Nissan: complete list of models by year (1933–2026) with photos and characteristics

Japanese automaker Nissan is one of the oldest automobile companies in the world, whose history goes back more than 90 years. During this time, the brand has released hundreds of models: from modest post-war babies to legendary sports cars and SUVs that have conquered the world market. But how to make sense of this diversity? In this article we systematized all Nissan models by year, highlighting key milestones, technical innovations and little-known facts - for example, which cars were assembled in the USSR or why some models were sold under different names in different countries.

We will pay special attention Russian market: here Nissan presented since the 2000s, but some models (like Nissan Sunny) were familiar to Soviet car enthusiasts back in the 1970s–1980s. We will also reveal the secrets of the name encoding (what the letters mean Qashqai or Juke?), we will analyze the evolution of design and tell you which models have become cult favorites and which ones have become commercial failures. Ready to dive into history?

1933–1960: the birth of the brand and the first Datsun models

Origins Nissan go to the company DAT Motorcar Co., founded in 1911. However, the official date of birth of the brand is considered to be 1933, when it was registered Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.. The first cars were produced under the brand Datsun (short for Dat + Son - "son of DAT"). These were compact cars aimed at the domestic Japanese market.

Among the key models of that period:

• 🚗 Datsun Type 11 (1932) - the first production car, a copy of the British Austin 7. Only 150 copies were produced.
• 🚙 Datsun Type 14 (1935) - the first model with an original design, equipped with a 722 cc engine with 15 hp.
• 🚐 Datsun Truck Model 17 (1938) - the first truck of the brand, actively used by the Japanese army during World War II.

Fun Fact: Until the 1950s Nissan did not export cars outside of Japan. The exception was Datsun DB (1950) - the first Japanese car officially sold in the USA (only 2 copies!). This marked the beginning of the brand's global expansion.

⚠️ Attention: Many early models Datsun (1930–1950s) are rarities today. For example, Datsun Type 15 (1936) is estimated at $200-500 thousand at auctions, but it is almost impossible to find original spare parts - most parts are made to order.

Model	Years of production	Engine	Features
Datsun Type 11	1932–1934	0.5 l, 10 hp	Clone Austin 7, manual control
Datsun Type 14	1935–1936	0.7 l, 15 hp	First original design, 3-speed gearbox
Datsun DB	1950–1951	0.8 l, 25 hp	First export to USA, aluminum body

1960–1980: export breakthrough and legendary sports cars

The 1960s were a turning point for Nissan: the company began active development of foreign markets, including Europe and North America. The model played a key role Datsun Bluebird 310 (1959), which became the first Japanese car to be exported en masse to the United States. And in 1966 appeared Datsun 1000 — the first car of the brand officially sold in the USSR (only 50 copies for diplomats).

But real glory Nissan brought sports cars:

• 🏁 Datsun Fairlady 1500/1600/2000 (1962–1970) - roadster, which became the prototype Mazda MX-5. In the US it was sold as Datsun Sports.
• 🚀 Nissan Skyline GT-R (KPGC10) (1969) - The "Godzilla" that dominated racing in the 1970s. Its 2.0 liter engine S20 developed 160 hp - a record for production cars of that time.
• 💨 Datsun 240Z (1970) - the first “Z-car”, which was sold cheaper in the USA Porsche 911, but accelerated to 200 km/h.

Little known fact: Datsun 240Z was so popular in the US that it was called "Japanese" Corvette". In total, 150 thousand copies were sold between 1970 and 1973 - a record for a Japanese sports car of those years.

1980–2000: era of innovation and globalization

The 1980s were marked by a name change: in 1983, the brand Datsun was completely replaced by Nissan (except South Africa, where Datsun lasted until 2006). This period was a time of technological breakthroughs:

• 🤖 Nissan Pulsar NX (1982) - the first production car with turbocharging and electronic injection in the compact class.
• 🌍 Nissan Terrano (1986) - the brand’s first full-size SUV, created on the basis Ford Maverick (joint project with Ford).
• ⚡ Nissan 300ZX (Z32) (1989) - the first Japanese car with electronically controlled suspension and twin-turbo V6.

In the 1990s Nissan ran into financial difficulties, which led to an alliance with Renault in 1999. However, even during this period, iconic models appeared:

• 🏜️ Nissan Patrol GR (Y60) (1987) - an SUV that is still used in the armies of the Middle East.
• 🚗 Nissan Primera P10 (1990) - the first sedan with stepless variator (CVT).
• 💥 Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 (1989) - "Godzilla", banned in some countries due to excessive power (280 hp according to the "gentlemen's agreement" of the Japanese manufacturers).

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Nissan Skyline GT-R R32–R34 (1989-2002) Check the car's history for racing history. Many examples were involved in drag racing or drifting, which could lead to engine overheating RB26DETT and damage to turbines. Original spare parts for these models today cost as much as new cars.

Checking the VIN for originality of the body

Engine diagnostics for compression

Oil analysis for metal shavings

Checking documentation for compliance with the year of manufacture -->

2000–2010: the rise of crossovers and hybrids

The new millennium has become a time of revolutionary change. Nissan was one of the first to catch the trend for crossovers, releasing in 2000 Nissan X-Trail T30 — the brand’s first compact crossover. But it became a real hit Nissan Qashqai J10 (2006), which defined the format of modern urban crossovers. It's interesting that the title Qashqai comes from the name of a nomadic tribe in Iran - part of the brand's strategy to use "emotional" names.

Other key models of the period:

• ⚡ Nissan Leaf (2010) - first serial electric car mass production (sales began in 2010, but development has been ongoing since the 1990s).
• 🏙️ Nissan Juke F15 (2010) - a crossover with a design inspired by motorcycles. Its turbo engine MR16DDT (1.6 l, 190 hp) accelerated the car to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds.
• 🚜 Nissan Navara D40 (2005) - a pickup truck that was sold in Australia under the name Nissan NP300 (due to conflict with local brand Mazda Navajo).

In the 2000s Nissan also actively developed technology CVT (variator). For example, Nissan Murano Z50 (2002) became the first crossover with this type of transmission. However, first-generation CVTs had reliability problems, especially when towing or driving aggressively.

Why has the Nissan Qashqai become so popular?

Success Qashqai is explained by three factors:

1. **Versatility**: high seating position like an SUV, but compact dimensions for the city.

2. **Price**: cheaper Toyota RAV4 by 10–15%, but with similar equipment.

3. **Marketing**: Nissan positioned the model as a “car for an active lifestyle,” which attracted young buyers.

In Russia Qashqai became the best-selling crossover in 2010–2015, surpassing even Renault Duster.

2010–2026: electrification and new technologies

The last decade for Nissan marked by a focus on electric vehicles and autonomous technologies. Became the flagship Nissan Ariya (2020) - the brand’s first electric crossover on the platform CMF-EVcompatible with Renault And Mitsubishi. Its range reaches 500 km (WLTP), and the system ProPilot 2.0 allows you to drive on the highway without driver participation (autonomy level SAE Level 2).

Other notable new items:

• 🔋 Nissan Leaf e+ (2019) - version with a 62 kWh battery and a range of 385 km (NEDC). In Japan sold with the system e-Pedal, allowing you to drive the car using only the accelerator pedal.
• 🏎️ Nissan GT-R (R35) (2007–present) — “a supercar for everyone.” His engine VR38DETT (3.8 l, 570–720 hp) is still considered one of the most reliable among turbocharged V6s.
• 🚙 Nissan Kicks (2016) - a global crossover, which in Russia is sold as Nissan Juke (second generation). Under the hood is a turbo engine HR12DDT (1.2 l, 117 hp), combined with a CVT.

Critical information: From 2022 Nissan suspended official deliveries of new cars to Russia due to sanctions. However, models released before this (for example, Qashqai J11 or X-Trail T32), continue to be sold on the secondary market. When purchasing, pay attention to the equipment: many cars assembled in Russia (at the plant in St. Petersburg) had a simplified interior trim compared to European versions.

Model	Years of production	Innovation	Features for Russia
Ariya	2020–present	CMF-EV platform, ProPilot 2.0	Not officially, but gray dealers offer delivery from the UAE
Leaf	2010–present	e-Pedal, 62 kWh battery	In 2020–2021 sold in Moscow and St. Petersburg (about 200 copies)
Qashqai J11	2013–2021	Xtronic CVT, Around View system	Assembled in St. Petersburg, 2.0 l (144 hp) engine

Rare and limited Nissan models

In addition to production cars, Nissan released a number of unique models that today are collectibles:

• 🦅 Nissan R390 GT1 (1997) - a racing supercar built to participate in 24 Hours of Le Mans. A total of 1 piece was produced for roads (the rest are track versions).
• 🐉 Nissan Silvia (S15) Spec-S Aero (2002) - the latest generation of the legendary drift car. Sold in Japan only with engine SR20DET (250 hp).
• 🚀 Nissan Pivo (2005) - concept with swivel wheels and rotating cabin. It was not mass-produced, but the technologies were used in Leaf.

In Russia there were also unique versions. For example, Nissan Almera Classic (2012–2018) - version adapted for local roads Almera N16 with reinforced suspension and a 60-liter gas tank (versus 50 for the European version). A Nissan Terrano II (1999–2005), assembled in Moscow at the plant Autoframos, had a diesel 2.7 TD, which did not exist in other countries.

Nissan in the USSR and Russia: little-known facts

History Nissan in the USSR began in the 1970s, when through the system Vneshtorg individual copies arrived in the country Datsun 1200 And Datsun 1600. However, mass acquaintance of Soviet motorists with the brand occurred in the 1980s, when the following appeared on the roads:

• 🚖 Nissan Sunny B11 (1982–1986) - sold through Intourist for currency. The cost is about $10 thousand (the average salary in the USSR is $150/month).
• 🚐 Nissan Vanette (1980s) - a minibus that was used as a minibus in Moscow and Leningrad.
• 🏗️ Nissan Patrol 160 (1980–1989) - an SUV that was supplied to the USSR for geological expeditions to the Far East.

After the collapse of the USSR Nissan began official sales in Russia in 1992. The company became the first dealer Autoframos, which was also involved in the assembly Nissan Almera N15 (1998–2000) and Nissan Primera P11 (1999–2002) from car kits. I wonder what Primera in Russia it was equipped with an engine GA16DE (1.6 l, 100 hp), while in Europe the base version was 1.8 l.

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Nissan, assembled in Russia in the 1990–2000s, pay attention to corrosion. For example, Almera N15 And Primera P11, collected at Autoframos, often had problems with the galvanization of the body. Sills and wheel arches are especially vulnerable - check them with a thickness gauge.

FAQ: Questions about Nissan models

Which Nissan model is the most reliable?

According to the study iSeeCars (2023), the most reliable are:

1. Nissan GT-R (R35) - engine VR38DETT withstands up to 300 thousand km with proper maintenance.
2. Nissan Frontier (Navara) - pickup truck with diesel YD25DDTi, the resource of which exceeds 500 thousand km.
3. Nissan Maxima (A32, 1995–1999) — V6 VQ30DE known for its "million-dollar" mileage.

Of the modern models, it has proven itself best Nissan X-Trail T32 (2014–2021) with petrol engine MR20DD (2.0 l).

Why is the Nissan Skyline GT-R called "Godzilla"?

Nickname: "Godzilla"Godzilla) appeared in Australia in 1989 after Skyline GT-R R32 dominated local races Group A Touring Car Championship. The car was so fast that it was compared to a monster that destroyed competitors. Later the name stuck with all generations. GT-R.

The legendary status was strengthened by the “gentlemen's agreement” of Japanese automakers, which limited the power of production cars to 280 hp. In fact R32 GT-R produced about 320–330 hp, which made it invincible on the track.

What Nissan models were assembled in Russia?

At the factory Nissan Manufacturing Rus in St. Petersburg (2009–2022) gathered:

• Nissan Qashqai J10/J11 (2009–2022)
• Nissan X-Trail T31/T32 (2009–2022)
• Nissan Murano Z51 (2010–2014)
• Nissan Teana J32 (2013–2017)
• Nissan Pathfinder R52 (2013–2020)

Also from 1998 to 2002 on Autoframos (Moscow) collected Nissan Almera N15 And Primera P11 from car kits.

What are the names of Nissan models?

Many titles Nissan have a hidden meaning:

• Qashqai - the name of a nomadic tribe in Iran (symbolizes freedom).
• Juke — from the English “juking” (sudden change of direction), reflecting the maneuverability of the crossover.
• Murano - in honor of the Italian island of Murano, famous for glassblowing art (an allusion to the “transparency” of design).
• Ariya — from the Japanese "ありや" ("possible" or "pure"), emphasizing the electrical nature of the model.
• Skyline - literally “horizon line”, symbolizes the desire for heights.

Which Nissan models have been banned in some countries?

Several models Nissan encountered prohibitions:

• Skyline GT-R R32/R33 - banned in the USA until 2014 due to non-compliance with safety standards (25 year rule).
• Nissan Pulsar GTi-R (RNN14) - Banned in Australia in the 1990s due to excessive power (227 hp) for a compact car.
• Nissan Stagea 260RS - not certified for Europe due to emissions problems (engine RB26DETT did not meet the standard Euro-3).

In Russia, official sales of new models have been suspended since 2022 due to sanctions, but the secondary market continues to function.