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:

• 

  Pretty Decent - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Tom - January 12 - 3:50 am

  Ive had my car for about 8 months now. It replaced a 1990 Ford Escort so by comparison I love it. Its only given me a few small problems, dipstick breaking, not the best power windows, and a rattling noise that my mechanic tells me is nothing serious, just an unimportant loose part. I dont usually drive around that many people so the lack of room in the back isnt that big of a deal for me. The people that have ridden back there are usually fine as long as the person in front of them is forgiving.

• 

  Love my Sentra - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Janet - January 11 - 5:00 pm

  This is my 2nd Sentra. Enjoyed my 06 so much, I traded it on the 07 Showroom model, when I went in for a oil change. New exterior and the CVT out of this world. I have more power & pickup than some vehicles with V6. The Bluetooth, is the best. I dont have to operate my cell phone...I let my car do it, by a push the button on the steering wheel. I have all the bells & whistles and feel like I drive & own a luxury car with all the economy and pep too. The tire sensor is touchy, but if you adjust the pressure for the weather and drive 40mph for a mile, it will go off. The battery went dead at 16 mths and dealership couldnt find the reason. Cost me $55 to replace it.(warranty)

• 

  Small But With a Punch - 1999 Nissan Sentra
  By TheRussian - January 11 - 10:36 am

  What can I say that would truly state what I think about this car? Small but fun! I got this car over my 200sx (1.6l engine). Reliable car, safe (well unless the driver makes it not so safe). The paint job is pretty good, I like the nice blue color of this car. Front looks good except for the grill, which is new for 1999 model. This car has nice stock rims and side skirts, looks great! I stuck a cold air intake, made the car sound like a v8 mustang :). I would like sticking more stuff in so that people would be surprised at what this "grandma car" can do. It could use a little more horses, but it will still take any civic/corolla :). Highly suggested car!

• 

  My Spec V - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By JaySpecV04 - January 8 - 10:00 am

  I was driving down a local highway one day when I was passed by a beautiful yellow Spec V. I never heard of them before, and just thought, a Sentra is a Sentra. I decided to do a little research. I saw the specs and the total package and I was really impressed. I thought, "wow, this car must be really fun." At the time I was driving a gas guzzling Dodge Durango. It was costing me at least $15 a day in gas just to do my everyday things. I only had it for about 4 months when I decided that maybe it just wasnt for me. I stopped down at my local Nissan dealership and picked up a black Spec V as fast as I could.I absolutly love it now. Very overlooked car.

• 

  Sentra Rocks - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By Teri - January 5 - 11:53 am

  I have never owned one of cars before, but my son got me a terrific deal on this one. Its a Nissan Special Edition with a 6-disk CD changer and a 1-disk loader, 6 inside speaker surround sound with a sub woofer mounted in the very large trunk. The left side of the back seat folds down, creating even more cargo space. Yes, the back seat is small, but Im very short and the only one in the car most of the time. Still, its big enough for my grandkids, carseats an all. I get great mileage with this wonderful little car, and theres even a window, part of the odometer, that tells my mileage as I go on. It also tells the outside temperature & how far Ive gone each trip. Be happy!!!

• 

  Great, fun, and cheap - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By bscully - January 4 - 2:00 am

  After my Ford Ranger died, I wanted something that got more than 20 mpg and had cruise and air. The Sentra has this and more. Lots of fun to drive, GXE has lots of extras, and did I mention lots of fun to drive.

• 

  One Bad Box - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By SERookie - January 4 - 2:00 am

  The first time my friend showed me a photo of the SE-R I was so turned off by the fact that it looked like every other Sentra. Then I drove one. This car is absolutely the best thing out there for under $18k. The ride is silky smooth once you get past 2nd (a little bit of torque steer in 1st and 2nd due to power). I feel in love once the dealer told me the monthly payment, and the driving just gets better and better.0

• 

  Mr Bud Green - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Bud Green - January 4 - 2:00 am

  Looked at the Toyota Echo, Honda Civic, Ford Focus. I think the Nissan Sentra was the best I drove of the 3 Cars. Nice to handle and a little more plush then the other 3 and very comfortable. Nice job Nissan!

• 

  Very Pleased - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By GregSentra - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Very pleased with this vehicle. Stock was good enough for me, although I did purchase performace cold air intake and performance exhaust, bought brand new tires, looking into new ECU and even bolton turbo. With the CAI and exhaust there is a noticible difference in performance. Handles very nicely (with new tires) since it mostly rains here. 5 speed manual, i would not have bought the automatic.

• 

  practical and economical - 1999 Nissan Sentra
  By chrisreed82 - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car 2 years ago with 65,000 miles on it. It now has around 100,000 on it. I has never left me stranded, and never let me down. Ive pushed it pretty hard on some long trips, and some times when I just want to have fun! But I maintain it regularly and meticulously. Ive had lots of compliments on the car, for example: "thats a Sentra?! It doesnt look like a Sentra....., thats pretty cool!" I love a lot of features on the car, and its practicality. Recently it has cost me some money though, and I think that it must be one of those "luck of the draw" type of things. This is a good little car though, Im not going to give up on it yet.