehicle. I compared it to the Lexus RX330 and feel this is the best choice. It is a very comfortable vehicle to drive and gives the driver a feeling of driving a very solid automobile. It is responsive in handling and a pure pleasure to drive. I am very satsified.

• 

  More Bang for your Buck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By bill from nj - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I used to have a 2000 Toyota Tacoma 4X, and it was a great and dependable vehicle. I examined the Dodge Ram 1500 and the Titan, and though the Dodge offerd many incentives to buy, I still felt the Titan offered more Bang for the buck. I also feel with the great reputation of Nissan, this truck will give years of good dependable service. I only have this truck for just over a month, but it performs as advertized, and the interior is like a Infinite with a bed attached. I would highly recommend this truck. Look-Out Ford Dodge & Chevy P.S..Everyone looks at this truck when I go buy, its still very rare around here...!

• 

  great cowgirl truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By lab4747 - September 20 - 10:00 am

  Needed a V8 to tow a horse trailer, and the GMC/Chevy option was not nearly as well equipped, nor as good looking and functional. I shopped around and got exactly the options I wanted, with an excellent Nissan finance deal (2% for 60 months), traded in my V6 and drove the Titan home yesterday. Mileage is estimated to be exactly what my Tacoma was getting, but with this, I dont need to pedal when towing uphill!

• 

  My Driving Machine - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Mollie - September 20 - 10:00 am

  I was ready for more power.I was intrigued with the new Z car that I saw in an article about 3 years back when they were teasing everyone with articles announcing this new sexy beauty back by popular demand.I remember the article had the orangish color with the matching interior.Then it came.More incredible than any picture.The lines of this car are so voluptuous.The drive is great.When it is driven the way it was meant to be driven-wow.The power is fantastic.I feel safer with the curtain airbags.I got a fat ticket a few weeks ago and it was worth every penny.I thought about the S4s as well and I couldnt be happier with my selection.

• 

  I Love my Car! - 2000 Nissan Pathfinder
  By Chrstine - September 19 - 4:56 pm

  I bought 2000 PF in 2001 with 9k miles and havent looked back! This car has taken me through alot over the years. In 2004 I was in a accident and the car flipped on its side . .major front end/side damage, but I walked away without a scratch! My insurance copy paid for all repairs and I am still driving the car today with no problems. Just reg maint. and old changes every 3000k. Car is currently at 77k. I plan to drive for another 10 years or more.

• 

  LOVE IT - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By DEE - September 19 - 4:23 pm

  I HAVE ONLY HAD MINE FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS, BUT I LOVE IT, I HAD TWO XTERRAS, BUT I LOVE THIS MUCH MORE.