Nissan Datsun Truck Review: Africa’s Favourite Pickup

The Nissan Datsun truck is a common sight in Africa, especially in remote villages. Resiliently tackling the unpaved, muddy roads of Africa, this truck is to an African what a horse was to a cowboy in the Wild West. But just what makes this pickup so popular? Lets take a closer look to uncover some of the reasons!

The Nissan Datsun Truck: A Time-Tested African Powerhouse

Looking at the predecessors of the modern Nissan Datsun truck it is amazing the kind of metamorphosis that this truck has undergone, developing into a magnificent globetrotter from its earlier 1934 to 1955 models (which by the way, have now become rare collectibles). However, here at BE FORWARD we are about helping people establish the best Japanese used cars and trucks for Africa.

A used 1997 Nissan Datsun Truck from online used car exporter BE FORWARD.

Browse Low-Cost Nissan Datsun Truck Models

Forget about the drive trains, the five or six speed gearbox (leave those to the mechanics) and think about the exterior and interior features that you can see and touch. In Africa, we do not just drive trucks but we also punish them hard, and the Nissan Datsun is one example of a truck that has stood the test of time.


Nissan Datsun Truck Exterior Features

Durable Body

What does the compact class of the Nissan Datsun pickup truck come with? Firstly, there are a number of varieties to fit different users and needs. For example, there is the 2-door truck, 2-door long bed pickup truck, 4-door truck and others. You will see all of them in Africa. With a body made of tensile steel, this is the ideal truck for the roads of Africa.

The rear of a used 1995 Nissan Datsun Truck from online used car exporter BE FORWARD.
Above: Rear of a used 1995 Nissan Datsun Truck

This is the one reason why the truck has survived for so long and, in fact, it is not surprising to find 20-year-old models still going strong on the roads. Its solid frame gives the car the strength it requires to carry any amount of load. Moreover, it ensures that the truck remains intact in the event of an accident.

Capable Loading Capacity

The rear gate allows for the easy loading of cargo, and it also comes with latches and handles that make securing cargo easy. Covering the cargo hold with a tarpaulin is ever so easy, and if you are carrying bulky cargo the tailgate can open and lie flat to accommodate extended items such as timber.

The interior of a used 1997 Nissan Datsun Truck from online used car exporter BE FORWARD.
Above: Interior of a used 1997 Nissan Datsun Truck

Trust Africans to make maximum use of the space available! You will mostly likely see the Nissan Datsun Truck often loaded to meters above the cabin with farm produce and cargo, but still chugging along smoothly—a testament to this truck’s strength and versatility.

Flexible 4WD & Large Tires

The tires of a used 1997 Nissan Datsun Truck from online used car exporter BE FORWARD.
Above: Tires of a used 1997 Nissan Datsun Truck

The Nissan Datsun Truck can traverse almost any kind of terrain, regardless of the weather, thanks to its combination of 4WD capabilities and large, thick tires. It is the perfect truck for steep terrains and seemingly impassable roads—be it on shale or muddy ground, its wider tires will give your truck the perfect grip.

Impressive Towing Capabilities

The side of a used 1991 Nissan Datsun Truck from online used car exporter BE FORWARD.
Above: Side view of a used 1991 Nissan Datsun Truck

While this pickup is more than capable of carrying cargo there are often times when we have to tow larger items (or other cars), which the Nissan Datsun Truck can do easily. On average, this plucky pickup can tow up to a maximum load of around 900kg.


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