Last December 2023, Nissan reached a major milestone. That’s because the company turned 90 years old. Along the way, it has made iconic and memorable models, sold both here and abroad.
To commemorate that major achievement, we at Top Gear Philippines take a look back at the models sold here. More specifically, we’ll be rolling out the ones that have become iconic and part of the local landscape. So, did you own any of these? Read on.
OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED:
Same same, but different: The Z didn’t change much, but it’s new where it matters
will.i.am and Mercedes have found a way to remix music as you drive
Nissan Sentra B13
It’s safe to say that Nissan was wobbling on its feet in the country right out of the ‘80s. However, all of that changed in the early ‘90s with the introduction of the B13 Sentra. These days, it’s a bit of an underrated classic, but when it was new, it was one of the most innovative cars in its class.
For starters, it was one of the first to have power windows (also in its predecessor, the B12), multi-link rear suspension (a huge deal even today), and even anti-lock brakes for top-spec models. Proudly made in the Philippines, it was the car that helped Nissan bounce back from the decade prior.
Nissan Cefiro A31
Say Nissan Cefiro to anyone and you’ll get one of two answers. Most folks will refer to the wafty, V6-powered barge from 1997 to 2003. But for enthusiasts, the Cefiro to get is the sporty, straight-six executive sedan, internally known as the A31. While it didn’t sell in high numbers locally, those who bought it were rewarded with a platform that’s related to the R32 Skyline.
The local spec wasn’t all too impressive. Its 2.4-liter engine wasn’t even fuel injected, and it only put out around 135hp. But the A31 Cefiro’s moment came when drifting exploded in the country.
Nissan Vanette
Okay, we’re all heard overheating stories about the Vanette, but we still think it deserves a spot on this list. For families that had small vans, it was either this or the Toyota LiteAce, both of which creating fond memories for the families that bought them.
Who could forget its quirks? There was the front lightbar that ‘90s kids thought was a third headlight, the built-in fridge, and the swivel seats. Oh, and let’s not forget that there was an optional shower available, too.
Nissan 200SX S14
Younger readers might be surprised to know that Nissan Philippines did sell an S-Chassis car here. What we got was the S14 200SX and was sold in (extremely) limited quantities. Those old enough to remember might also recall the spec.
The Philippine-spec model had an SR20 engine. It's unknown if it was turbocharged or not (perhaps older readers can chime in), but the non-turbo version made163hp and 188Nm of torque. While not exactly a fire-breathing monster, it was still a lot more that your average family sedan that was lucky enough to muster 110hp. Sad then that it was only offered with a four-speed automatic. Still, the fact that it was sold here was already a blessing.
Nissan Frontier
The Nissan Power Eagle walked so the Frontier can run. While the Power Eagle was a success for Nissan, it was the Frontier that truly put Nissan pickups on the map in the Philippines.
These were everywhere in the ‘90s and early ‘00s. It also helped that there were powerful engine options and the availability of an automatic transmission, a rarity in that segment at the time. For a pickup, it was feature packed, and its longevity in the market made it attractive to fleet sales looking for a tough pickup.
Nissan Safari Y60
Want to look like you’re part of the Presidential Security Group? If we were in the ‘90s, that meant you had to have the Nissan Safari. Locally assembled from 1990 to 2000, it was the large SUV to get before the Toyota Land Cruiser boomed in popularity.
But it wasn’t just an SUV, it was a true 4x4. It had live axles at the front and rear, a manual transmission, a rugged ladder frame chassis, and a sturdy inline-six turbodiesel. And who can forget its distinct three-spoke wheel design and high bubble roof? It was one of the dream SUVs of the ‘90s, that’s for sure.
Nissan Urvan
If you haven’t ridden in one of these, then you’ve probably never commuted in your life. The Urvan (more specifically, the Urvan Shuttle) may be a utility van, but it’s much more than that if you take a look at the bigger picture.
The Urvan has brought countless employees to their offices, students to their schools, and many more to where they need to be. You could even say it has become part of the backbone of the commuting public.
Nissan Terra
What? A newer model on the list? Well, we think it deserves a spot here, nonetheless. That’s because it met our expectations from a modern pickup-based SUV despite being (very) late to the party.
We’ll be bold and say that it’s one of the best-riding models in its class. It also has smart and well thought-out features unseen in the segment before. The 2021 update improved the package even further, and we reckon it’s one of the more underrated models out there.
Nissan GT-R
Yes, we know, the current GT-R has been around since 2007. But even though it’s not the freshest GT car in the block, we’re still grateful that Nissan brought it in officially. Granted, it took a long time but better late than never, right?
Even though it’s still the same basic platform from over a decade ago, the GT-R has evolved quite a lot from there. Now packing nearly 600hp and heaps more suspension and aero tweaks, this iteration of probably the most potent car to ever wear a GT-R badge. We drove it on track about a year ago and we can tell you that it can still shock and awe.
Nissan Z
We’ve written (at length) on why we’re smitten about the new Nissan Z. We can wax lyrical about its old-school feel, the twin-turbo engine, and its weighty and communicative steering. The car was an absolute blast on the racetrack too, and we’re happy that it’s available with a manual transmission.
But perhaps the best part about it is its price. It may be more expensive than the old 370Z, but it’s offers great value if you consider what it has to offer. With over 400hp on tap for under P4,000,000, we say it’s the performance car bargain of the year.
