Nissan is a big name in the industry of vehicles. And why not when it has so much to give to its customers.
Besides, there are several other reasons why people love this car. Internationally, this brand has over 80 years of vehicle manufacturing experience.
Well, that’s enough for anyone to trust a brand, rely on it, and even invest their valuable money into the products.
But, there was a time especially during the 80s and 90s, when Nissan launched some of the best cars then. Today, we have almost forgotten those old Nissans, which used to rule the world once.
So, here is the list of some of the best old Nissan that have ruled the world, and it is time we address that.
Contents
- Interesting Old Nissans That Ruled The 80s And 90s
- FAQs on Old Nissans That Ruled The 80s And 90s
- Why were so many legendary Nissans from the ’80s-’90s banned in the U.S. for decades?
- Which forgotten Nissan model quietly influenced modern performance cars?
- Were 1980s Nissans really more durable than their Toyota rivals?
- Which ’80s Nissan is considered the hidden JDM gem?
- Why are older Nissans from the ’80s-’90s so popular with tuners?
- Final Words
Interesting Old Nissans That Ruled The 80s And 90s
Check out the list of some lesser-known but interesting old Nissans that ruled the world back then.
Nissan Avenir
This Old Nissans budget friendly van was once introduced to satisfy the demands of the customers, who wanted value for money at that time.
The vehicle even had to do the load carrying duties. It means the vehicle was even good for delivery purposes, which made it one of the most desirable vehicles of Nissan at that time.
The term Avenir means future in French, which makes it a perfect name for any car that comes from Nissan.

SEE MORE: Nissan GTR – Cheapest Car for those who Love Speed
Nissan Primera
This one can stuff in even a large family, which was the ultimate specialty of this vehicle. The word ‘Primera’ in Spanish means first class.
Moreover, one who has seen or experienced to site inside the car will agree to its first class features and quality.
So, this was another treat from Nissan that was trending back then in the 80s and 90s. Read more about the car as you go out and read the car review.
Nissan Micra
Another beauty that comes from the Nissan family is the supermini Nissan Micra. It has been in existence since 1982.
March was the smallest car that Nissan ever made. So, this was another beauty from Nissan that came into existence back then in the 80s.
The Sunny
Another model from Nissan is The Sunny. This car has always been a great vehicle for all those who wanted to enjoy luxury back in the years then. Launched back then in 1970, people have known it with another name called Datsun 1200.
It featured fire-resistant interiors, safety things, and even bumpers that absorbed energy. Isn’t that cool? Later, when the 80s hit, Nissan introduced the RZ-1 version of The Sunny.
This car was even better with a sleek and stylish body that fascinated more customers during that phase.
Nissan Pulsar EXA
The Pulsar EXA is another vehicle that Nissan came up with in those early years. When it was released, it was marketed as Nissan EXA in Japan.
The best part of this vehicle was that the user was able to convert the car into a coupe or a cabriolet just by adjusting the panels. The detachable hatch roof and brake style canopy made it even a better choice for the customers.

FAQs on Old Nissans That Ruled The 80s And 90s
Why were so many legendary Nissans from the ’80s-’90s banned in the U.S. for decades?
Because of the 25-year import rule.
Many models like the R32 Skyline GT-R didn’t meet U.S. crash or emissions standards at the time, even though they were engineering masterpieces.
Which forgotten Nissan model quietly influenced modern performance cars?
The Nissan Pulsar GTI-R. Its turbocharged AWD setup was a mini-GT-R prototype and inspired Nissan’s later rally tech and drivetrain design.
Were 1980s Nissans really more durable than their Toyota rivals?
In many markets, yes. Their iron-block engines like the CA18 and VG30 were nearly indestructible, though Toyota won on interior longevity and rust resistance.
The Leopard F31. Luxury coupe sibling of the Z, sharing the VG30DE engine and digital dash.
It became a cult favorite in Japan’s VIP tuning scene.
Why are older Nissans from the ’80s-’90s so popular with tuners?
Because they use simple, overbuilt mechanicals, easy to swap, turbocharge, or tune without complicated ECUs.
The SR20DET and RB-series engines are tuner icons for a reason.
Final Words
So, these were some of the interesting and valuable old Nissans that were released back then in the 80s and 90s.
We believe all these cars were amazing. What do you think?