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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  An excellent SUV - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By TWSlade - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is a very good SUV. Comfortable, roomy, and economical (21.8 mpg average). I have had no mechanical or quality problems.

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  I love this car! - 2003 Nissan Murano
  By Beth M - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Best car I ever owned! Love it!

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  2004 Nissan Sentra - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By SteamNYC - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I bought the 2004 Nissan Sentra with the Road Trip package (leather steering wheel, 7-speaker stereo system and cruise control) because I also have a 1992 Nissan Sentra sedan that has been the best car since it was new. The 2004 Sentra drives heavier (a big plus) because it has larger tires and weighs more. Handling is tight and responsive, and the engine is very peppy. Overall quality is excellent and I am very happy with this purchase.

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  Not a soccer mom! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Donna Bero - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Were expecting our 3 child in december and decided wed better get a vehicle to accomodate our growing family. I was hesitant about the "mini-van" stigma and was convinced by my husband to check out the new Quest...alas, a mini- van that gives us moms respect and dignity while driving around town. I could not believe the power and sleek design this van has!I bought it that day. I drive around in my van--head HIGH

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  Nissan Quest a winner - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By mark and lori todd - September 26 - 10:00 am

  After owning three Quests this redesign is truly a work of art. Just about anything that we felt could be improved the engineers and designers at Nissan have incorporated in this new unit. We had seriously entertained the idea of changing vehicles this time around but were blown away when we test drove the new 2004. Thank you Nissan

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  Love it - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By blmon88 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I love my van. Rides great, large seats for added comfort. No cramped feeling. Cool ride.

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  Overall a Keeper - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By KMMN - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I love driving my Quest. I am very tall and having the displays in the center of the console prevents the steering wheel from obstructing my view. Automatic side rear and back doors are wonderful with two small kids. So are the fold down seats and ability to pull second row seats forward to access third row, even if second row seats have child seats installed.

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  Nissan 350Z - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By griffin - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Weve owned numerous Nissan products in the past, and this is my favorite Nissan car and car period!

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  Awesome - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By ldnhhi - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have been a Z owner since 1981. The Roadster is my third and not only best Z but best automobile I have ever owned. It is truly a slice of heaven!

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  hmmmmmmmm - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Jeneveh - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Great car, fun to drive, nice to look at, very happy we picked the 350Z!