Nissan History

Nissan’s history stretches back more than a century, beginning in 1914 with its early roots under the Datsun name. The company officially took shape in 1933 when Nissan Motor Co. absorbed the Datsun organization, and by 1934 it adopted the name that would become known around the world. From its earliest years, Nissan demonstrated both ambition and adaptability, qualities that would propel it into becoming Japan’s third-largest automaker.

In 1935, the first Datsun passenger car rolled off the assembly line, marking a major milestone for Japan’s growing automotive industry. Just two years later, Nissan introduced the Datsun Type 15, Japan’s first mass-produced vehicle. Available as a compact sedan, pickup, and delivery van, it helped establish Nissan’s reputation for practical and reliable engineering. Even before World War II, the company began exporting to Australia, showing its early global ambitions.

By 1958, Nissan had entered the American market, influenced in part by its U.S.-based engineer William R. Gorham. The company exported the 1200 Sedan, powered by a 48-horsepower engine, and a compact pickup that became a best-seller during the late 1950s. Nissan’s strategy of offering dependable and affordable vehicles resonated with postwar consumers, laying the foundation for long-term success abroad.

The 1960s marked a turning point as Nissan diversified its lineup to include sportier models. The SPL 210 roadster debuted with a folding soft top and a modest 48-horsepower engine, soon upgraded to 85 horsepower. The company also launched the Bluebird sedan in 1962, notable for its synchronized three-speed transmission, and the rugged Patrol SUV, which was famously advertised as being able to “climb trees.” In 1967, the high-performance 2000 Roadster made its debut, earning praise in motorsports and further enhancing Nissan’s reputation for performance.

The momentum continued into the 1970s with the introduction of the legendary “Z” series. The 1970 Datsun 240Z became an instant icon, blending performance, comfort, and affordability in a way few sports cars could match. It went on to become the best-selling sports car in the world and solidified Nissan’s presence in the United States, where Datsun became the top imported brand by 1975.

Throughout the 1980s, Nissan expanded production globally to meet rising demand, opening new factories and broadening its lineup. In 1989, the company introduced Infiniti, its luxury brand, targeting premium markets in North America and beyond. That same year, Nissan celebrated producing its one-millionth vehicle in the United States—a major milestone that highlighted its transformation into a truly international automaker.

The 1990s brought new challenges and opportunities. Nissan strengthened its global footprint with popular models like the Altima and Sentra, both of which became key pillars of its success. In 1999, the company entered a strategic alliance with Renault, a partnership designed to share technology and streamline operations across Europe and Asia.

The 21st century saw Nissan reinvent itself once again with bold new designs and technologies. The 350Z revived the company’s iconic sports car heritage in 2002, while the Murano signaled Nissan’s entry into the rapidly growing SUV segment. Later, the company introduced the GT-R, a technological masterpiece that redefined performance benchmarks for supercars worldwide. Today, Nissan continues to innovate with electric vehicles and intelligent mobility, carrying forward a legacy built on engineering, adaptability, and a passion for progress.

Nissan

Current Models

Nissan Sakura

Nissan Z

Nissan Ariya

Nissan Kicks

Nissan Gt-R Nismo

Nissan Juke Nismo

Nissan Leaf

Nissan Juke

Nissan Sunny

Nissan 370Z Nismo

Nissan 370Z Roadster

Nissan Nv

Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Rogue

Nissan Tiida / Versa Sedan

Nissan Grand Livina

Nissan Navara / Frontier Double Cab

Nissan Navara / Frontier King Cab

Nissan Note

Nissan Titan Crew Cab

Nissan Quest

Nissan Armada

Nissan Murano

Nissan Teana

Nissan Altima

Nissan X-Trail

Nissan Pathfinder

Nissan Skyline

Nissan Sentra

Nissan Almera / Pulsar Sedan

Nissan Almera / Pulsar 5 Doors

Nissan Serena

Nissan Terrano 5 Doors

Nissan Micra 5 Doors

Nissan Maxima

Nissan Patrol Lwb

Nissan Gt-R

Discontinued Models

Nissan Cube

Nissan Np300

Nissan Titan King Cab

Nissan Xterra

Nissan Murano Crosscabriolet

Nissan Pixo

Nissan Patrol Swb

Nissan Platina

Nissan 350Z Roadster

Nissan 350Z

Nissan Micra C+C

Nissan Primera Sedan

Nissan Almera / Pulsar 3 Doors

Nissan Micra 3 Doors

Nissan Primera Break

Nissan Primera Hatchback

Nissan Almera Tino

Nissan Terrano 3 Doors

Nissan Liberty

Nissan 200 Sx

Nissan 100 Nx

Nissan 300 Zx

Nissan Prairie

Nissan Sunny Traveller

Nissan Sunny 3 Doors

Nissan Sunny Hatchback

Nissan Sunny Sedan

Nissan Bluebird Hatchback

Nissan Bluebird Sedan

Nissan Bluebird Traveller

Back to Nissan