The Nissan Teana was introduced to the market in 2003 as a replacement for both Nissan Cefiro, Bluebird, and Laurel.
It was one step under the luxury four-door sedan Nissan Skyline.

The Teana was one answer to the wide range of cars offered by the Japanese car-maker. There were way too many models and the marketing department was struggling to find a way to promote them, but not to overlap them in advertising. The car was exported to other markets as the Nissan Maxima, or even with the Teana name in the ex-Soviet area or other countries.

From the outside, the mid-size sedan featured a bold look with Nissan Murano inspired headlights and a greenhouse that suggested a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. But it was front-wheel-drive and, on some markets, it was offered with an all-wheel-drive system. The 16” light-alloy wheels were fitted as standard. In December 2005, the Teana received new headlights and taillights, chrome trimming on the bumpers, enlarged foglights, and newly designed gauges.

Inside, there was an elegant interior with leather and wood trims on the center console and on the door panels. It featured an infotainment system that was carried-over from the Nissan Primera. The same car was sold in Korea as Samsung SM5/7.

For the engine compartment, the Teana was offered with three engine choices and only automatic transmission. Either it was a 4-speed or a CVT with 6 pre-set gears, it was a car built for comfort, with enough room for the rear passengers.