Nissan, or formerly known as Datsun, first introduced the Nissan 300zx in 1984. It was the third generation Nissan Z-car that belongs to the racing car classification. The 300zx as Z31 version was offered in V6 engines which is entirely a new engine compared to the previews line of Z-cars. The V6 has a naturally-aspirated VG30E and turbocharged VG30ET, which was rated at 170 and 230 horsepower respectively. The chassis was adopted from the 280zx at 91.3 in. wheelbase with independent suspension, MacPherson strut/trailing arm.

The Nissan 300zx was produced up to 1989 after it was replaced by the new Z32. The new Nissan 300zx now produced 222-horsepower with its 3.0-liter V-6 engine, standard in all models except the 300ZX Turbo that possessed a 24-valve 3.0-liter, the four-cam, twin turbochargers and twin intercoolers engines, that produced 300 horsepower in a 5-speed manual transmission, or the 280 horsepower when coupled with 4-speed automatic transmission. The engine has the variable valve timing system, a feature not present on the Z31 engines.

The twin-turbo Z32s had a different front bumper including three vents for supplying air to the dual intercoolers. It also had the rear spoiler and Z-rated tires which were larger 245/45-16 and 16x8.5 rear wheels and 225/50-16 tires in front and on the NA version.

Chassis became longer with a 97 in. wheelbase from a 91.3 and sophisticated multi-link suspension front and rear. The Nissan's all-wheel-steering system SUPER HICAS (Super High Capacity Actively Controlled Suspension), which could turn the rear wheels a full two degrees at speed and electronically adjustable shock absorbers were the key features of the Twin Turbo versions.

The 300zx continued its production up to 1996 until it was discontinued that same year due to the decline of sales that was caused by an almost doubling of price from $27,000 to $47,000. The model was however continued to be sold in Japan up to 1998.