The NISSAN VANETTE VAN was known by a variety of different names, such as the Nissan Van C22, the Nissan Sunny-Vannette, and, quite simply, the Nissan Van. Nissan started manufacturing the Vanette Van in 1981, and the passenger version of this vehicle was referred to as the Vanette as compared to one of the other names. It came in numerous engine and drive train options, in two wheel or four wheel drive, and with manual, automatic, floor and column shifting options. Currently the Vanette is no longer offered to its native Japanese market, but it is still available in other markets around the world with the basic style still intact even through a few cosmetic facelifts.
In 1981 the Vanette was introduced to the United States, but it was known as the Datsun C20. It was modified to compete in the American market with the Toyota Van, as part of the growing minivan craze that hit the country during that decade. Between 1987 and 1990 it was sold as the Nissan Van, and it included a larger 2.4 liter engine than most of its European counterparts to handle the air conditioning requirements. This unfortunately caused overheating and engine fire issues, and Nissan recalled every Vanette that had been sold in the United States. The vehicles retrieved in the recall were crushed and owners were given blue book value or more for their Vanettes as well as a discount on the purchase of a new Nissan vehicle.