This nameplate began life in 1981 as the successor to the Datsun 810 sedan, establishing the car’s long-running role as Nissan’s upscale midsize four-door. From the start it was positioned above the mainstream family-sedan class, with an emphasis on smooth power delivery, a more refined driving feel, and a sportier personality than many rivals. That blend of comfort and performance helped define the car’s identity for decades.
A major turning point came with the second-generation model in 1988, when it was treated as an independent series rather than simply a trim or derivative of another line. Through the late 1980s and 1990s, the car evolved into a more distinctive premium sedan, gaining stronger emphasis on V6 power, quiet-road comfort, and a driver-focused image. In North America especially, it became known as Nissan’s “four-door sports car,” a reputation that stuck through multiple redesigns.
Over time, the car moved from a more traditional midsize sedan formula toward a larger, more upscale flagship role. Later generations leaned into a bold exterior design and a higher-feature interior, while still preserving the model’s long-standing performance-oriented identity. Production ended in 2023, closing out a 42-year run for one of Nissan’s most recognizable sedan nameplates.