What exactly was the Nissan Hardbody truck, and what years was it produced? Officially known as the Nissan D21, this light truck earned the ‘Hardbody’ nickname, even in official advertising, due to its robust design.
Introduced in the latter half of 1986 as a replacement for the Nissan 720 (also called the Datsun 720), the Hardbody quickly gained a reputation for its reliability and toughness, solidifying its place as one of the most dependable pickup trucks ever made. The Hardbody’s styling was also a key selling point, with a distinctive body line and a trendy raised 4×4 stance.
The Hardbody offered respectable performance. Initially, buyers could choose between a four-cylinder engine or a V6. An ’80s brochure boasted that the 140-horsepower V6 was the most powerful compact pickup option available at the time. Furthermore, Nissan introduced a fuel-injected V6 producing 154 hp in 1990. By 1996, likely due to new emissions standards, the Hardbody was only offered with a four-cylinder engine. Production ceased in 1997 when it was replaced by the D22 Nissan Frontier, but the name lives on.
Why was it called the Nissan Hardbody? The D21 quickly became known as the Hardbody because of its double-walled bed and durable paneling, which gave it a sturdy, brick-like appearance. Nissan itself embraced the term, using it in advertisements, and recently, with the Frontier Hardbody Edition, created as a tribute.
Announced in 2024, this new model features black-painted bumpers, mirrors, door handles, and grille, along with 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires that closely resemble the original truck’s style. The design team aimed to modernize classic design elements from the original Hardbody. Due to its straightforward and durable design, modifying an older Nissan Hardbody is relatively easy. Today, these trucks from the ’80s and ’90s are used as lowriders and in off-road racing. Purchasing a Datsun Hardbody will cost around $11,800 proving its lasting value.
