Is Datsun derogatory?

Originally Posted by 280z/300zx

No, but consider that Datsun was a made up name. Datsun was used here in the states so that if if failed the parent company name, Nissan, wouldn't be affected. Nissan was always the original name but since they weren't sure if they could do a good job here they called their cars Datsun. Not really derogatory but considering Datsun hasn't been around for 30 years and is not the true name of the company there are going to be a lot of people who don't know what you are talking about or may think your an idiot for calling your car a datsun. We enthusiasts know better but your average person on the street may wonder why your calling your Nissan a Datsun.