Car manufacturers and models beginning with the letter N

Several car manufacturers and models start with the letter N, though most are regional brands or older vehicles no longer in production. The most recognizable current brand is Nissan, a Japanese automaker that sells vehicles worldwide. Beyond that, you'll find brands like Nismo (Nissan's performance division), Nash (a classic American brand), and NSU (a German manufacturer). Some of these names appear on used car lots or in collector circles, while others are primarily historical.

If you're shopping for a car and want to know what's available under the letter N, or you're curious about a specific model you've seen, this guide walks through the major brands, what they made, and where you're likely to encounter them today.

Key Takeaways

  • Nissan is the only major current car manufacturer starting with N, producing sedans, trucks, SUVs, and sports cars sold in North America and globally.
  • Nismo is Nissan's performance brand, not a separate manufacturer, and builds high-performance versions of Nissan models.
  • Nash, NSU, and Nsu were historical brands from the mid-20th century and are now found only on used or collector vehicles.
  • If you encounter a car model starting with N on a used lot, it's most likely a Nissan, followed by an older Nash or NSU.

Nissan: the primary N brand in the current market

Nissan is a Japanese multinational automaker founded in 1933 and headquartered in Yokohama. It manufactures and sells passenger cars, light trucks, and SUVs across North America, Europe, Asia, and other regions. In the United States, Nissan is widely available through dealership networks and is one of the top-selling foreign brands.

Current Nissan models include the Altima (midsize sedan), Maxima (full-size sedan), Sentra (compact sedan), Versa (subcompact sedan), Rogue (compact SUV), Murano (midsize SUV), Pathfinder (three-row SUV), Frontier (midsize pickup truck), Titan (full-size pickup truck), Z (sports car), and GT-R (high-performance sports car). Nissan also produces the Leaf, an all-electric vehicle. The brand is known for reliability and affordability, and its vehicles hold steady resale value.

Nismo: Nissan's performance division

Nismo is not a separate car brand but rather Nissan's in-house performance and motorsports division. The name stands for Nissan Motorsports. Nismo engineers and builds high-performance versions of existing Nissan models, tuning engines, suspensions, and brakes for track use and spirited driving.

Nismo models are typically sold through Nissan dealerships and carry a Nissan badge alongside the Nismo name. Examples include the Nismo Z and Nismo Sentra. These vehicles cost more than their standard counterparts and appeal to drivers seeking sportier handling and more power. Nismo also produces aftermarket parts and accessories for Nissan owners who want to upgrade their vehicles independently.

Nash: an American brand from the mid-20th century

Nash was an American automobile manufacturer founded in 1916 and based in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The company produced cars from the 1920s through the 1950s and was known for practical, fuel-efficient vehicles. Nash merged with Hudson Motor Car Company in 1954 to form American Motors Corporation (AMC), and the Nash brand was phased out by the late 1950s.

If you see a Nash on the road today, it is a classic or collector vehicle, typically 60 or more years old. Nash models included the Rambler (a compact car that became popular and was later sold under the AMC name), the Ambassador, and the Metropolitan. These cars are sought by vintage car enthusiasts and appear at classic car shows and auctions. Finding parts and repair specialists for Nash vehicles requires seeking out classic car shops or online communities dedicated to vintage American cars.

NSU: a German manufacturer no longer in production

NSU was a German automobile and motorcycle manufacturer based in Neckarsulm. The company produced cars from the 1950s through the 1970s and was known for innovative engineering, particularly in rotary engines. NSU merged with Audi in 1969, and the NSU brand was discontinued by the mid-1970s as Audi absorbed its operations.

NSU vehicles are now found only in the collector and classic car market, primarily in Europe. The most recognizable NSU model is the Ro 80, a sedan with a rotary engine that was ahead of its time in design. NSU also produced the Prinz, a small economy car. Like Nash vehicles, NSU cars require specialized knowledge to maintain and are typically owned by enthusiasts rather than everyday drivers.

Other N brands: regional and historical options

Beyond Nissan, Nismo, Nash, and NSU, a few other N-branded vehicles exist in limited markets or historical records. Nissan Datsun was a brand name used by Nissan in some markets (though it starts with D, not N). Some regions have had small manufacturers or rebadged vehicles starting with N, but these are rarely encountered outside their home countries or collector circles.

If you're researching a specific N-branded vehicle and it doesn't fit the categories above, checking the vehicle's year of manufacture and country of origin will help you identify it. Online classic car forums and automotive databases can provide details on obscure or regional brands.

Where to find cars starting with N today

For new cars, Nissan dealerships are your primary source. They stock current models and can order vehicles to your specifications. Used Nissan vehicles are available through independent used car lots, online marketplaces, and private sellers.

For classic and collector vehicles like Nash and NSU, specialty dealers, auction houses, and online platforms dedicated to vintage cars are your best options. Classic car shows and swap meets also attract sellers of these older vehicles. Expect to pay a premium for well-maintained examples, and budget for specialized repair work if you plan to own one long-term.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nismo a separate car brand from Nissan?

No. Nismo is Nissan's performance division and builds high-performance versions of Nissan models. All Nismo vehicles carry the Nissan brand name and are sold through Nissan dealerships. Nismo is to Nissan what AMG is to Mercedes-Benz or M is to BMW.

Can I still buy parts for a Nash or NSU car?

Parts availability is limited but possible. Specialty suppliers cater to classic car owners, and online communities can direct you to sources. Some parts may need to be fabricated or sourced from salvage yards. Expect higher costs and longer wait times compared to parts for current vehicles.

What is the most common N-branded car on the road today?

Nissan vehicles are by far the most common. The Rogue SUV and Altima sedan are among Nissan's best-selling models. If you see a car starting with N, it is almost certainly a Nissan unless you're in a region with strong classic car culture.

Are Nash and NSU cars worth collecting?

That depends on the specific model, condition, and your interest in vintage vehicles. Well-maintained examples of iconic models like the NSU Ro 80 or Nash Rambler can hold value and appeal to collectors. However, they require specialized maintenance and are not practical as daily drivers for most people.