2015 Nissan Sentra VII 1.6 CVT Elegance Plus

In the United States, the Nissan Sentra currently serves as Nissan's compact car and the prices range from $15,000 for a base model to $21,000 for a loaded top-of-the-line Sentra. While previous Sentras were subcompact cars, the Sentra has grown over the years, and now the Nissan Versa has replaced the Sentra in the entry-level area, although it is rated by the US EPA as a mid-size car due to its interior volume.

The Nissan Sentra was introduced for the 1982 model year as the US export name for the Nissan Sunny. Many other countries in the Americas, such as Brazil, sell their versions of the Sunny as the Sentra. In Mexico, the first three Sentras were called Tsuru (I, II and III), and the 1994 one keeps on sale after three facelifts along with the newer Sentras.

B11 (1982-1986)

This subcompact automobile was the first of the Sentras and was a direct replacement for the Datsun 210. While previous Sunnys had been rear-wheel drive, starting with the B11 they now sported front-wheel drive FF layout. The B11 also dropped the A series (OHV) engine in favor of the E15 SOHC engine out of the Datsun 310, and was the first car in the United States to carry the Nissan name solely. In 1983, all Sentras had the E16 as the only option with 4-speed manual as standard with a 3-speed automatic and, in some years, a 5-speed manual, as options. A 1.7-litre CD17 I4 diesel was also available from 1984 to 1987 (from 1983 to 1985 in the US). The diesel version was produced in small numbers and because of its rarity is becoming popular with collectors. There were several models of the B11 ranging from the Honeybee, a holdover from the 210 that achieved 35 mpg, or the Deluxe that had air conditioning, Clarion tape deck and dual side mirrors. All Sentras had 4 wheel independent suspension and front disc brakes.