Nissan: 40 Years in North America

By: Matthew C. Keegan

The North American market has seen some bold changes by Nissan
over the years. Originally imported under the Datsun name,
Nissan cars in Canada and the US made the switch over to the new
name in the early 1980s and the company hasn't been the same
since. A broader line up and the introduction of the luxurious
Infiniti brand in the late 1980s changed the face of Nissan
tremendously. The winners are consumers everywhere who can get a
great vehicle for a fair price.

It was in 1965 when the first Datsuns arrived in Canada. Who
could forget the 1600cc 510 wagon with a 4 speed manual
transmission? The only thing that could kill this car was rust
and a rust bucket it was at that. Or, how about the 620 pick up?
A great little hauler that is in a league of its own. My
personal favorite was the 720 pick up truck equipped with a
diesel engine. A good, sturdy truck that really sipped fuel.

Today's Nissan line up is a far cry from the cars that dotted
the landscape during the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. For consumers
that is probably a good thing too. Today's line up still offers
glimpses of the original Datsuns with the Sentra reminding some
of the old B210, but about ten times more comfortable at that
too. The Altima, Maxima, and the revived 350Z round out the car
line up and when you add in all the SUVs and trucks that Nissan
now sells the Japanese automaker has something for everyone.

Consumers are maintaining their Nissans/Datsuns with premium
Nissan parts and accessories. Your dealer will have what you
need, but remember the prices you pay for parts through the
dealership will be the prevailing retail rate. Some national
auto parts chains will have a decent selection, but they may
have difficulty hunting down the rare Datsun or early Nissan
part for you.

A new choice for consumers is auto parts wholesalers,
particularly those who sell online. Prices are usually much
lower because wholesalers buy direct from leading manufacturers
including Bosch, K&N, Hella, Monroe, Covercraft, and others.
Still, make sure that the retailer is based in Canada and not
charging you outrageous shipping and duty charges for parts
shipped in from the US or elsewhere. The selection they offer to
you should be great, parts stocked must meet or exceed OEM
requirements, and customer service should be just a click of the
mouse and/or a toll free phone number away.

Be careful of retailers specializing in generic Nissan parts as
counterfeit auto parts are a big problem in North America.
Always learn in advance what the company's shipping, return, and
warranty policies are before making your purchase.

About the author:
Copyright 2005 -- Matt Keegan is a contributing writer
for A
uto Parts Canada, a wholesaler of fine N
issan parts and Nissan accessories for your Datsun or
Nissan truck, van, SUV, or passenger car.