August 11, 2026 by doc

Nissan Fans, Settle the Debate: What is the Best Nissan of All Time?

From time to time, we like to ask Nissan owners which model they feel is the best of all time. Some people wax nostalgic and name a Nissan model that no longer exists, while others have a favorite current model. So this is your chance to tell us which Nissan you think deserves the distinction of being the Best Nissan of All Time.

We’ll break these up into categories: Sedans, Coupes, and Hatchbacks; SUVs and Crossovers; Trucks and Vans; Electric Vehicles, and then the final surprise category. These have traditionally been some favorites and in several cases, represented the biggest sales numbers, as well.

Let us know your favorites in the comments.

Sedans, Coupes, & Hatchbacks

The Sentra is a compact sedan, introduced in 1982 and featured through 1996. As a fuel-efficient model, it was very popular and served millions of American Nissan buyers. For several years after Nissan opened its Smyrna, Tenn. plant, the Sentra represented a massive percentage of Nissan’s U.S. car sales.

The Altima, a mid-sized sedan, turned out to be Nissan’s biggest seller in this category, from 1997 to 2014. During the 2013-2014 period, the Altima reached peak sales, but was soon tied by the Rogue.

The Rogue, a crossover model, displaced even the Altima as Nissan’s top seller. Its first generation, built off-shore, first hit the U.S. market in 2008, with its second generation being completely redesigned and manufactured in the U.S., then launching in 2014. The third generation Rogue launched in 2021, with considerable tech and safety upgrades and is still going strong in 2026. It peaked between 2017 and 2018, earning its place as Nissan’s top sales model.

SUVs & Crossovers

The Kicks was introduced in 2018 as a subcompact crossover to replace the Juke. In 2026, it still remains a very popular and affordable option for city drivers.

The Rogue, as previously mentioned, is a compact crossover that has enjoyed its place on U.S. highways from 2008 to now. The 2026 model is also available as a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV).

Trucks & Vans

In 1997, Nissan introduced the Frontier pickup truck, replacing the incredibly durable Hardbody. The Frontier is a popular pickup, and the 2026 model has several tech and safety upgrades available.

Electric Vehicles

The Ariya first hit the U.S. market in 2023, as Nissan’s first fully electric compact crossover. The company has continued upgrading the car’s tech and safety features, making it an attractive choice.

The Leaf held the honor of being Nissan’s high-volume EV leader for more than a decade, but has since been overtaken by the Ariya.

And finally…

Of course, we MUST mention Nissan’s Z-Car line! The Z line has three trims: the Sport, the Performance, and the NISMO – each one a step above the last. This is quite possibly the culmination of Nissan’s Z-Car line, which first launched in 1969 and has seen constant improvements over the years. If there’s only one car you owe it to yourself to give a test-drive, it’s the Z-NISMO!

Now, let us know in the comments which Nissan YOU think deserves the title of Best Nissan of All Time!

Posted in: 2026 Nissan Models, Shopping, Uncategorized

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