Nissan Stanza

The Nissan Stanza was a compact car introduced by Nissan in 1977 and was essentially the same car as the Nissan Auster and Nissan Violet. All three bore the A10 codename, and were built in Japan at Hiratsuka and Oppama. A new front-wheel drive model was launched in 1981. Later versions of the car would also be badged as Nissan Bluebirds.

Violet 710 (1973–77)

Before the Stanza, there was the Violet, which sold outside Japan under Nissan's Datsun marque as the Datsun 140J/160J — except in the United States where it was the Datsun 710. This model was built as a 2-door saloon, 2-door coupé, 4-door fastback, 4-door notchback, estate, and van.

The sporty SSS model has rear independent suspension, others have leaf spring.

This car was assembled in Mexico from 1973–78, and in the relevant markets was known as the Datsun Sedan and Datsun Guayin. It was offered with an optional 3-speed automatic gearbox. It is sometimes referred to as the "bolillo" (white bread) because of its rounded design.

First generation Stanza (1977–81)

The Stanza, as it was known in only some markets, was first introduced in the 1977 model year as a rebadged Japanese-market Nissan Violet A10. In Australia, it was called the Datsun Stanza, and in the United States the Datsun 510, a name which was recalled a previous Datsun 510. It was powered (in 1978 models) by the 2.0L I4 L20B and in later years by the 2.0L I4 Z20 series of engines.

Five body styles were on offer: 2- and 4-door saloons, a 3-door hatchback coupé, a 5-door hatchback (introduced later in the car's production run) and a 5-door estate. Transmissions offered were a 4-speed manual (in all except the 3-door hatchback), a 5 speed manual (in the 3-door hatchback only), and a 3-speed automatic.

Australia

The Stanza was assembled in Australia from 1978–82, in 4-door 1.6L saloon form, primarily to fill a gap between the Sunny and 200B. Trims available were "GL", "GX" and sporty "SSS".