Nissan’s 1988 lineup showed how the brand balanced performance, practicality and regional preferences, with models designed for city streets, open roads and commercial use. That year covered sporty coupes, family sedans and compact vans across multiple markets.
There are 21 1988 Nissan Car Models, ranging from the sporty 300ZX to the utilitarian Vanette. Entries are organized with columns: Code & engines/trims,Market,Body style to make it easy to compare trims, target markets and body types — you’ll find below.
How can I confirm which 1988 Nissan model I own?
Check the VIN plate, engine bay tags and model code placard (often near the door jamb or firewall); those codes map directly to entries in the table by Code & engines/trims,Market,Body style, letting you match engine, trim and market-specific details quickly.
Are replacement parts still easy to source for these 1988 Nissan models?
Many common consumables and mechanical parts are available through aftermarket suppliers and salvage yards; popular models like the 300ZX have strong support, while niche regional models (for example certain Vanette variants) may require searches of specialist sellers or parts from compatible markets.
1988 Nissan Car Models
| Model | Code & engines/trims | Market | Body style |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300ZX | Z31; 3.0L V6 VG30E/VG30ET (NA & turbo) | US, Japan, Europe, Australia | Coupe |
| Silvia | S13; 1.8–2.0L, turbo available (CA/CA18DET etc.) | Japan, Europe, Australia | Coupe, coupe-variants |
| Maxima | J30; 3.0L V6 VG30E | US, Canada, Australia, Japan | Sedan |
| Sentra | B13; 1.6–2.0L petrol engines | US, Canada, Europe, Australia, Japan | Sedan, coupe |
| Pulsar | N13; 1.3–1.8L, GTI and sport trims in some markets | Europe, Japan, Australia | Hatchback, sedan |
| Bluebird | U12; 1.6–2.0L petrol, sedan and wagon | Japan, Europe, Australia | Sedan, wagon |
| Skyline | R31; 2.0–3.0L inline-6, sport sedans/coupes | Japan, Australia, Europe | Coupe, sedan |
| Laurel | C33; 2.0–3.0L petrol, luxury-focused trims | Japan, Australia, Hong Kong | Sedan |
| Cedric/Gloria | Y30/Y31; 2.0–3.0L, luxury trims, V6 options | Japan, Asia, Middle East | Sedan, wagon (select markets) |
| Cefiro | A31; 2.0–3.0L V6 options (sohc/s] engines) | Japan, Australia, Middle East | Sedan |
| Patrol | Y60; 2.8L diesel, 3.0L petrol, heavy-duty 4×4 | Global (Australia, Middle East, Africa, Europe) | SUV/large 4×4 |
| Pathfinder | WD21; 2.4L petrol, 3.0L V6 VG30E (markets vary) | US, Canada, Australia, Middle East | SUV/4×4, wagon |
| Pickup (Hardbody) | D21; 2.4L petrol/diesel, 4×2 & 4×4 | US, Australia, Europe, Japan, Latin America | Pickup/truck |
| Caravan/Urvan | E24; 2.0–2.8L petrol and diesel engines | Japan, Asia, Australia, Middle East | Van, wagon |
| Vanette | C22; small commercial van, petrol/diesel options | Japan, Europe, Asia | Small van/mini-MPV |
| Micra/March | K10; 1.0–1.2L petrol, economical hatchback | Europe, Japan, Australia | 3/5-door hatchback |
| Prairie | M10; compact MPV, 1.6–2.0L petrol | Japan, Europe (limited) | Multipurpose van/MPV |
| Be-1 (Pike) | Pike series; 0.9–1.0L petrol (kei / small car) | Japan | Retro kei/hatchback |
| Sunny (Global)/Note | B13 lineage; 1.3–1.6L engines | Europe, Asia, Australia | Sedan, hatchback |
| Bluebird U11 export variants (Stanza) | U12/U11; 1.6–2.0L, multiple trims | Europe, Australia, Japan | Sedan, wagon |
| Commercial NV chassis/cab | Various chassis codes; diesel engines common | Worldwide (select markets) | Cab/chassis, panel van |
Images and Descriptions
300ZX
The Z31 300ZX was a mainstream Nissan sports coupe in 1988, continuing sales worldwide with naturally aspirated and turbo V6s. Popular for 1980s styling, it remained a key halo car prior to the later Z32 redesign.
Silvia
The S13 Silvia debuted in 1988 in Japan and select markets, offering lightweight coupe dynamics and turbo options. It marked a modernized silhouette that would later underpin exports and sport variants through the early 1990s.
Maxima
Introduced in late 1988 as the new J30 generation, the Maxima moved upmarket with a smooth 3.0L V6 and modern styling. It launched Nissan’s long-running executive sedan line in the US and other key markets.
Sentra
The B13 Sentra (Sunny family) was a compact, practical seller worldwide in 1988. Known for fuel economy and reliability, it was offered in multiple body forms and remained a core volume model for Nissan.
Pulsar
The N13 Pulsar continued as Nissan’s compact hatchback in 1988, with sporty GTI variants in Europe and comfort-focused trims in Japan and Australia. It was a common everyday car with broad market reach.
Bluebird
The U12 Bluebird carried on in 1988 as Nissan’s mid-size family car, offered in sedan and wagon forms. It bridged comfort and practicality and was sold under related names in several export markets.
Skyline
The R31 Skyline was in production and sold in 1988, known for its performance-oriented variants and iconic nameplate. It remained an aspirational sports-luxury model in markets outside the US.
Laurel
The C33 Laurel continued as Nissan’s near-luxury sedan in 1988, offering refined interiors and a range of inline engines. It was popular in Asian markets as an executive sedan with sportier options.
Cedric/Gloria
Cedric and Gloria models remained Nissan’s flagship large sedans in 1988, featuring V6 engines, luxury appointments, and strong fleet and private sales across Asia and select export markets.
Cefiro
The A31 Cefiro launched in the late 1980s and by 1988 was establishing itself as a popular executive sedan with smooth V6 options, competing in export markets for buyers wanting near-luxury features at mainstream prices.
Patrol
The Y60 Patrol was Nissan’s large off-road workhorse in 1988, prized for rugged capability and commercial use. Its durable diesel and petrol engines made it a favorite in rough-terrain and export markets worldwide.
Pathfinder
The compact SUV Pathfinder (WD21) was active in 1988, offering truck-based toughness with V6 power in export markets. It solidified Nissan’s entry into the growing SUV segment in North America and elsewhere.
Pickup (Hardbody)
The D21 Hardbody pickup was a global compact/mid-size truck in 1988, noted for durability and simple mechanics. It was widely used for both commercial and private purposes across diverse markets.
Caravan/Urvan
Nissan’s E24 Caravan/Urvan family vans continued in 1988, serving as versatile people carriers and light cargo vans. They were common for commercial fleets, shuttle services, and family transport in many markets.
Vanette
The Vanette remained a compact, economical van in 1988, popular with small businesses and urban delivery operations. It offered versatile cargo and passenger layouts and was marketed in many export markets as a Nissan light van.
Micra/March
The K10 Micra (March in Japan) was Nissan’s subcompact city car in 1988, celebrated for low running costs and easy parking. It was a top choice for urban commuters across Europe and Asia.
Prairie
By 1988 the Prairie was nearing the end of its initial run but remained notable as an early compact MPV offering flexible seating and a boxy, tall cabin — an early experiment in family transport design.
Be-1 (Pike)
The limited-production Be-1 was part of Nissan’s Pike retro-series and sold through 1988 in Japan. Its quirky styling and niche appeal made it a collector’s interest even then, sold in small, exclusive volumes.
Sunny (Global)/Note
The Sunny family (marketed as Sunny or closely related names) continued in 1988 as an affordable compact car with various body styles and engines. It was a high-volume model across multiple global markets.
Bluebird U11 export variants (Stanza)
In many export markets Nissan sold Bluebird-related models in 1988 under various names (Stanza/Bluebird). These mid-size cars focused on comfort and economy and were important fleet and family vehicles.
Commercial NV chassis/cab
Nissan offered commercial chassis and panel van derivatives in 1988 for local conversion and business use. These were marketed to fleets and used for delivery, service, and light commercial roles.
