During the 1970s, Datsun transitioned from a small player to a major contender in the United States. To mark the subsequent decade, Nissan introduced the Auster based on the Violet, branded as the Stanza, while phasing out the Datsun name in favor of the company’s actual name.
Recently discovered in a Colorado self-service boneyard, today’s Junkyard Gem is a first-year model of the Stanza. Positioned between the Datsun 310 and the Datsun 810 Maxima, the Stanza was aimed at Nissan’s 1982 American showroom lineup.
The base four-door hatchback started at $6,999, equivalent to around $22,767 in 2024. This pricing placed it slightly above the better-equipped Toyota Corolla but significantly below the Toyota Corona, which was nearing its end before the Camry replaced it.
In the American market, the Stanza remained on the Violet platform until 1989 before transitioning to the Bluebird. In 1993, it was reintroduced as the Stanza Altima in the United States, with the Stanza name persisting in Altima owner’s manuals until 1996 before being phased out.
Naming the 1982 Stanza posed a challenge as Nissan aimed to distance itself from the Datsun brand in North America while leveraging its established recognition. Officially marketed as the Nissan Stanza, it was sold by Datsun dealers under the “Product of Nissan” banner.
Meanwhile, vehicles badged as Datsuns in 1982 and 1983 received “by Nissan” badges. The full transition to Nissan branding occurred in 1984, although some early 1984 models still featured Datsun badges.
Similar to its Altima descendants, the Stanza offered considerable value for the price. Powered by a 2.0-liter SOHC straight-four engine producing 88 horsepower and 112 pound-feet of torque, it weighed just 2,220 pounds, impressive for a car of its era.
Standard equipment included a five-speed manual transmission, with a three-speed automatic available for an additional $280 ($911 today). This particular car features a manual transmission and optional air conditioning, which added $590 ($1,919 now) to the price.
The XE trim level included an AM/FM radio and tilt steering wheel at no extra cost, featuring the DATSUN logo on the tuner dial.
While some Stanza models have racked up over 400,000 miles, this example has just surpassed 160,000 miles. Nissan’s penchant for Bordello Red™ car interiors during the 1980s is evident in this car’s interior. Truly, the Stanza represented the family car of the future.
