The Stanza, as it was known in some markets, was first introduced in the 1977 model year as a rebadged Japanese-market Nissan Violet A10 and a companion to the (Japanese: Nissan Violet Auster), which was sold at a different Nissan Japan dealership network. The Stanza, which is Italian for "room" or "apartment", was introduced as an affordable family car one level below the Nissan Laurel, with the companion Nissan Auster as a similar vehicle below the Nissan Skyline sedan, with the Stanza sold at Nissan Japan dealerships that sold the top level car Cedric.

In Australia, it was called the Datsun Stanza, and in Canada and the United States the Datsun 510, a name which recalled the successes of the previous Datsun 510. It was powered (in 1978 models) by the 2.0 L I4 L20B and in later years by the 2.0 L I4 Z20 series of engines.
Five body styles were on offer: 2- and 4-door saloons, a 3-door hatchback coupé (Nissan Violet), 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 for the hatchback models), a 5 speed manual (hatchback models only), and a 3-speed automatic.
This vehicle was available for sale around the same time as the first generation Toyota Celica Camry and the Honda Accord.