1986 Nissan Sentra: Then vs. Now

Jane Lu
· 4 min read
Nissan
started selling the iconic Sentra in 1982. The fuel-efficient model became an instant hit once it reached the U.S. and beat Corollas and Civics of the day to secure the top position.
In 1985, Nissan started manufacturing the model from Tennessee and continued for several years. Sentras are practical, midsized sedans that are great everyday cars. Let’s explore some more interesting facts about the 1986 Nissan Sentra and the new model on the market.
The Nissan Sentra was first released in 1982.

1970-79: Nissan lays the groundwork for the legend

Nissan saw a lot of success between the early 1970s and 1979. By 1975, the Japanese company had sold over 1 million Datsuns to the United States. Before the Nissan Sentra came to the market, the Datsun 510 reigned supreme and was among the greatest racing cars ever built.
Other popular models included the Datsun 1200 Coupe, 240Z, and the four-door Datsun 510 Sedan.
In 1979, Nissan Design America was established by the carmaker. Based in La Jolla, California, the organization was tasked with bringing the American style and concept to new Nissan vehicles. This organization has since brought great models to the U.S., such as the Pathfinder, Gobi pickup, Pulsar NX, and Xterra.
Recently, the company released new models of the Nissan Kicks, Maxima, Altima, and Titan. Each model has a sizable American market, thanks to the American culture infused into their designs.
Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds
No spam · No long forms · No fees
Find insurance savings

The iconic 1986 Nissan Sentra

By 1981, Nissan was looking for a model to replace the aging B210, another economical vehicle on the American market. The answer was the Nissan Sentra. This two-door automobile was a cheap, fuel-efficient option that also offered basic luxuries.
Autoblog
said that the initial model came with a basic air conditioning system that helped keep the vehicle cool. It also came with a rear defroster, a feature not available in similar class vehicles at the time.
This model experienced peak production in 1986, a year after Nissan opened a factory in Tennessee. At the time, sealed-beam headlights were being phased out, and the model had replaceable bulbs instead. Nissan also created a durable cabin with seat covers that could endure harsh weather and abuse.
The 1986 Nissan Sentra is a two-door sedan fitted with a front-mounted engine that powers the front wheels. A single overhead camshaft supplies power to the car. It is equipped with a 1.6-liter, naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine with two valves per cylinder.
This engine produced 84 bhp and 97 lb-ft of torque and was paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. It could reach speeds of up to 103 mph.

How does the 2022 Sentra differ from the 1986 model?

The 2022 Nissan Sentra also fits the compact car segment like its predecessor. But it doesn’t quite capture the excitement of the 1986 model. There are three trims for the new model: the S, SV, and SR.
Car and Driver
found the mid-level option to be the best package. While it costs about $1,000 more than the base model, it comes with an 8-inch touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate control, and adaptive cruise control. You can also go for a premium package that has aluminum wheels, quilted leather upholstery, heated front seats, a sunroof, and a power-adjustable driver's seat.
According to Car and Driver, the car is powered by a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 149 horsepower. It has a continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive capabilities. It doesn’t resemble the original 1986 Sentra, but it’s still a great daily driver for individuals and families.
Get the best insurance coverage on the market for your sedan.
Jerry
helps you compare quotes from 50 top car insurance providers. Use the app to save money on car insurance without the hassle.

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings