The History of Nissan’s Pickup Trucks

From Workhorse to Weekend Warrior

When you think of rigid, reliable trucks, your mind might jump straight to a few American brands, but Nissan has been quietly (and not-so-quietly) building a legacy in the pickup game for over 60 years. Whether you’re hauling gear to the job site or heading out for a weekend on the trails, Nissan trucks have earned a rep for getting it done. Let’s take a quick trip through the history of Nissan’s pickups, because this story is as rugged as the trucks.

The Early Days: Datsun Roots

Before “Nissan” pickups hit the U.S. market, they were sold under the Datsun name. The Datsun 220 was the first compact pickup truck imported to the U.S. in 1959. It had a modest 1.0-liter engine and just 37 horsepower, but that was plenty back then. The “Little Red Truck” Datsun proved that Japanese trucks could be as tough and practical as anything else.

1970s–80s: Compact but Capable

Throughout the ’70s and ’80s, Nissan (still under the Datsun badge until 1983) leaned into the compact pickup space with models like the 720 and the Hardbody. The Hardbody, in particular, became an icon. With bold styling, off-road chops, and serious reliability, it helped define what a small truck should be.You still see these things running around today — talk about staying power.

1990s–2000s: Enter the Frontier

By the mid-’90s, Nissan needed a fresh take, and thus the Nissan Frontier was born. First hitting the market in 1997, the Frontier brought a more refined ride while keeping that no-nonsense attitude. It evolved over the years into a more powerful, comfortable, and tech-savvy midsize truck. Today’s Nissan Frontier blends old-school toughness with modern capability, making it a favorite in Bentonville and beyond.

Learn More About the 2025 Nissan Frontier

Full-Size Ambitions: The Titan

In 2004, Nissan decided to go big — literally — with the launch of the Nissan Titan. It was their first full-size pickup, designed to take on the heavy hitters in the American market. With a burly V8, bold styling, and serious towing capability, the Titan proved Nissan could go toe-to-toe with the best. If you’re looking for a full-size truck that stands out, check out our Titan inventory here.

Titan vs. Frontier- Which is Right For You?

What’s Next?

With over six decades of pickup history, Nissan continues to innovate while staying true to its roots. Whether you’re eyeing a dependable midsize like the Frontier or need the strength of a Titan, Nissan’s trucks offer serious value and everyday reliability. And hey, if you’re curious how one might fit into your lifestyle, swing by McLarty Daniel Nissan in Bentonville. We’d love to show you the ropes, toss you the keys, and let the truck do the talking.