I can think of other manufacturers with some odd beginnings.. Lamborghini for one. Who knew something like this:
could someday turn into this:
I think Nissan/Datsun has come a long way and only a derogatory term to anyone who was around when the Datsun name existed. I actually think American manufacturers mentioned on Top Gear have it worst. If you've ever heard Clarkson describe the Corvette, you would think he's talking about a Saturn....and he actually likes how the Corvette drives.