Powerful and bold, versatile and athletic, the Nissan Sentra is one of the best-selling sedans in the Nissan lineup, and it’s easy to see why. The Sentra was first introduced to American drivers in the early 1980s and has a rich history that proves it only gets better with age. As your Nissan Sentra dealership, we’re your authority on the Sentra, and we are incredibly proud to show you the Sentra’s evolution in the automotive industry as well as everything the newest model has to offer.
Before we dive into the Sentra’s remarkability from past to present, you might be wondering what makes us an authority on the Sentra and, more importantly, why you should shop with us. Aside from carrying the Nissan name, you’ll find that Newton Nissan South isn’t like most dealerships. Sure, we carry a wide selection of new and pre-owned vehicles but where we differ is our guarantee to “Change Your Experience.” We’re not just here to sell you a vehicle; we’re here to make owning a Nissan even easier as your go-to experts on the Nissan lineup and by offering a comprehensive suite of services.
Fortunately for you, it only gets better from there! Let’s dive into the Sentra’s history to get a feel for its journey in the American automotive landscape. From there, we’ll look at the newest model and give you a better idea of everything we have to offer right here at Newton Nissan South.
Nissan was first established in Japan in the 1930s and eventually made its way to America in the late 1950s with the introduction of the Datsun compact truck. With the Datsun’s success, Nissan expanded its lineup in America and eventually opened its first factory on American soil in Smyrna, Tennessee, in the early 1980s. What does this have to do with the Sentra?
Nissan introduced the Sentra in 1982 as a replacement for the B210. The all-new Sentra boasts a bold design and several new features while delivering exceptional efficiency and practicality. These factors make it a popular option among drivers looking to maximize efficiency without sacrificing comfort and performance. Over the next three years, the Sentra seals its fate in the lineup and finds a home in Tennessee as only the second Nissan to roll off the American assembly line.
The first-generation Sentra (1982-1986) paves the way for the second-generation model (1987-1990). Available in a variety of body styles (coupe, sedan, station wagon, hatchback), the Sentra keeps many of the same features with only minor interior and exterior design updates. By the early 1990s, Nissan dropped the hatchback and station wagon to introduce the third-generation sedan (1991-1994) with the addition of new transmission options, a sportier SE-R trim, and several interior upgrades to add to the Sentra’s comfort and appeal.
Only available as a sedan, the fourth-generation Sentra (1995-1999) is more reliable than ever after Nissan replaces its timing belts with timing chains. This upgrade pairs exceptionally well with the performance-focused SE and SE-R trims. These upgrades continue to the fifth generation (2000-2006) that marks the Sentra’s official classification as a compact car and introduces a new design both inside and out.
The sixth-generation (2007-2012) Sentra is not only larger than previous models but also offers new design and luxury features. The sedan’s larger size means a bigger engine under the hood and even more power from models like the SE-R that deliver on a driver’s need for speed. By the seventh generation (2013-2018), the front-engine, front-wheel drive Sentra continues to impress with a more modern design and several new exterior color options across its lineup. Additional updates include multiple powertrain options as well as new connectivity, safety, and driver-assist features.

Now in its eighth generation, the 2021 Nissan Sentra is one of the most remarkable sedans on the road that combines performance and capability with luxury and cutting-edge technology. The exterior is muscular and athletic with its lower and wider stance that adds to its stability and gives you more confidence and control behind the wheel. You’ll also find new design upgrades, including Nissan’s signature V-motion grille, as well as LED headlamps and an available floating roof that gives the Sentra a unique and sophisticated aesthetic.
More luxurious than ever, the Sentra’s interior is designed with you in mind and features high-quality interior finishes from the satin chrome aluminum accents and the premium upholstery to the standard D-shaped steering wheel. Nissan’s close attention to detail is apparent from the exclusive Zero Gravity front seats that put you in the perfect sitting position to the center touchscreen display and the position of the controls that give you access to everything you need right at your fingertips, whether you’re navigating a new route, making a phone call, or adjusting the cabin’s temperature.
What truly sets the 2021 Sentra apart is its enhanced suite of convenience, connectivity, and driver-assist tools that reflect Nissan’s commitment to delivering the most innovative technology available. Nissan knows that life doesn’t stop when you’re on the road, and that’s why the 2021 Sentra is equipped with a driver’s display (4.2-inch or 7.0-inch) and a center touchscreen display (7.0-inch or 8.0-inch) that puts all the information you need right where you need it most. You can effortlessly sync your smartphone with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, make a phone call with the Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, or take a closer look around the vehicle with the Intelligent Around View Monitor.

You’re convinced that the Sentra is the perfect sedan for your needs, but why should you shop with us? Our guarantee to change your car-buying experience starts the moment you visit the dealership. However, unlike many traditional dealerships, our relationship with you doesn’t end when you sign on the dotted line. We’re here to change your entire experience, and that means being readily available to oversee all your Sentra needs for years down the road.
Our exceptional service department can handle everything from routine oil changes to complex transmission repair, but we don’t stop there. We believe in giving our customers all the tools they need to drive with confidence. These tools start with our lifetime powertrain warranty that comes with every new vehicle purchase and covers your engine and transmission. We also offer a complimentary two-year maintenance program that includes up to four oil changes and tire rotations within the first 24 months or 30,000 miles. And, when your Sentra is being serviced, you’ll still have reliable transportation thanks to our inventory of loaners and rentals that make servicing your Sentra less of an inconvenience!