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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  I Miss my Sentra - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By lkt82961 - May 1 - 10:07 am

  I bought my Sentra new in 2003. It was a great car, but since I live in the north, I found out the first winter that it needed snow tires, and after getting those it was a great winter car. I live in a town with steep hills so great traction is really important. Although the car rode a little low, it never got stuck in snow. The cluster that controls the gauges failed in about the 5th year, and luckily my extended warranty covered it. I recently traded it for a very low mile 2007 Toyota Corolla and regret it so far. The Toyota has horrible road noise and handling. I am going to replace the tires and hope that helps.

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  Great Performance for the Price - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By Fadet0blak - April 26 - 7:03 am

  After all the rebates and discounts the cost of my Spec V was around $16,500. I was very suprised that it was that low. My mom who bought it for me as a college graduation gift actually paid for my insurance this year cause it was well under her limit. If you dont like to take turns fast you will once youve had this car after a week. The suspension is so great. I fly by people on highways when the roads are twisting and turning. This is my first car that is mine. Its also my first car that Ive driven more than once that is Manual. The clutch can be very tricky sometimes. I know it just takes practice. I have only had it for about 2 weeks and Im getting much better at it.

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  NOT SURE.. - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By M.E.M. - April 25 - 10:00 am

  I JUST PURCHASED THE 2004 SENTRA 2.5 S AND AFTER A TRIP TO FLORIDA, I FOUND THE FLAWS. 1.) THE SEATS ARE UNCOMFORTABLE AFTER A COUPLE OF HOURS; SERIOUSLY NEED LUMBAR SUPPORT. 2.) THE GAS MILEAGE IS SHAKY. 3.) THE HANDLING SHOULD BE TIGHTER AT HIGHER SPEEDS. 4.) THE STEREO SYSTEM: NEED SPEAKERS THAT CAN ACTUALLY HANDLE THE OUTPUT OF THE DECK. ALTHOUGH HEADS WERE ROCKING TO MY SOUNDS! 5.) FOG LIGHTS SHOULD BE STANDARD ON THE 2.5 S MODELS THAT HAVE THE REAR SPOILER AND SUNROOF, I MEAN, WHY STOP THERE? 6.) OH YEAH, THE TIRES NEED TO BE A TAD BIT WIDER CONSIDERING THE CAR HAS SOME KICK TO IT.

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  Good car - only minor problems - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By schwnj - April 25 - 3:26 am

  Ive been driving my black Sentra SE since it was new, and have just over 50,000 on it now. Like many of the other reviewers, Ive had to replace my brakes and tires. Ive had two window regulators go out on me (both under warranty), and my sun visor mirror covers cracked off long ago. The paint on the bumper and mirrors is starting to fade after five years in the 110-degree Phoenix sun (but I wax it regularly to keep fading to a minimum). But all of those things are minor. The car has always started, it performs like it did in 2001, it handles well, the engine is built like a tank and all electrical and mechanical systems are fully working. Treat this car well and it will treat you well.

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  Im Happy With It - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By jonsiros - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I chose the Sentra over the Corolla because I felt it had more personality. Unfortunately, it doent pack the same kind of build quality the Corolla has. The CVT, I feel, kind of robs the car of performance. Its a bit slow from a dead stop, but once your off its smooth and quick. The steering shakes a bit when slowing down from high speeds. Interior is well laid out, but the materials are cheap and wears out quickly. The trunk is huge. Gas mileage is excellent. Id still recommend this car for someone who wants an economical car.

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  Great deal! - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By Kathy - April 23 - 10:00 am

  I just picked up my new sentra sr and I am so excited. We already have a 2007 and have been very happy with it. Great ride, style,and deal. I got it out the door at $15,400 after dealing with several dealerships. I am looking forward to driving a new car and having low up keep costs.

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  Excellent First Car - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By belka - April 23 - 2:40 am

  This is a great little fun car for the price. I would definitely recommend it for first time buyers who want something relatively quick.

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  Low mileage - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By ty_parry - April 7 - 8:16 am

  Traded in Honda Accord that got better mileage than the 24 mpg for the 2007 Sentra. Fun to drive with a big cabin and large trunk. The keyless starting and smooth quiet ride, make it a great car except for the low mpg.

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  Good so Far - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By FirstCar - April 5 - 10:06 pm

  Not too many miles driven, but theyve been good miles thus far. 6 speed took a while to get used to, but thats because I transferred from a Jeep. It has plenty of power for an economy car, loads of features, and looks very sharp (I got the black). Im 62 and I still have a few inches from the ceiling. Everything is placed well, besides maybe the center console (nowhere to rest my elbow while shifting). Trunk is HUGE, engine compartment open and easy to access (this will be great 5 to 10 years from now). The base radio leaves a little to be desired, bluetooth a little clumsy (not synched well for my phone brand). Quiet, comfortable, does 80 just fine, cruises at low speeds well.

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  vspec > vtec - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By ks86 - March 28 - 10:00 am

  just recently bought the car and so far i really like it. the car suprised me with its power that it has. bought the car with 50k miles on it and theres a few minor repairs needed, but nothing too big.. this car is a really good value.. just as fun to drive as a srt4, but 10k less.. recommended :) (for all specv owners, throw a cold air intake on it, makes such a difference in sound and high end torque for less then 200$)