The Nissan 180SX was a hatchback coupe (though Nissan marketed it as a fastback in most of its markets) based on the S13 chassis from the Nissan S platform, and sold only in Japan (although sold in some other countries under the 200SX name)[1]. It was sold as a sister model to the Nissan Silvia from model year 1989 through 1998. The S13 Silvia was discontinued in 1993, but the 180SX was successful enough to convince Nissan to keep it in the market for the full length of the next generation Silvia's tenure.

The 180SX differed from the S13 Silvia in that it featured pop-up headlamps, and a fastback roof with a liftgate. Specifications and equipment were similar, however the naturally-aspirated CA18DE engine was not offered. The name 180SX was originally in reference to the 1.8 liter displacement CA18DET engine used in the chassis. In 1991, however, the engine was upgraded to a 2.0 liter model, offered in two forms: the naturally-aspirated SR20DE engine and the turbocharged SR20DET variant. Although the new engine was of larger displacement, the 180SX nomenclature remained. A common body modification to the 180SX and its sister car, the North American 240SX fastback, is the Sileighty conversion. 180SX was also a trim level of the S110 Silvia in Europe. The badges for this model read "Silvia 180SX", so this car is not properly a 180SX by model, but a version of the Silvia instead. Like the Japanese 180SX SR20DET discrepancy, European, as well as South African models of the S13 chassis were called 200SX though equipped with the CA18DET engine.