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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  Best Minivan Ever? - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By J. Brown - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Great styling, comfortable, and powerful. We have not owned it long enough to predict reliability but as of now it has the best over all compliment of features and functionality that we have ever owned.

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  satisfied - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By carol rimm - December 1 - 2:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive; it handles quickly whether acceleration onto highway or stopping. The drivers seat is very comfortable and the adjustable gas pedal ideal. The attention to detail by the designers make this a female friendly car. The flip down back seat handle very easy to use. The trunk space very large.

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  SSSSMMMMOOTTTHHHHHH - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By wedgebolt - December 1 - 2:00 am

  SUV looks but rides like a powerful sedan. Gas mileage is decent. Sunroof has preset open position. Roomy enough to hold my 3 kids in the back.

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  Fast Truck - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By bullco1 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  I love it, bring it on Hemis!

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  z truck review - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By szareck - December 1 - 2:00 am

  My first truck and it is awesome. The ride is smooth like a large sedan. It had plenty of power to pull my boat (8700lbs). The exceptional thought that went into the detail and design makes me a proud owner. For a traveling professional I never thought there would be a pick up truck that I would consider as full time transportation.

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  most excellent xterra - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By suv owner - December 1 - 2:00 am

  im rating this suv because its a great and fun suv to drive and own , i also own a 02 4 runner its good too but not quite as fun as the x terra to drive .both are 4x4 "s ,i can highly recomend this suv to anyone . Aaron

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  So far, so good - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By ELannan - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive only owned the vehicle for a few months, but Ive been very satisfied. The downside is the gas milage being poor, but I expected that. The design of the Xterra is the best of its class. It is a true SUV lovers SUV, with its cargo rack, running boards, rugged look, etc. The price of the Xterra is very reasonable too. Also, I havent yet regreted not buying the FWD. Where I live, I dont usually need it.

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  ben - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By ben z - December 1 - 2:00 am

  its a really good car to have especailly if u tune it up.

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  Great looks. Fun to drive. - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By buster99 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  After years of buying Toyota Camrys, I switched to the Nissan Maxima this year because of its much sharper styling and quality features -- such as the DVD Navigation System -- not available in the Camry. The car is solid, quiet, quick, fun to drive, and looks great.

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  One Great Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By JDH111 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive bought cars from the "Big 3" for the past 30 years. This is our first Nissan. Have had no initial problems with the car with 10k on it now. Time will tell for the future. The car is a blast to drive and have had no negative comments.The only recommendation is to get the traction control. I bought mine without and regretted it. The car is perfect otherwise.