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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  Rust - 2003 Nissan Maxima
  By JohnM141 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  My new car developed rust on the rear wheel frame as a result of driving during New Englands sanded/salted roads during last winter. Nothing but a run-a-round from Nissan and my dealer. The car has a design flaw and the company knows it. The problem only occurs if certain conditions are met. I am not satisfied with Nissan at all. A brand new car should not develop rust in only four months? They should have been more supportive.

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  A great built car - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By Maxima_Man - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car for about a month now so I havnt really had the chance to experience problems.But I know that the maxima is a great built car because my mother has an infiniti I30.The maxima and the infiniti I30 have the exact same engines and many of the same features and components since infiniti is a branch of nissan.She has plenty of mileage on her car and has experienced almost zero problems.As for the maxima,I love it.Its roomy,fast,and offers many great features. It is one of the best cars I have driven and think its a well priced car for what you get.It is an all around great car. I definitely recommend this car to anyone.

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  None - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By SnagaFromCHS - June 15 - 10:00 am

  So far the best suv ive eer driven.

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  our car - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By biocrete - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Ihave one promblem with the cars performence , it didnt take long for me to get a speeding ticket.Maybe the shifter could be a bit more easier to operate.

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  Its awsome - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By coryell - June 15 - 10:00 am

  This is the most vehicle for the money ! We love it this is my 7th nissan

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  Excellent! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Patraleyeon - June 15 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE MY NEW NISSAN QUEST! ITS ROOMY, STYLISH, HUGS THE CURVES, THE COLOR IS AWESOME AND EVERYTHING IS RIGHT IN REACH. MY SON LOVES IT. MY BOYFRIEND LOVES IT TOO. AND THE PRICE WAS VERY VERY REASONABLE FOR THIS MINIVAN.

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  2004 350z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By csm - June 15 - 10:00 am

  great automobile. picked it over the rx8

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  350Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By ashley1 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  This car has definitly been the best sports car for this year. it has a very reasonable price and has a great miles/per. gallon. the body style is great and the 350Z is very comfortab;e and easy to drive.

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  Z Best..... - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Z for Me - June 15 - 10:00 am

  The 350z handles great, accelerates great, and looks great....what more could you want?

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  Built correclly - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Mel H - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Have been extremely satisfied with everything on this automobile. Only one small glitch found....fuel door sometimes sticks when opening it. Two or three pushes on release will open it. Will have it adjusted by dealer on first service.