Nissan JDM Cars — Model Overview & Buying Guide

Nissan Motor Co., founded in 1933 as Jidosha-Seizo Co., built its JDM reputation on two parallel lines: performance cars and commercial vehicles. The Skyline nameplate ran from 1957 and produced the iconic GT-R in R32, R33, and R34 forms—each equipped with the RB26DETT twin-turbocharged inline-six and ATTESA E-TS AWD. The Silvia (S13 through S15) offered a lightweight FR coupe with the SR20DET turbocharged four-cylinder and became a cornerstone of the drifting scene. The Fairlady Z (Z33 and earlier) brought roadster heritage. Commercial JDM-market models—Caravan, Safari, Terrano—are also traded internationally for their utility and relative rarity outside Japan.