Overview & Reviews

The Nissan Sentra has been vying for the wallets of economy-car shoppers since 1982. For most of that time, the Sentra's overall appeal and image have trailed the segment leaders. There have been periods, however, when this car has been one of the best choices available.

The latest Nissan Sentra is closer to the historic norm. It offers a roomy and high-quality interior and great fuel economy. On the other hand, it lacks the visual pizzazz and driver involvement of its competitors. Overall, this Sentra is a respectable ride, though it doesn't really stand out from the crowd. Much the same can be said of previous Sentra generations, but their good fuel efficiency and low upkeep costs make them solid budget-friendly options.

Current Nissan Sentra
The current Nissan Sentra comes standard with a 1.8-liter four-cylinder rated at 130 horsepower and 128 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy is excellent and gets a hair better with the special FE+ model. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the base model, but a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is specified on all other models.

There are four Sentra trim levels: S, SV, SR and SL. The base model S has air-conditioning, full power accessories and an auxiliary audio jack. The SV doesn't add much in the way of standard equipment, but rather increases the availability of options such as keyless ignition/entry, Bluetooth and a USB/iPod interface. The SR is essentially an SV with sporty design elements, while the SL comes standard with the SL's options, plus dual-zone automatic climate control. Other major options for the Sentra (depending on the trim level) include a sunroof, a premium audio system, a navigation system, smartphone app integration and leather upholstery.

In reviews, the Nissan Sentra has earned high marks for its interior. Nissan has taken a refined and conservative approach here, in contrast to many of its rivals with their youthful, funky vibes. Fit and finish is satisfactory thanks to decent materials and seemingly tight construction. The backseat deserves special mention for nearly matching midsize sedans in spaciousness. A comfortable ride quality is another plus. On the downside, however, the Sentra's acceleration is subpar, and in general it's not very involving to drive.

In total, the Sentra's pluses and minuses speak to the car itself. It's a more grown-up sort of small car that eschews look-at-me styling and zippy wannabe sports car dynamics for a sensible, comfortable and economical formula. It's not necessarily the stuff that dreams are made of, but we suspect it will appeal to many shoppers.

Used Nissan Sentra Models
The current, seventh-generation Nissan Sentra debuted for 2013. It's bigger, yet lighter than its predecessor, with a more refined style. The cabin boasts higher-quality materials, even more passenger space and a full roster of technology features. The engine actually has less power this time around, but it's more fuel efficient.

For the current Sentra's second year of production, Nissan implemented a handful of changes aimed at reducing noise and improving driving dynamics, while smartphone app integration was added via the NissanConnect interface. As such, shoppers considering a used 2013 Sentra would do well to sample a newer model, too, and see if the differences seem like they're worth paying for. We've noticed minor dynamic improvements in the revised version, including more athletic handling.

The previous, sixth-generation Nissan Sentra was produced from 2007-'12. It featured slightly larger dimensions than the fifth-generation model and employed Nissan's edgy design language of the time, giving it an extra serving of style. Thanks in part to its generous wheelbase, this Sentra had a roomier cabin than before, with adequate headroom and legroom for 6-foot passengers.

For much of this generation's production, there were six main trim levels: four variants based on the 2.0-liter engine (base, S, SR and SL) and two high-performance versions (SE-R and SE-R Spec V). All models but the SE-R got a 2.0-liter inline-4 that made 140 hp. The SE-R had a 2.5-liter four with 177 hp, while the SE-R Spec V had a modified version of the 2.5-liter engine that made 200 hp. A six-speed manual or CVT were the available transmission options, the latter available in all but the manual-only Spec V.

The base sixth-generation Sentra was pretty thin on features but did include power windows and locks as well as air-conditioning. Stepping up to the S added common items like power mirrors, a height-adjustable driver seat and an iPod interface (available for 2010 and later), while the SL went the extra mile with items like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless ignition/entry and Bluetooth. The SL was also available with leather seating and a navigation system (2010 and later). The SE-R and Spec V trims featured performance-tuned suspensions, performance tires, larger brakes and sporty styling cues. The 2.0 SR introduced for 2009 essentially added a body kit and wheels inspired by the SE-R.
In reviews, we found that the sixth-generation Sentra offered an improved driving experience, although as with many of its predecessors, it could be described as being "close but no cigar" when compared to the best in class. The CVT made the engine drone noisily, and it provided no way for a driver to change or hold ratios on his own (except in the SE-R with its Manual mode). Another dynamic weakness was the car's suspension, which struggled to dampen bigger bumps and road undulations. The Spec-V was the one Sentra that provided stirring dynamics; it could run to 60 mph in just 6.7 seconds and offered plenty of grip during cornering. However, its tall body design introduced more body roll than expected from a compact car.

In terms of changes, sixth-generation Sentras made prior to 2010 had a different grille and headlights, and lacked standard stability control. There were also various standard and optional features added throughout its lifetime, many of which were high-tech items like Bluetooth that shoppers had come to expect. For 2009, the moniker "FE+" was affixed to all Sentras except the manual-transmission 2.0S and both SE-R trims. Ostensibly meaning "Fuel Economy Plus," the new name signified a 1 mpg increase in fuel economy for those Sentras via a tweak to the engine computer. These FE+ fuel economy improvements were standardized on all except the SE-R trims the following year.

Nissan's fifth-generation Sentra ran from 2000-'06. Available in sedan form only, it was initially available in base XE, nicely equipped GXE and top-of-the-line SE trims. All were powered by a 1.8-liter inline-4 with 126 hp, and power was sent to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic or five-speed manual gearbox. The sporty SE-R returned in '02, and there were two versions: the standard SE-R (165 hp, five-speed manual) and the hot rod SE-R Spec V (175 hp, six-speed manual, 17-inch wheels).

At the time, we praised this Sentra for its functional cabin design, nimble handling, many standard features and peppy SE-R trim level. Downsides included bland styling, an awkward driving position and a small backseat. This generation generally has a solid reputation as far as mechanical reliability, though anecdotal evidence suggests that the engine in the SE-R models was more trouble-prone.

The fourth-generation Sentra (1995-'99), with its low nose and high tail, was a styling departure from the straight-edged look of the previous car. Officially offered just as a sedan (the coupe version became the 200SX), this Sentra had more interior room than before. Trim levels consisted of a bare-bones base model, the slightly less stripped XE, the popularly equipped GXE, the luxury GLE and the sporty SE. All trims but the SE had a 115-hp engine, while the SE actually featured the same 140-hp engine as the previous SE-R.

The sporty SE-R debuted with the third-generation Nissan Sentra (1991-'94). Buyers had a choice of either a coupe or sedan, though both shared the same simple, boxy styling. With 140 hp, four-wheel disc brakes and a tuned, fully independent suspension, the Nissan Sentra SE-R coupe provided a lot of bang for the buck and was a favorite among driving enthusiasts. All other Sentras of this generation had a 110-hp engine and trims included the stripper E, base XE, sporty SE and well-equipped GXE.

Running from 1987-'90, the second-generation Sentra was available in a multitude of body styles, including a coupe, a sedan, a wagon, a hatchback and a Sport Coupe fastback. Engine output ranged from 69 to 90 hp, depending on the year.

User Reviews:

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  Great car for the money - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Convert from VW - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Great little car. Fun to drive,great milage. Very happy with my first Nissan, I have had 3 VWs before this. Bought the car with 2500 cash back! Get the road trip package it is worth every penny. Love the fabric on the seats, dog hair does not stick to them.

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  The car is awesome in all ways.. - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By hlysoldier - May 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought my SE-R 2.5 aztec red brand new so, Im careful how I drive but the anticipation is a killer. This thing wants to go-go-go! For being a 4 cyl. its got gumption! All i have to say is hurry up summer! Im hitting the roads!

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  Great Car!! - 2012 Nissan Sentra
  By pike1701 - May 23 - 11:06 pm

  If your thinking about buying the Civic, or Corolla take notice of the Sentra... Instead... Why? 14.5 Gallon Fuel tank... 27-34 MPG... That means you will get at least 350 miles or 400 deepending on how you drive and where you drive. I have put 500 Miles plus on the car since getting it in mid October. And it has given me my moneys worth back in Gas... I had an old Dodge Neon 2000 ES and all it did was eat gas on a 9 Gallon tank... I only got 90 miles... Yes that car lasted me a full 11 years... But it had to go the Transmission was going.

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  I really like but its noisy! - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Torn Between - May 22 - 10:00 am

  I recently purchased the Sentra XE model and fell in love with the look of the car. What I found out after a day of driving around town at speeds of 70- 80mph, was the whistling that the car makes. Also, the brakes make an unusual chirpping noise when letting off of brake. I like the car but between the whistling and chirpping, I wonder if I would want to tolerate it for a few years.

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  Value & Performance - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By nigel - May 22 - 10:00 am

  A great value car which I bought to replace my aging 1992 honda civic. I was going to buy another honda but only got attitude from dealers. Found much better treatment at nissan and a great product. I think this is the best looking car in its class. The se model offers more power, handling and brakes. Alot of others here have comments about the poor paint quality - to date I have had no trouble.

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  Nothing but Nissan for Me - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By Roxanne - May 20 - 7:43 am

  My 1993 Nissan Sentra E was traded in on a new Sentra 1.8 Special Edition. I couldnt own anything else at this point. My first one was so reliable it felt like a family member! The new one has the wickedest audio package (Rockford Fosgate) and with power everything, I feel totally spoiled. Its a pleasure to drive, is comfortable on my back and the automatic transmission is very smooth. The only thing I would want on top of all it has, is a digital compass readout on the rearview mirror. These cars wear like iron and never let you down. I love it and expect to have it for the next 13 years like the other one. Best buy for the money, buy Sentra.

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  Reliable Car - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Gilrich - May 18 - 4:13 pm

  I like my 2001 Nissan Sentra 2.0, because its easy to maintain and repair. So far it has odometer reading of 160,000 and its still running and sound the same as I bought it 7 years ago. For seven years, I already changed 2 rear hub assembly, fan resistor and 4 tires. I recommend this car, its very reliable if you maintain it regularly. I run average of 120kms everyday and it never gave me headache even a single day.

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  Great first car to own - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By tati - May 18 - 10:00 am

  This car wants to go! You can defintiely feel the power of the SE-Rs engine. It handles great and the car feels really solid. Plus at this price, its a great car especially if youre a first time buyer.

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  A good bargain - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Jim Sloan - May 18 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 Sentra is a very reliable car that is reasonably priced, it handles great, there are no factory defects, at highway speeds it accelerates quickly and is easy to drive. I have driven other japenese cars and the Nissan is equal in all ways to them. I highly recomend this car.

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  Great Road Car - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By Chester Morrison - May 8 - 7:30 am

  I bought the 2006 Nissan Sentra five speed manual after the great experience with my wifes 2002 Pathfinder. I having been driving the car 280 miles a day since October in a new job. I average about 31 miles to the gallon. The car is fun to drive: very responsive and handles great in traffic. The interior is not luxurious but ample enough for my needs. The CD player came standard and the speaker system is great. Its the cheapest car I have ever purchased and I am quite pleased.