The first Nissan March was released in 1982, as a mini car to compete with the other small cars of that time. The K10, as it was called, proved to be a popular car. It was released in several different versions. In 1985 came a turbo model, and in 1989 a super turbo model, that is still the fastest March to date, with a 7.7 seconds to 100 km/h, and a top speed of 180 km/h. The March was sold abroad under the name Micra.

The K11 was the second gen. March. Launched in 1992, and featured an new 1.0L or 1.3L DOHC 16 valve engine. Though the car had a modest 2 star safety rating, it was hugly popular, and even the European Car of the Year award, and 2 rewards in Japan. Similar to the K10, the K11 was made available in a number of versions, even a cabriolet with an electric roof in 1997.

Because of it being cheap to purchase, its simplicity, and the fact that its size makes it ideal for the small streets of Japan, the K11 is a popular tuning base for compact car lovers. To achieve bigger power numbers, mini owners have swapped SR20DE and GA16DE engines into the their cars. Bolt-On Turbo Kits are also a popular power upgrade option. Similar to the UK's Mini, the March is popular for rally in Europe. The March also has a one-make series held in Japan called the March Cup.

2002 saw the newest March, the K12 come to market. A completely redesigned car, the K12 was wider, rounder and had raised headlights, giving it a perky exterior. The K12 set completely new standards for all minis that were to follow it. In 2005 a performance K12 was launched, the 160SR, with a 1.6L engine providing 111hp. The initial 2002 lineup of K12s was reduced to just 3 in 2006, the Initia, Spirita and Sport, and the available engines went from 6 to 4.

A new March is also underway, and will surely be a popular new mini.