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The name Nissan originated in Japan, when founder Yoshisuke Aikawa became president of Nihon Sangyo in 1928. Primarily dealing in foundries and auto parts, Nihon Sangyo debuted on the Tokyo Stock Exchange by its ticker name NISSAN in 1933. Nissan expanded beyond its Japanese roots from there, and officially came to the U.S. as Datsun in 1958.
Nissan produced its first cars at the flagship Nishi-ku, Yokohama headquarters in 1935. Nissan showcased its first Datsun vehicles at the 1958 Los Angeles Auto Show. To keep up with global demand, Nissan started production in Mexico in 1966. Production in Australia and Taiwan followed, with the first American factory opening in Smyrna, Tennessee in 1983.
Nissan and its Alliance partners Renault and Mitsubishi, are an automotive force collectively selling 1 in 9 cars worldwide. Production continues globally, with over 40 manufacturing locations across six continents.
NISSAN TODAY
We are more than a car company. We are an innovation company. We take the most innovative thinking in the industry and combine it with performance, value, efficiency, safety, and style. The result: cars that thrill you, every time you get behind the wheel. Innovation that excites™.
2010
In 2010, we introduced the Nissan LEAF®—the world’s first mass-produced 100% electric, zero emission automobile. The featured vehicle broke the East Coast Timing Associates electric vehicle land speed record for the 111/ES category at 103 mph
Engine Type: Electric
Engine Displacement: Electric
Engine Max. Power: 26 kw per hour
Transmission Type: Automatic
2010
2010 also saw the introduction of the Nissan JUKE into our lineup. Today, the JUKE continues to give consumers a unique, stylish, and turbocharged alternative to the everyday crossover.
2010
In 2009, Nissan introduced the 370Z the newest addition to the Z family. Featured a wider stance and increased horsepower. The current Z brings new life into the line up of Nissan vehicles. The featured vehicle is a special 40th Anniversary edition Z, with red leather interior, unique badging and paint.
Engine Type: 6 cylinder
Engine Displacement: 3.7 liter
Engine Max. Power: 332 hp
Transmission Type: 6 speed
At Nissan North America, we build quality vehicles that incorporate the most advanced technology in the automotive industry. From time to time, we discontinue vehicles. While discontinued models may be out of production, every Nissan is built to exceptional standards, allowing our customers to drive their cars in comfort and with peace of mind over a long period.
2000-2009
Nissan has nearly doubled the number of models offered and nearly doubled its sales. In 10 years, the diverse lineup has grown to include Nissan's first full-sized truck, all-new hybrid technology and a 21st-Century supercar. And this is only the beginning of what's to come.
2009
The boxy yet stylish Nissan cube® makes its North American debut with its non-traditional asymmetrical body.
Engine Type: Electric
Engine Displacement: Electric
Engine Max. Power: 26 kw per hour
Transmission Type: Automatic
2009
The GT-R brings back the legendary Skyline name to the U.S as a low cost supercar. With amazing acceleration, aggressive handling and bold styling, it has become an icon in the U.S. sports car market. The featured car is number #524 and was used in the Asian and European markets as a show vehicle at auto shows sporting a special Liquid Gunmetal paint job.
Engine Type: 6 cylinder with turbo
Engine Displacement: 3.8 liter
Engine Max. Power: 495 hp
Transmission Type: 6 speed dual clutch automatic
2007
Next-generation technology thrives with Maxima, Altima, Sentra, Quest, Versa Hatchback and Versa Sedan
2007
In 2007, we offered a cleaner, greener driving option for the first time ever, with the introduction of the all-new Altima® Hybrid
2005
The all-new Frontier® was launched with the most powerful V6 in its class[[520]]. We also introduced a mid-sized Pathfinder® with an added 3rd-row of seating, and the 2nd-generation Xterra® made its debut.
2003
The legendary Z returned to prominence in 2002 with the introduction of the widely acclaimed Nissan 350Z®. Under the hood, a lively 3.5-liter V6 pumped out 287 horsepower, a number that would increase every year it was in production. In 2009, the 350Z® was replaced by the more powerful 370Z®, the fastest Z ever produced.
2003
Our first full-size truck, the Titan®, debuted in 2003. Today, the V8-powered pickup is available with a King Cab or a Crew Cab.
1990-1999
Nissan demonstrates it's agility by retaining the Nissan heritage while moving in new directions.
1999
In 1999, we introduced the Frontier® Crew Cab, the first compact truck with four full-sized doors. That same year, Frontier, Xterra®, and Pathfinder® were named the official vehicles of the Los Angeles County lifeguards, which gave the rugged vehicles plenty of screen time on the 90’s television phenomenon “Baywatch”.
1997
Nissan is named Best of the Best by the Environmental Protection Agency, and NMMC is lauded as the most productive plant in North America in "The Harbour Report: for a fourth consecutive year since 1994."
1995
An all-new Sentra: this was the year we introduced the world to the all-new 200SX® and the 4th-generation Sentra.
1993
1993 was a big year for Nissan, as we celebrated 10 years of manufacturing in the United States. That year, Altima was topping the list in new nameplate sales, and the one-millionth American-made Maxima was sold.
1992
The two-millionth Nissan Sentra was sold in the United States in 1992, and the very first Altima rolled off the assembly line at our manufacturing facility in Smyrna, Tennessee.
1991
Nissan receives its first environmental award from the EPA, and takes a big leap forward in green technology by lending its Alternative Fuel Vehicle to a California testing program and introducing the Future Electric Vehicle concept car.
1990
Nissan North America, Inc. (NNA) is established in Torrance, California.
1980-1989
In the '80s, the Nissan brand came into its own. We built our first Nissan truck in the United States, and the Infiniti line of luxury vehicles.
1989
1989 was a year of milestones at Nissan. In that one year alone, we launched Infiniti, produced our one-millionth vehicle on American soil, and started the Summer Institute for Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
1988
Nissan driver Geoff Brabham wins his first of four consecutive IMSA Camel GTP Drivers Championships, a streak that includes breaking the American road record. Brabham’s IMSA GTP car was practically unbeatable that year, clocking a breathtaking top speed of 200 miles per hour.
1985
Hollywood legend Paul Newman raced the Newman/Sharp Trans-Am 300ZX® to consecutive SCCA GT1 championships in 1985 and 1986, capturing Nissan's 50th national SCCA championship in the process. That same year, the first Nissan Sentra rolled off the line in Smyrna, Tennessee.
Engine Type: 4 cylinder
Engine Displacement: 1.6 liter
Engine Max. Power: 70 hp
Transmission Type: 3 speed automatic
1983
The worldwide marketing of vehicles using the Nissan badging begins with the production of the first Nissan truck at the new assembly plant in Smyrna, Tennessee.
Engine Type: 4 cylinder
Engine Displacement: 2.4 liter
Engine Max. Power: 145 hp
Transmission Type: 3 speed automatic
1982
Between 1982 and 1992, we collected an impressive 19 off-roading championship trophies. Our most radical off-roader — a sand-blasting 380-hp King Cab desert racer — competed in the HRDA/SCORE Class 1 Unlimited Vehicle series.
1981
Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation (NMAC), Nissan's financing division, is established in Torrance, California.
1980
Nissan Motor Manufacturing Corporation (NMMC) is established in Smyrna, Tennessee, to fulfill the growing demand for Nissan Vehicles.
1970-1979
The 70’s were a great decade for us. We sold our one-millionth Datsun and became the top vehicle importer in the United States.
1979
In 1979, Nissan Design International (NDI) was established in La Jolla, California, with a mandate to bring American style and concepts to Nissan vehicles. Over the years, NDI has brought us the original Altima®, the original Pathfinder®, the modular Pulsar NX, today's Xterra®, and the Gobi pickup concept pictured here.
1978
Renowned as Nissan’s best selling small sedan of the 1970’s. First Nissan car sold in the U.S. to achieve 50 miles per gallon on the highway. The featured car was a one owner vehicle prior to being added into the Nissan Heritage Collection.
Engine Type: 4 cylinder
Engine Displacement: 1.4 liter
Engine Max. Power: 60 hp
Transmission Type: 4 speed manual
1977
We introduced the King Cab, the first extended cab pickup, in 1977.
1975
1973
1972
Datsun introduces the 510—a family car with a racing heritage. It was a novel concept at the time: a good-looking, economical, fuel-efficient, five passenger car that was fun to drive. Over its lifetime, the 510 went on to sell more than 300,000 units, and its influence can still be seen in the Nissans of today.
Engine Type: 4 cylinder
Engine Displacement: 1.6 liter
Engine Max. Power: 93 hp
Transmission Type: 4 speed manual
1971
In 1970, Datsun introduced a new sports car to the market named the Z. It featured a fastback styled body based off of European styling and a focus on performance and price. Standard options like full instruments, carpet, radio, option a/c and reclining bucket seats at an affordable price made the Z an instant success in the U.S. market. The Z car featured was restored under the Z Store Restoration Project in 1996 and 1997. It was one of 38 restored and was used by Nissan for brochures and marketing purposes. It has also had plenty of drive time as it is a very popular press car finding its way onto covers and into magazines across the US.
Engine Type: 6 cylinder
Engine Displacement: 2.4 liter
Engine Max. Power: 150 hp
Transmission Type: 4 speed manual
1971
Peter Brock and Brock Racing Enterprises (BRE) built and raced the number 46 Datsun 510, which won the 1971 and 1972 SCCA Trans-Am championship driven by John Morton. The featured car is the actual winning 510, the only one left in all original colors and is in “as-raced” condition. With its success, this 510 began the rich racing heritage of Datsun’s and Nissan’s in the US and helped to bring brand recognition to a new comer in the emerging Japanese market.
Engine Type: 4 cylinder
Engine Displacement: 2.0 liter
Engine Max. Power: 200 hp
Transmission Type: 4 speed manual
1971
Featured seating for five and "fold-down" rear seats. Available in U.S. from 1970-73, in which 89,541 units were sold. Became Datsun’s best selling car of the time. The vehicle featured was used in the sales brochures for this model and served as the Service Field Technician training vehicle. The 1200 Coupe was responsible for three SCCA National Championships and still seen around the U.S. on racetracks or highways.
Engine Type: 4 cylinder
Engine Displacement: 1.171 cc
Engine Max. Power: 69 hp
Transmission Type: 4 speed manual
1971
Annual sales eclipse 250,000 in the United States for the first time. Nissan also establishes itself on the track, as the now-legendary Datsun BRE 510 dominates on two continents, winning the SCAA Trans AM Championship, the American Rally Championship, and the treacherous East African Safari.
1960-1969
Toward the end of this decade of change, Nissan has built a strong reputation in both the American and the Japanese markets. The Datsun 2000 roadster, valued both for its style and performance, becomes synonymous with early Nissan design. Soon after, the Datsun "Z" changes the way people think of sports cars.
1969
1969
Debuted in 1964-1965 and shared many mechanical features with the Datsun Bluebird. Eventually, evolved into the Fairlady Roadster. Designed to compete with British-built sports cars such as the MGB and Triumph TR6. Could be considered the beginning of Nissan's sports car legacy. 23,609 units were sold and this featured vehicle has been part of the Heritage Collection since it was new.
Engine Type: 4 cylinder
Engine Displacement: 1600 cc
Engine Max. Power: 96 hp
Transmission Type: 4 speed manual
1968
Nissan launches the first car styled for the U.S. market, the Datsun 510 sedan.
1967
Nissan's first SUV in the U.S., followed Land Rover’s trail and offered more power for less, but just as tough and utilitarian. The truck featured was restored by a former Nissan employee Bill Thomas, who discovered it on a farm in Nebraska. 2,216 units were sold through 1969, until imports were halted.
Engine Type: 6 cylinder
Engine Displacement: 4000 cc
Engine Max. Power: 145 hp
Transmission Type: 3 speed manual
1967
The 411 was Nissan’s first move up market . This model was more aesthetically pleasing to the American consumer as styling was completed by an Italian design house. The first Datsun vehicle in the American market to feature a fully automatic transmission.
Engine Type: 4 cylinder
Engine Displacement: 1600 cc
Engine Max. Power: 96 hp
Transmission Type: 3 speed manual
1967
The Datsun most-desired by collectors, the 2000 Roadster, is also the first Japanese production sports car to come with a 5 speed. That, plus its robust 150-hp engine, makes it extra fun to drive. Production is limited to 1,000 and the first ten are light-weight versions for racing. The 2000 Roadster wins ten SCCA National Championships between 1967 and 1987.
1966
The first Japanese-owned production facility in North America, Nissan Mexicana (NMEX) manufactures its first vehicle.
1965
The first upgrade to the basic truck, with a 60 horsepower engine and our first 4 speed floor shift pickup truck. The featured vehicle was found in the Arizona desert and restored by Classic Datsun of Vista, CA
Engine Type: 4 cylinder
Engine Displacement: 1200 cc
Engine Max. Power: 60 hp
Transmission Type: 4 speed manual floor shift
1961
The first Datsun sports car imported to the U.S. The 1200 Roadster was built with steel bodywork. 288 units were produced through 1961. Nissan Heritage Collection has one of only 220 imported to the U.S.
Engine Type: 4 cylinder
Engine Displacement: 1200 cc
Engine Max. Power: 48 hp
Transmission Type: 4 speed manual
1960
Nissan Motor Corporation in U.S.A. (NMC) is established in Gardena, California. That same year, the SPL 201—Datsun’s very first sports car—was introduced. The sleek 4-seat roadster featured a fold-down soft-top, a "4 on the floor" transmission, and a 48-hp engine (that would soon be replaced by a powerful 85-hp version).
1914-1959
Not only are Datsun's the first mass-produced Japanese vehicles, their unique, automotive style makes a major impact on the U.S. market when Datsun sedans and compact pickups are first imported in the late '50s.
1959
The first Datsun compact pickup is sold in America. Originally imported with a 37-hp 1000-cc engine, it was soon given a boost with a 48-hp 1200-cc engine. This quarter-ton pickup firmly established Datsun in the American market. 220 American servicemen purchased this truck and imported them back to the U.S. from Japan.
Engine Type: 4 cylinder
Engine Displacement: 1200 cc
Engine Max. Power: 48 hp
Transmission Type: 4 speed column shift
1958
First Datsun introduced into the US market in 1958 as the 1000 Sedan. Utilized same platform as the Datsun pickup truck. The 1000 sedan sold 146 units in the US from 1959-1961until replaced by the 1200 sedan which sold 1318 units. A part of the Heritage Collection since 1983.
Engine Type: 4 cylinder
Engine Displacement: 1200 cc
Engine Max. Power: 48 hp
Transmission Type: 4 speed manual column shift
1957
Predecessor to the revolutionary Nissan GT-R® , the Skyline was introduced in 1957. The rear-wheel drive coupe has never been commercially available in America, but has always been a highly sought-after import. The modern GT-R was introduced to the world, and for sale in the United States, in 2009.
1937
The Datsun Type 15 is the first mass-produced Japanese vehicle. Other Type 15 models include a mini pickup and delivery van. Featured vehicle discovered at the bottom of a pit. Was previously a static display, but is now under restoration.
Engine Type: 4 cylinder
Engine Displacement: Est. 747 cc
Engine Max. Power: 15 hp
Transmission Type: 3 speed
1933
1914
