Is Datsun derogatory?
 

I love my Nissan 370Z. When someone asks "what is it?" I often reply Datsun.

I started out with a Datsun 280Z and have had a z car for 30+ years. I mean no disrespect.

When I hear Jeremy Clarkson say it, it sounds derogatory. Is it?

I don't find it an issue and I'm proud that it has a long history.

http://static.motorstop.asia/blog/th...atsun-logo.jpg

I would even prefer they went back to the name Datsun.

:iagree:

Seeing as how I grew up with Datsun 510's, and 240Z's, I see no problem with it..

It seems that they changed it when the 300ZX came out, yes I had one of those too..

So call it datsun if you would like.

Beginning with the 1982 model year, Nissan badged the US-sold cars as "Datsun by Nissan". In the 1984 model year -- all were Nissans.

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.

:tup:

I don't take Datsun as an insult, many people know the old Z cars and Nissan in the US by the name.

I think the issues comes from the fact that the name Datsun was started and used by the existing Nissan company to protect their brand name from a potential flop when they entered the American market. As the brand became a success they phased it out, because we can all be proud of what they had gotten to.

The Datsun nameplate is now coming back into use for newly developing markets for the same reason.

Thanks to all who've answered. It is like a girls maiden name. When she marries I still think, and refer to her by the first name I knew her by. Never insultingly. Just the way my brain works.

not at all.

the Name "Datsun" to me refers to and MEANS History. privelage. Honor. Respect.

often people outside the Nissan Community, dont respect where things have come and how far they have come thus far.

so when i look at my Z? i see all those words i stated above.

That's exactly what Nissan is doing.

Nissan to bring back Datsun car brand

I don't have a problem with it at all!!!
http://img.tapatalk.com/47c239d3-0af3-2ea7.jpg

sent from my SAMSUNG SINGLE TURBO SGH1717

:tup:

No issues with Datsun at all.

When I got my G35 Coupe in early 2004, there were only a few on the road and everyone would ask me what kind of car is that? I replied, It's a Nissan.

Whenever someone is jokingly insulting a GTR or a 370z, they tend to call it a Datsun

If someone insults either one of those cars they are obviously ignorant and not worth my time to even talk to.

sent from my SAMSUNG SINGLE TURBO SGH1717

Depends on how you use the term.:confused:

Honey, I have to break up with you....Yes Datsun..:tup:

Or sorry I came too Datsun...:eek:

Or did your fine sister have to leave Datsun ?:yum::yum:

Or, yes I would like you to lose weight Datsun...:eek:

Then it may be derogatory...:tiphat::hello::icon18:

Hopefully I don't end up on the banned list, but I just had to do it...

Sweet: Thanks.

I've been looking for this exact information.

I always thought the reason they changed the name was to get away from the historically rust ridden paint that the early Datsun imports had. When I think Datsun It brings back a memory of the pock marked Z 240's Not so with Nissan

Clarkson definitely uses it as an insult but he who cares what he thinks?

I'm around older Datsuns all the time but there is no way I would refer to my car as a Datsun because it would make no sense to

I started with a Datsun B210, however if you looked at that time any engine cover on a Datsun it said Nissan.;)


No, that was NOT the reason. It was a business deal.


Exactly, when they don't know the history of the brand.

:icon18:

Onzedge..

You are always there to get my Jokes....

Now that Datsun is synonymous with the budget line I personally wouldn't refer to my car as one but I get the history part.

Sadly a lot of people don't seem to know that Nissan/Datsun are synonymous.

That's because I am just a son-of-a-Datsun.

I cannot believe you got back to me datsun...:tiphat:

Datsun as I get a minute I will come up with more jokes..

Its actually referring to the speed of the car... I cannot believe you drove here datsoon.

:icon17:

A snail went to a Datsun dealer to buy a Z. He told the dealer to remove the "Z" from the car and replace it with an "S".

He wanted people to see him driving by and say "Look at that S-car go".

Recycled Chrysler S car joke alert. :ughdance:

being called a Chrysler is derogatory.

:icon18:

I can think of other manufacturers with some odd beginnings.. Lamborghini for one. Who knew something like this:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi..._22PS_1951.jpg

could someday turn into this:

http://www.gtspirit.com/wp-content/u...nfigurator.jpg

I think Nissan/Datsun has come a long way and only a derogatory term to anyone who was around when the Datsun name existed. I actually think American manufacturers mentioned on Top Gear have it worst. If you've ever heard Clarkson describe the Corvette, you would think he's talking about a Saturn....and he actually likes how the Corvette drives.

ive been around to see datsuns. i still dont think datsun is derogatory. being called an oriental... that doesnt sound derogatory to me either cause that's wat i was long time ago before some asian decided it was offensive. :confused:

i dont need some tooth decaying brit who cant even make good tea tell me datsun is derogatory.

I find the term 'asian' derogatory....

honestly, i do too...

[QUOTE=Cmike2780;1765855]I can think of other manufacturers with some odd beginnings.. Lamborghini for one. Who knew something like this:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi..._22PS_1951.jpg

could someday turn into this:

http://www.gtspirit.com/wp-content/u...nfigurator.jpg

That is what happens when you get pissed off at Enzo...

yah, but i read some of the most advanced cars that ferrari made, exterior was designed by some japanese dood. that is irony right there.

Quite Ironic...

Not trying to derail but just wanted to say...
I'm latino, but I remember when I was a kid. My white childhood acquaintences, would always tell me, "I generally hate spics but you're ok". Then they would go down the list and discuss their feelings about all non-white races. I remember how they would say oriental. It wasn't the word. It was the way it was said... if I were asian and I was hearing other races single out asians and say oriental like its a disease? I would make a fight against it too... the oriental name was dropped in the 80's as well as many stereotypes.

That said, Oriental isn't a bad word in its true meaning. The orient is a sector of asia. And not all asians are the same. Saying oriental is a geopgraphic location vs a racial slur. But if people are going to conveniently change meanings. Then it was in the best interest of asians to not allow people to refer to them as orientals in order to break a stereotype.

As far as Datsun goes... Fu*k yeah dude. I think datsun is an awesome name. I don't think the Z will get the Datsun name though... I think, it will stay nissan and we will probably get a Datsun Silvia??? :) I'm in!