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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  itll do - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By 1fastpizzaboy - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the car back to the dealership for a minor problem (water leak in the trunk) the car has been very reliable and has never let me down under some hard driving situations. great errand car!

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  A nice surprise - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By rafman4 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Very nice minivan. Drives with a performance feel. Nimble steering, good cornering. Good acceleration. Sporty ride. Interior design is superb in terms of comfort, legroom. Fold down seats are great. Center column with all controls took about two days of getting used to but now its very usable and I even prefer it. Does not look like other minivans. Thats a plus!!!!!!

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  Quest Again - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By re-Quest - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Best automobile I have ever had. This is my 2nd Quest minivan. When I went to buy a new car I didnt even consider anything but a Quest. It is quiet, easy to handle, comfortable, lots of space. Of course the gas mileage isnt that great but after all it is a minivan BUT I think the gas mileage is better than most minivans on the market.

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  Recommend!! - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By tgoldny - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I highly recommend this vehicle!! I have owned my Murano for 7 months now and have not one complaint yet and I am a tough customer in the automotive business. I can actually go on a roadtrip with my family and noone is fighting for the front seat,rear seats recline and have plenty of leg room!!! It is really fun to drive,has great power and great space, very functional plus luxurious.

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  Fun Car for Adults - 2004 Nissan Murano
  By GrooveTheory - May 4 - 10:00 am

  While the rest of the car makers are making these big, bulky SUVs that can practically have your whole neighborhood carpool with you. The makers of the Nissan Murano had one thing in their agenda - a simple, sleek and chick SUV. Its made for people who loves to drive and have fun while doing it. Its a necessity for most of us, but were forgetting that its an extension of our personality too. I know when I saw the Murano ... I saw me. Fun and stylish! All the knick-knacks that came with it was just too fabulous for words. The drive is smooth like buttah (thanks Barbra!).

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  Go titan!!!! - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By charlesc - May 4 - 10:00 am

  the first time i drove the titan i was amazed with the instant acceleration. i was also very impressed with the titans interior space. overall it it best truck for the dollar!

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  2004 Nissan Titan - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Roy Young - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable, best towing in its class, good fuel economy for the size...Everything Nissans advertisements claim, we have found to be true. This is an extremely comfortable ride. The backseat leg and head room is amazing. Our salesman is 68" an even he was comfortable in the back! With the optional towing and off- road packages it is a fishermans dream. Maneuvering the boat ramp is much easier with the power and handling of a Titan. We test drove a Toyota Tundra and really liked it. Then we drove the Nissan Titan and knew we had found a better truck. Nissan really got it right with this one.

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  Nice truck but consider higher trim leve - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By jlarzz - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought this truck 2 weeks ago. It is a blast to drive. But, the XE King Cab doesnt come with power windows/mirrors, keyless entry or tinted glass (rear tint is an option). Think about this when you buy one, Im 61" and cant reach across the bench seat at a stoplight with the foot on the brake to adjust a mirror, unlock the passenger door (well, maybe with the console up) or roll down the passenger window. Consider the next higher trim level. Otherwise, It drives like a sportscar with power on tap. I can blast over speed bumps at work without hardly feeling them.

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  FUN 4X4 - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By RH13 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE THE XTERRA 2 YEARS NOW,MINE IS A SUPERCHARGED STICK AND ITS ALOT OF FUN. HANDLES GREAT IN SNOW, LOTS OF SNOW. RIDES LIKE A TRUCK, WHICH IT IS. LOW MILEAGE IS ITS WORST PROBLEM.

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  Best sport car on the market - 2004 Nissan 350Z
  By Brian Chaney - May 4 - 10:00 am

  I havent had it but for a couple of months, but Ive enjoyed every mile. However there are a few thing to change, such as the braking system, rear visibility, and the position of the blinkers & seat warmers. But other than that I beleive its the best thing Nissan has done in a while. You wont find anything better for the price, and I beleive its the best sports car on the market for 2004.