Nissan is a brand of extremes. On one hand, they build the GT-R, a supercar killer known as "Godzilla." On the other, they produce the Altima and Rogue, the ubiquitous workhorses of American suburbia. From the golden age of Datsun to the modern Z, Nissan represents the democratization of technology and speed.
Explore the current production vehicles.
Godzilla. The legendary, all-wheel-drive supercar killer that redefined performance. With its handcrafted twin-turbo V6 and advanced technology, the GT-R offers breathtaking acceleration and handling that can challenge the laws of physics.
A 50-year legacy, reborn. The new Z is a pure, driver-focused sports car with a potent twin-turbo V6, rear-wheel drive, and an available manual transmission. It's an authentic, analog thrill ride that honors its legendary Z-car heritage.
The full-size pickup with the heart of a warrior. The Titan boasts America's best truck warranty and the most standard horsepower and safety tech in its class, all powered by a standard Endurance V8. It's a capable and confident workhorse.
The rugged and dependable mid-size truck that's built for the grind. With a powerful standard V6 and a proven, tough-as-nails chassis, the Frontier is the perfectly sized pickup for both hard work and off-road adventure. It's a true survivor.
The commanding, full-size, body-on-frame SUV. The Armada offers premium comfort for up to eight passengers, rugged capability, and the formidable power of a standard V8 engine. It’s the powerful and luxurious choice for big families with big plans.
The legendary 3-row SUV, returned to its rugged roots. The modern Pathfinder is built for family adventure, offering a spacious and flexible interior, robust towing capacity, and a design that signals a readiness to explore the path less traveled.
The bold and stylish 2-row premium crossover. The Murano stands out with its daring design, a luxurious 'social lounge' interior, and a smooth, comfortable ride. It’s the sophisticated choice for those who value style and comfort in their daily drive.
Nissan's best-selling vehicle and a champion of family versatility. The Rogue is a smartly designed compact SUV that excels with a spacious, flexible interior, advanced safety features, and a fuel-efficient VC-Turbo engine. It’s built for family life.
The subcompact crossover with a big personality and a small price tag. The Kicks is all about expressive style, incredible fuel economy, and smart features like the available Bose headrest speakers. It's the perfect, fun-loving partner for the urban jungle.
The stunning all-electric crossover that represents a new era for Nissan. The Ariya blends serene, Japanese-inspired design with a high-tech lounge-like interior and the confidence of available e-4ORCE all-wheel drive. It’s the future of driving, today.
The pioneering vehicle that brought the electric car to the masses. The LEAF made EV ownership accessible and practical for millions, offering a quiet, efficient, and emission-free drive. It's a true game-changer in automotive history.
The stylish and sporty mid-size sedan. The Altima stands out by offering the all-weather confidence of available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and the revolutionary power of the VC-Turbo engine. It’s the exciting and intelligent alternative to the ordinary.
The compact sedan that thinks it's a premium car. The modern Sentra boasts a sleek, sporty design, a surprisingly upscale interior, and a suite of standard safety features that punch far above its weight. It delivers incredible style and value.
The subcompact sedan that proves affordable doesn't have to be boring. The Versa offers a sharp, modern design, the most standard safety technology in its class, and a surprisingly spacious cabin. It's a testament to getting more for your money.
The original '4-Door Sports Car'. For decades, the Maxima was Nissan's flagship sedan, blending luxurious appointments with a powerful V6 engine and a driver-focused attitude. It was the premium, thrilling choice for those who needed a sedan but wanted a sports car.
The authentic, rugged, and no-frills off-road SUV. Built on a true truck platform, the Xterra was a simple, capable, and beloved adventure vehicle for a generation of outdoor enthusiasts. Its reputation for toughness has made it a cult classic.
The funky, turbocharged, and rebellious crossover that defied all conventions. With its wild styling and rally-inspired performance, the Juke was a polarizing but unforgettable vehicle that pioneered the sporty subcompact crossover segment.
The quirky, asymmetrical, and charmingly unique box on wheels. The Cube was designed as a mobile lounge, with a comfortable interior and a head-turning design. It was a bold statement of individuality for those who dared to be different.
The stylish and comfortable minivan that offered a touch of Japanese luxury. The Quest was known for its smooth V6 engine and a bold, modern design that set it apart from its more conventional rivals in the family-hauling segment.
The cars that brought the legendary Z back to the forefront. The 350Z and its successor, the 370Z, delivered raw, naturally-aspirated V6 power and pure rear-wheel-drive thrills, offering an authentic sports car experience to a new generation.
The lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sport compact that became a legend. The 240SX (Silvia in Japan) is the undisputed icon of the drifting world, beloved by enthusiasts for its perfectly balanced chassis and immense tuning potential. A true cult classic.
The high-tech Japanese supercar of the 1990s. The Z32-generation 300ZX Twin Turbo was a technological marvel, featuring a potent twin-turbo V6, Super HICAS four-wheel steering, and a design that was years ahead of its time. A true 90s icon.
The car that changed everything. The 240Z combined stunning, European-inspired styling with a powerful inline-six engine and Japanese reliability, all at an affordable price. It single-handedly legitimized the Japanese sports car in America and created a legend.
The iconic and virtually indestructible compact truck of the 80s and 90s. The D21 'Hardbody' earned its name with its double-walled bed and aggressive styling. It’s a legend of reliability, known for its simple toughness that just won't quit.
The forbidden fruit; the legendary 'Godzilla' of Japanese performance. While never officially sold in the US during its prime (R32-R34), the Skyline GT-R's dominance in racing and video games made it a cultural icon and one of the most revered cars of all time.
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For the American car buyer, Nissan has a split personality. To the enthusiast, Nissan is the sacred guardian of the JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) flame, the creator of the Skyline GT-R and the Z-car. To the average commuter, Nissan is the maker of affordable, tech-heavy sedans and crossovers that fill every rental lot from LAX to JFK.
Founded in 1933, the company originally conquered America under the name Datsun. The Datsun 240Z changed the perception of Japanese cars forever, proving they weren't just efficient econoboxesâthey could be beautiful, fast, and sexy.
The Nissan GT-R (specifically the R32, R33, and R34 generations) was forbidden fruit in the US for decades, available only via video games like Gran Turismo or the Fast & Furious movies. This mystique built the legend of "Godzilla"âa car that could eat Ferraris for breakfast.
When the R35 GT-R finally arrived in the US in 2008, it lived up to the hype. It used a sophisticated All-Wheel Drive system and a twin-turbo V6 to humiliate cars costing three times as much. It remains a benchmark for digital-age performance.
While the GT-R is a monster, the Z (Fairlady Z in Japan) is a dance partner. From the 240Z to the 300ZX and the 350Z/370Z, the formula has remained the same: 6 cylinders, rear-wheel drive, and a price tag that a working person can afford. The latest generation, simply called the Nissan Z, returns to this retro formula with a twin-turbo V6 and a manual transmission.
We cannot talk about modern Nissan without addressing the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). In the 2000s and 2010s, under CEO Carlos Ghosn, Nissan put CVT transmissions (supplied by Jatco) in almost everythingâAltimas, Rogues, Sentras, Pathfinders.
While great for fuel economy, these early CVTs were notorious for reliability issues (shuddering, failing early). This significantly hurt Nissan's reputation compared to Toyota and Honda. However, Nissan has recently moved back to traditional 9-speed automatics in models like the Pathfinder and Frontier, signaling a shift in strategy.
For almost 15 years, Nissan sold the same Frontier pickup truck without major changes. It was a dinosaur, but it was a beloved, reliable dinosaur. In 2022, they finally launched a new generation. It looks rugged, drives well, and proves Nissan still knows how to build a proper truck.
If you are buying a used Nissan:
Nissan is a company fighting to reclaim its soul. With the new Z and the electric Ariya, they are trying to blend their heritage of innovation with modern reliability. When Nissan gets it right, they build some of the most exciting cars on the road.
Unlike a traditional hybrid where both the engine and motor drive the wheels, Nissan e-POWER uses the gasoline engine solely as a generator to charge a high-output battery. The wheels are 100% driven by the electric motor.
For US drivers, this means you get the instant torque and smooth acceleration of an EV without ever needing to plug in. It offers the "electric feel" with the refueling convenience of a standard gas station.
e-4ORCE is Nissanâs advanced dual-motor all-wheel-control technology designed for electrified models like the Ariya. It manages power output and braking performance for each wheel with extreme precision.
By controlling the front and rear motors independently, e-4ORCE minimizes vehicle "pitch" and "dive" during braking, providing a more comfortable ride for passengers and superior grip on icy or wet American roads.
Nissan trucks are engineered for the demands of the US market. The mid-size Nissan Frontier offers a maximum towing capacity of up to 6,640 lbs, ideal for small trailers or boats. The full-size Nissan Titan remains a powerhouse with a maximum towing capacity of up to 11,050 lbs when properly equipped, making it a rugged choice for heavy-duty hauling.
Nissan Safety Shield 360 is a standard suite of six advanced driver-assist features across most US models:
The 2026 Nissan Z remains a puristâs sports car in the USA. It is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. Enthusiasts can choose between a 6-speed manual transmission with SynchroRev Match or a 9-speed automatic with paddle shifters.
Eligibility for the Federal EV Tax Credit depends on current US Treasury guidelines regarding battery sourcing and vehicle assembly. However, Nissan often offers lease incentives that factor in the $7,500 credit directly to the consumer.
The ARIYA offers an EPA-estimated range of up to 304 miles on select trims, making it a highly competitive long-range electric SUV for American commuters.
ProPILOT Assist 2.1 is Nissanâs most advanced driver-assistance system, allowing for hands-off single-lane highway driving on compatible US roads. It utilizes high-definition mapping and 360-degree sensing to help manage steering, braking, and acceleration.
It also features Intelligent Lane Change, which can assist the driver in navigating around slower traffic when the driverâs hands are on the wheel and the turn signal is activated.
The Nissan Pathfinder is designed for the modern American family, offering a spacious 3-row interior. With the second and third rows folded flat, it provides up to 80.5 cubic feet of cargo volume.
It also features a "hidden" under-floor storage area, perfect for keeping muddy hiking gear or grocery bags secure and out of sight.
Nissanâs VC-Turbo is the worldâs first production variable compression ratio engine. Available in the Rogue and Altima, it can physically transform its compression ratio to optimize either performance or fuel efficiency.
This allows US drivers to enjoy the fuel economy of a small four-cylinder engine with the power of a larger turbocharged engine when merging onto busy highways.
Yes, through the NISMO Off-Road parts program, US owners can purchase factory-engineered lift kits, off-road lights, and rugged wheels for their Frontier, Xterra, or Pathfinder.
When installed by a Nissan dealer at the time of purchase, these accessories are typically covered under the 3-year/36,000-mile basic limited warranty, ensuring "peace of mind" for weekend adventurers.