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5 of Nissan’s Most Unforgettable Designs
An overview of Nissan's quirkiest vehicles
Since Nissan was established in 1933, they’ve produced countless memorable automobiles. While car models come and go over the years and leave not much of a wake behind them, the following five are among of the most unique and memorable cars that Nissan has ever produced.
5. S-Cargo (1989-1992)
Photo: Michael Gil
With a design that evokes the shape of a garden snail, Nissan couldn’t resist cracking a pun with the name of their micro-sized delivery van. Although it’s pronounced like the French word for cooked snails, the name has another meaning — it’s short for “small cargo.” Although it was only sold in Japan, you can legally import an S-Cargo since it’s over 25 years old.
4. Figaro (1991)
When cars were at their boxiest during the early 1990s, the smooth Nissan Figaro popped onto the scene and won hearts across the globe. Originally, Nissan only produced 8,000 of these retro-inspired coupes, but popular demand led them to produce 12,000 more. Hopeful buyers had to enter a lottery for a shot at driving home in a Figaro.
3. Cube (2002-2008)
Thanks to its asymmetrical wrap-around rear window and square profile, the Cube is one Nissan’s most instantly recognizable vehicles. Nissan states that they designed the Cube’s quirky front grille to resemble a bulldog wearing shades. Isn’t that cute? No matter what you think of the Cube’s unusual styling, there’s no denying that it’s tangible proof of Nissan’s willingness to think outside of the box.
2. Murano Cross Cabriolet (2011-2014)
Thanks to its funky styling, this memorable mashup between a convertible and an SUV turned heads everywhere. Although it ended its run in 2014, Bloomberg reports that the offbeat convertible remains popular with used car buyers seeking something fun and unique. While the regular Murano lives on, the CrossCabriolet will be remembered as a testament to Nissan’s creativity.
1. JUKE (2011-2017)
With its bold and bulbous front end, this eccentric compact crossover resembles a frog or an alien. However, Nissan believes that this unique “sport crossover” resembles a rally car. Although Nissan has phased out this little frog-on-wheels in the United States, it lives on in Europe.
Kimiko Kidd is a native Daytonian. She graduated from Wright State University with degrees in environmental science and sociology. She loves her trusty old Honda Civic, but dreams of owning a 1974 Ford Falcon XB with a custom paint job and a vintage Kawasaki Z1000. In her free time, Kimiko can be found watercolor-painting, baking muffins, collecting rocks, playing old-school Nintendo games, writing her novel, sewing stuffed animals, and cosplaying as her favorite Mad Max characters. See more articles by Kimiko.