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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  A solidly built, reliable compact car. - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By Josh R. - March 25 - 8:00 am

  This is an unobtrusive little compact sedan that doesnt ask much of its owner - but admittedly doesnt inspire love and affection in turn. This is not a Mini or a Corvette we have here, though - its fuel-thrifty transportation, a Point A-to-B car. Pickup from the 1.6L inline-four when coupled to the automatic is unimpressive until the engine kicks into high RPMs. Adding an aftermarket intake and exhaust system really helps. Brakes are a tad small for the vehicle but are serviceable. Interior is probably the best thing: good use of space, fit and finish is nice for a compact. Standard seats, though, have no lumbar or lateral support whatsoever. Overall, not bad-made in the USA too!

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  Built to Last - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By RSH - March 25 - 5:56 am

  This is my 2nd Sentra, my 1st, a 1991 2-Dr model, lasted until it was totalled in a collision in 02. When I purchased this one, it was a definite upgrade in terms of weight, acceleration, comfort and style. The mileage could be a little better these days (avg 25-30), the leg room in the back is too little for people over 5 tall, and it is very sensitive to the wind. I am overall very happy with the car, its very reliable and can handle its own. Other than the above issues, its a great car for long term owners.

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  My Review:Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Lonestar - March 20 - 8:36 pm

  I have had my SE-R Spec V since mid January, and have loved it the entire time. You know you like a car, when walking away towards a long day of work, you look back 3 or 4 times before heading into the building. Sharp acceleration speed, even when already up to 80 mph+. Great road feel. A very nice stereo (Audio Fanatic Package) right out of the stock model. Mes love the car. PS: Its relatively cheap, for the way the car feels.

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  Great basic car - 1998 Nissan Sentra
  By MaryB - March 19 - 1:43 pm

  This is a reliable car with many comforts. The air conditioning still functions after 7 years, as do the power windows and locks. Maintenance has been minimal - brakes and exhaust - about what you would expect. I will probably buy another Sentra when this one goes to the auto graveyard.

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  Just cant get rid of it! - 1996 Nissan Sentra
  By D Kurtz - March 19 - 10:00 am

  Purchased this car with my parents help when I turned 16. Then it was a fairly inexpensive, economical car. Not much has changed. I just hit 100k miles. Only problems have been replacing an O2 sensor at about 30,000 miles, routine brake work, and rust starting to eat away at my door jams (I drive on salty roads about 5 months a year though.) I have been looking for an excuse to go out and get a bigger and better car, but I just cant find a reason good enough. This car has been worth far more than I paid for it. Not the coolest car on the market, but definitely a good buy.

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  My first Nissan - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By tishpit - March 14 - 4:00 pm

  Ive had the car nearly one month and put on over 1800 miles. Mileage is very good with an average of 30.8 mpg in mixed city and highway driving. Rides nice, CVT is very smooth and idles so quietly, at first I thought it stalled! Nice car overall, but not an exciting drive, but then its not meant to be. Does everything well enough. Only gripes so far is the drivers side sun visor hits the rear view mirror and therefore makes looking out very difficult unless you duck under it or keep moving the mirror out of the way. Wish it had a trunk release on the fob like my Jeep does. Good quality construction, but beware of blind spots with small, oddly shaped outside mirrors.

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  Best Gas Mileage I Have Ever Seen - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By TimC - March 11 - 3:40 pm

  The car rides better than my Lincoln. The sticker said 25 city/ 33 hwy but I have been watching it and I am getting 38 Hwy and 29 city. This car has it all, style, mpg, ride. Need to look at this. I looked at Honda Fit, Civic, Accord and Toyota Corolla and Camry and Focus and Fusion. Spent 3 weeks shopping. The Sentra is about 3000.00 cheaper but delivers more. Check it out. I am trading my truck in and getting another.

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  Great car! - 2012 Nissan Sentra
  By lissical - March 11 - 2:09 am

  I just recently purchased the 2012 Nissan Sentra SR Special Edition and I love it! It is so quiet and the gas mileage is incredible. Plus, for a small car it is actually pretty roomy. I was very impressed with the price, especially since this package comes with bluetooth phone, GPS navigation, moonroof and XM radio (only for 3 months...then you can either subscribe or cancel). I must admit that I had to get used to the CVT since my previous cars did not have that. But all in all, this is a great car!

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  Interior drama - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Keisha - March 1 - 8:23 pm

  I bought my car wanting something dependable and that I wouldnt have to mess much with since Im a single mother. But was I wrong in part. Interior of my car is really cheaply made. Took out extended warranty til its paid off too. Sun visors have broke, 2 of the drivers and one of the passengers which passengers was broke at dealership when I got the car. Now Nissan doesnt wanna replace anymore visors for my car even though I dont really even use them and my car still has a long way to go til the warranty is gone. Side mirror breaks easily someone broke ours in a parking lot. Tire sensor has been on at least 14 months of the 17 months owned it even though reset a million times!

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  Sentra Rocks - 1996 Nissan Sentra
  By jcarlson - February 26 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my Nissan Sentra for 5 years now and I love it. I have had no problems at all with the car.