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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  kidsandpets - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By petjet - December 24 - 10:00 am

  this minivan is exceptional!!! I have four kids and two large dogs, and it accomadates everyone comfortably. My kids love the dvd player and wireless headphones. They are quiet when driving and as soon as they get in the van, they are asking for a movie. My husband who has a 4x4, even enjoys driving it. the sunroof and sky view windows are great. I feel like a spirited mom driving everyone around.

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  Not Just another minivan - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By Brita - December 24 - 10:00 am

  We love the unique look and rooominess. The comfort features please passengers of all sizes, in all seats. Friends call it our mini jet based on the ride and unusual look.

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  Pleasantly Surprised - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By kwestluver - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Having been burned with used cars in the future, we have been pleasantly surprised with how reliable this quest has become. Highly recommend it!

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  Great Van!! - 2004 Nissan Quest
  By bjones9043 - December 24 - 10:00 am

  What a nice mini-van!! It has a great amount of power and a lot of room inside for a large family. It is such a versatile vehicle.

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  Nissan Titan is one great pickup - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By jkozemko - December 24 - 10:00 am

  The Titan is like a full sized pickup and SUV combined. As a pickup owner for many years, I tried an SUV for 3 years and found I really missed the pickup. The Titan filled the void with added bonuses. Its got power, great amenities, smooth ride, and superb handling while still feeling like a rugged pickup. My wife has to drive the truck quite a bit due to her job and she loves it as much as I do.

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  F-150 Eat my Dust - 2004 Nissan Titan
  By Tom Morehouse - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I finally talked mom into a truck. she hated the idea until we took a test drive. Now she drives it. My neighbors all work for Ford and tried to talk me out of it. But when I brought it home they all came running to check it out. They still think its below their F-150, until I pass them on the highway. We have 4 kids and we all ride comfortable. Better than our old mini van. And she sounds great. I like to drown out the kid thumping his base next to me in traffic with the exhaust and a little Metallica. The truck gets the looks and she always thanks them with a blink from her tail lights as she speeds out of site. I cant wait until vacation!

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  Great SUV if gas prices were not so high - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By HornsManiac - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Unfortunately, you must burn super premium grade gas. I regularly spend $35 for a tank of gas that only gets me about 200 miles. The sun roof could have been designed better, because both the wind deflector and the basket really restrict its use. As far as the rest of the SUV goes I could not be more pleased. It has a very sporty look both inside and out. It also is very rugged looking and you can tell this SUV is much closer to being a truck than a car. Stadium style seating in the back is a plus. The Rockford Fosgate premium sound with the in dash CD changer is the best stock stereo system Ive heard.

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  Good - 2004 Nissan Xterra
  By SRPatt - December 24 - 10:00 am

  We are really enjoying our new Xterra. We just took a small overnight trip about 800 miles roundtrip and was very comfortable. We drove a 1998 Chevy Tahoe before, and even my husband lover our Xterra!!! He has been amazed at all of them we pass on the roads, now that we have one. It is a great mid sized SUV.

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  Nissan/Altima V6SL - 2005 Nissan Altima
  By BVersoy - December 24 - 10:00 am

  The car is quiet - smooth and steady. The acceleration is instant (& fun) and the breaking is extraordinary. It just is so effortless. An extreme pleasure to drive this BEAUTIFUL car.

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  Leaking Versa w/ bad gas mileage - 2008 Nissan Versa
  By MSL - December 23 - 11:56 am

  Purchased this Nissan Versa in April, 2008 as a commuter vehicle. I have a 64 mile round trip daily commute. I have had the Versa back four time to the dealership. Once for highway mileage that is only 27 mpg. The other three times have been for roof or door leaks. All have been part of warranty coverage, with free loaners to use during work. My floors are slopping wet and have been wet more than half of the eight months I have owned the vehicle. The last time I noticed wetness was after a free car wash that my dealership offers with each oil change. Living in Maine, a wet vehicle means frozen interiors to your windows each morning. Wish I had not purchased this vehicle.