Can you name the first Nissan sedan built in America? We’ll give you a hint: it directly correlates with your search for a "Nissan Sentra for sale near me." The Sentra made history as the first American-built sedan in the early 1980s carrying the Nissan name, rolling off the production line at Nissan’s manufacturing plant in Smyrna, Tennessee. It’s been a staple in the lineup ever since, proving it only gets better with age.
You’ll see this firsthand when you get behind the wheel of a Nissan Sentra at Thomas Nissan of Joliet. We share your excitement for the Nissan lineup, especially compact cars like the Sentra that reflect Nissan’s exceptional ability to give customers what they want and need in a sedan. It’s apparent in the Sentra’s sophisticated design, capable powertrain, and innovative features, all of which make the sedan an outstanding value whether you’re shopping for a new or used model.
But what else can you expect from the Sentra, and why should you make Thomas Nissan of Joliet your dealer of choice? As the leading Nissan dealer in the area, we’re here to answer those questions and more! Let’s take a closer look at the Sentra’s remarkable history in the Nissan lineup, everything you’ll find on the latest model, the many perks of buying a used Sentra, and what makes us your Nissan destination!
Nissan traces its origins to the 1900s when it started building auto parts in Japan before it turned its attention to designing and manufacturing automobiles in the 1930s. After several decades, Nissan had a strong foothold in Japan and set its sights on expansion, entering the American market as Datsun in 1958. Nissan’s venture to America was well received, with models like the Datsun Fairlady 1200 Roadster and 320 Truck earning widespread acclaim throughout the 1960s.
By the 1970s, Datsun was the top American importer and capitalized on its success by forming Nissan Design America in California in 1979. The NDA was tasked with designing vehicles solely for American drivers, paving the way for the first American-made Nissan truck and the Sentra. Nissan introduced the Sentra in 1982, replacing the practical B210 with a more luxurious alternative. The swap was met with acclaim, and Nissan tasked its newly opened plant in Smyrna, Tennessee, with overseeing its production.
Since then, Nissan has consistently updated the sedan, gradually increasing its size in the late 1990s to earn it a new classification as a compact car. Along with these changes, every generation of the Sentra has seen new technology, conveniences, and luxuries that prove Nissan is a leader in the segment and prioritizes the driver experience. This is apparent throughout the Sentra’s history, from the first-generation Sentra’s top safety ratings to more modern innovations like the Zero Gravity seats that take driver comfort to the next level.
Shopping for a new Nissan Sentra is one of the most exciting tasks you can undertake. Why? Because it means getting behind the wheel of a Sentra that’s just rolled off the production line and is ready for the road. You’re the first to make it your own, and that’s just as enticing as that new car smell.
Shopping for a new Nissan Sentra also means enjoying greater peace of mind in your purchase and on the road ahead. Every new Sentra comes with Nissan’s remarkable new vehicle warranty, which covers vital vehicle components that minimize your out-of-pocket expenses. This coverage includes a limited powertrain warranty and an array of available extended warranties that allow you to tailor the coverage to your needs. This means you can worry less about the “what ifs” and enjoy your time in the driver’s seat.
But what other perks come from shopping for a new Nissan Sentra? Buying a new Sentra means enjoying all the latest features and technology. These features extend from smartphone integration to apps that give you remote access to the vehicle so that you have peace of mind even when the Sentra is out of sight. Beyond this, buying a new Sentra allows you to invest in your future on the road and engineers confidence because you’re the first to log miles on the odometer and make the vehicle your own. For many customers, that’s a priceless experience that we understand entirely.
After being completely redesigned for 2020, the Sentra introduces another wave of updates for 2022. These updates include the stunning Midnight Edition Package that puts the sedan in stealth mode. Available on the Sentra SR, the package adds black exterior trim and exclusive black 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels to give the sedan a distinct aesthetic and take the sporty-SR trim to the next level.
Beyond these aesthetic updates, the Sentra continues to offer the most standard safety features in its class. These safety features are centralized in the Nissan Safety Shield 360 suite, which is standard on every trim. The suite includes advanced driver-assist technology like Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Automatic Braking, High Beam Assist, Blind Spot Warning, and Lane Departure Warning. Nissan also makes its Intelligent Forward Collision Warning and Intelligent Driver Alertness technology standard across the lineup, along with the available class-exclusive Easy-Fill Tire Alert system that makes airing the tires more convenient.
For 2022, you can expect to find these features and many others across the Sentra’s three-trim lineup that progresses from the S, SV, and SR. In addition, you can further customize these trims with four packages, including the SV Premium Package and the All-Weather Package. These options offer everything from LED lighting to high-quality leather seating and an Intelligent Around View Monitor.
What if you’re not in the market for a new Sentra and instead are looking to stretch your hard-earned dollar further? You’re in luck with our extensive selection of used Sentras. Our inventory is the backbone of our dealership, which is why we take great pride in hand-selecting every model to guarantee we have something for every driving and budget need.
Shopping for a used Sentra yields a higher return on your investment and far more perks than most customers imagine. What do we mean? New vehicles immediately start depreciating or losing value when they leave our lot, meaning you’ve already lost money before you get home. Over the next five years, your new vehicle will lose up to 60% of its value, and that can put you in a risky financial situation if you signed a long-term loan and owe more than what the vehicle is worth.
By investing in a used Sentra, you’re avoiding this rapid rate of depreciation and paying closer to the value of the car. In exchange, you’re investing in your future on the road and letting your money do the work for you. Furthermore, since Nissan frequently updates the Sentra with all the latest features, it’s a win-win because you can easily get behind the wheel of a top-tier trim with all the newest technology and features at a fraction of the price!
What do you appreciate most about the Nissan Sentra? Do you value its long history in the Nissan lineup, or are you sold on exclusive features like its Zero Gravity seats? Whatever it is, we’re here to make your Sentra dreams come true and help you find the perfect sedan to meet and exceed your expectations.
So, why choose Thomas Nissan of Joliet? We’re a comprehensive automotive center that believes in putting our customers first. While most dealerships make this promise, we’re unique because we deliver and roll out the red carpet for every customer. Instead of focusing on the sale or earning a commission, our team is focused on you and your driving needs. You’ll experience this firsthand, whether you’re shopping for a new or used Sentra or relying on the expertise of our certified technicians that run our service center.
If you’re ready to get behind the wheel of a Sentra and enjoy the buying process, then it’s time to visit Thomas Nissan of Joliet. We’re excited to show you everything the Sentra offers and welcome you into the Thomas Nissan family. So, what are you waiting for? Head over today and introduce yourself to the team!
