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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  what a great ride - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By kds000 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  the bestvan i have ever owned

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  I will not buy it again - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Grigor Terterian - August 8 - 2:00 am

  1) Both side sliding doors are making such a bad noise that it seems that the door is going to fall down any minute now... 2) The second problem is performance. Even though the car is OK performance wise, but lets say you drive 30mph and press the gas pedal little bit, the noise that comes from the motor is seems you are going uphill... 3) Driver seat and the passanger seat desings are so poor that you will never be able to rest your head on the headrest. 4) The drivers seat does not go back too much, so it seems you are stuck there... 5) On the back seat, it is too rough.

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  Fun Vehicle! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Mowdat - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Just had this vehicle 10 days, and I love it! Great looking, attracts looks everywhere. Contrary to what I have read, the CVT is awesome. Smooth, powerful. It amazes my friends. Had satellite radio installed, also awesome, works through the dash monitor. Gas mileage 22+ in mixed driving. Very quiet.

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  Love it - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By gary Bell - August 8 - 2:00 am

  Drives like a european sedan, works like an SUV. Sexy styling in and out, Drives very smooth. I love the CVT and engine combination.

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  great - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By moody - August 8 - 2:00 am

  this is a geat car. it is very helpful to me whenever i go anywhere. it has alot of room!!!!!1 perfect for both adults and teens.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By Stephen Thomas - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The Xterra is THE best purchase I have ever made. The truck is designed so greatly and with a really unique look to it. I get nothing but compliments about it.

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  over and beyond - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By abbey #15 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  this car drives like a dream.handling,performance,styling and the price..as one article i read said its a poor mans porsche...great car for the money

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  THIS ROADSTER ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By DRAGON21169 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  350 Z ROADSTER IS AN GREAT VALUE FOR THE MONEY. IT IS FUN TO DRIVE. I HAVE LOOKED AT ALOT OFF CAR AND THIS IS THE ROADSTER TO BUY AND KEEP TILL THE DAY YOU DIE.

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  drive a (z) - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By ronnie c - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I have owned my (z) for a couple of months now ,and whats not to love about the car except for the rough ride the first 2000 miles. the looks are great. I owned a 300 z for 14 years 200,000 miles the best car i have ever had. we will see about the 350z.

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  What a ride - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By gscooter - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This is an outstanding vehicle in every way. I have owned a number of sports cars and this one I truly enjoy. I dumped an 03 MB SLK for the 04 350Z. Im glad I did. Handling, acceleration and build quality are great.