Having originally launched in Japan in February 1990, Nissan replaced the United Kingdom's Bluebird with the slightly smaller Primera in September that year.

It had a conventional, front-wheel drive chassis and five-speed manual gearbox, with some versions getting the option of a four-speed automatic.

Power came from 1.6-litre carbureted (not available in Japan, except in the Avenir Cargo van version) and 1.8-litre and 2.0-litre injection petrol engines.

A five-door estate was also offered as the Primera Traveller; however, it was based on the slightly different sheet metal of the Nissan Avenir and was only made in Japan.

From 1992 onwards, the range was facelifted and new L, LX, SLX, SGX and eGT trim levels replaced the original naming scheme.

The hatchback assembled in the United Kingdom was available only with the SR20DE engine and automatic transmission and began production from November 1997, a captive import known as the Primera UK GT.

The models for Japan also introduced a CVT automatic transmission during the P11 series, including a six-speed tiptronic version in the M6 G-V and Autech edition wagons and Te-V saloon.

In 1998, Nissan New Zealand released a limited edition Primera SMX with association with Steve Millen (Stillen Sports Parts).

The engine received minor modifications including a free-flow exhaust and a K&N air filter, bumping power up to 118 kW (160 PS; 158 hp).

The locally assembled models were all fitted with the 110 kW (150 PS; 148 hp) SR20DE engine and were available in four different trim levels: S, SE, SES, and SEL.

The Primera won the British Touring Car Championship manufacturer's and team titles thanks to the factory backed RML teamin 1998 and 1999 as well as the Independents' Cup in 1999 and 2000.

To celebrate the two victories in 1998, Nissan UK released a limited edition of 400 GTSE models, with 16" AZEV alloy wheels, two tone "flip" ChromaFlair "Mystic" green paint, following the special theme to the interior which featured full leather seating with green piping seats, steering wheel and a Momo gearknob.

To celebrate the 1999 "clean sweep", they released a limited edition GTLE model with 16" multi spoke Enkei alloy wheels, a full leather interior with silver piping, a Momo gearknob and a colour choice of Flame Red, Kuro Black, Starburst Silver, and Nordic Blue.

In August 1999, Nissan gave the Primera a facelift, giving it a more modern front end with clear style headlamps featuring projector units, instead of the traditional Fresnel lens type.

Along with the exterior changes, improved specification levels were present; with the entry-level models such as the "S" featuring automatic climate control, driver, passenger, and side airbags.

This facelift was not generally applied outside Europe and was not available in Japan when Nissan "formalized" the fronts of other Primeras and Caminos instead, bringing them into line with the look of the American model of Infiniti.

2000 saw the introduction of the STCC (Swedish Touring Car Championship) limited edition model for the Scandinavian markets.

Nissan introduced the third generation Primera in Japan on January 30, 2001, its first all new car since the alliance with Renault was formed two years earlier.