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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  Comparable to my BMW - 2005 Nissan Maxima
  By Joan - July 22 - 3:03 pm

  I have owned 2 BMWs and one Lexus. I truly believe I am sold on the Maxima. It handles well and is definitely fun to drive, especially long distance. It hugs the road and I feel very safe and comfortable in it. It has excellent gas mileage on the freeway, I cant judge it in town yet. Most definitely comparable to the BMW. Lithia provided excellent staff and service.

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  Anything goes with me and my Armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By captainvideo - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I traded in a 02 sequoia for my 04 armada. The armada drives like a sports car compared to the sequoia. It has a great deal of power and handling to match. Combine that with all the interior room one could ask for and great comfort and you, me in this case have a suv that screams road trip. The stereo could be better, but with the "aux" 1/8" stereo jack input and my ipod it is more than acceptable until it gets an upgrade. Thumbs up from this owner after 3 weeks of ownership, knowing that a suv of this size and power is just not going to get that great gas milage is just the price you have to pay to own it.

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  armada - 2004 Nissan Armada
  By cgolden - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I love this vehicle!! I look forward to driving it every single day! I highly recommend it if you want a roomy SUV.

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  hot to deaf - 2004 Nissan Altima
  By shakeenah - July 22 - 10:00 am

  since buying my atlima i know this is the best car for me. its not only looks good but it drives good. you can own it for a good price.

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  So good so far - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By surfburger - July 22 - 10:00 am

  Was looking for a newer car with good gas mileage. Choose the Sentra beacuse we have had several Nisson cars, one a 92 Stanza, that have been reliable. Average mileage so far (5550 miles) has been near 35 on long trips, including with A/C going.

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  quest s poor gas mileage - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Mooney - July 22 - 10:00 am

  The gas mileage on this vehicle is terrible compared to what it was advertized to be. I have had 5 recalls on this vehicle in the first 8 months of ownership and I think this is excessive for a new automobile.

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  great van - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By phummel - July 22 - 10:00 am

  It rides like a limo,performs like sports car,We have a family of six and have lots of room.

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  My Murano - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By Karen DAvidson - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I love my car. I have had 2 other Nissan vehicles prior to this. An Altima and a Maxima, and I think that the Murano drives, and rides better than either one. I highly recommend this vehicle to all that are interested in a suv.

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  Excellent automobile with extras - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By ROBERT BAER - July 22 - 10:00 am

  I was amazed. It drives very good and has several interior features such as a unual dash board and a satelite cirius radio. All these features at a very reasonable price. This vehicle will be greatly imitated by other companies.

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  love my truck! - 2004 Nissan Frontier
  By amy monroy - July 22 - 10:00 am

  overall best truck i have had , had fords frm a dully to a 250, nothing compares to this truck!