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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  Very Nice First Car - 1998 Nissan Sentra
  By Brina - December 30 - 8:23 pm

  Well we have had this car for over a year now and bought it used. I liked the styling and the interior is more roomy then the newer models 2002 and above. The only problems with is is of course the oil changes and breaks but lets see the alternator,battery and starter. Could have been because we upgraded the stereo system with amp and sub without upgrading those first.oh yeah and the front axles but my husband does deliver pizzas in the hot Arizona desert. other then that the cost has not been that much and it drives much better then my moms 2002. I would highly recommend this car for the first time buyer or for the college student.

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  Nice Compact Car - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By franksentra - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Solid and relible, small outside but big inside, good driving experience. Very practical even not attractive from outside

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  Best bang for the buck - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By johnchoi - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I have over 45K miles on my car and aside from gas and oil changes, no maintenance at all. The car has been bulletproof. I have upgraded with a Cold air intake, Stromung cat back, Hotshot header, and 17" rims and tires. The car flies and is such a blast to drive. I only get around 20- 22mpg but that could be due to my heavy right foot :) For the $16000 that I paid for the car, there is no better car out there. The car is definitely a sporty car and has a firm ride. Those who want a cushy ride should look at the Corolla. Those who want spirited performance are looking in the right place.

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  2000 Nissan Sentra - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By Paramedic - December 25 - 10:00 am

  One of the Best cars I have ever owned. I like it better than our 2000 Maxima. Its easier to get in and out of than the Maxima for some design flaw. Some days I wish I would have purchased the 2.0 model for just a little more pep, but I really have no regrets! Great car!

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  Ziggys GXE - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Ziggys GXE - December 19 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Sentra and I went back and bought a second one for a reason. My first one 94 was the most reliable car I have every owned. I bought it used with 7000 miles drove it very hard and very often for 7 years. When totaled at 170000 miles it was a true loss. It started Every Time and Anytime. I have driven it as much as 16 hours straight and it was always ready for more. I have driven it in every weather condition and it had always performed very well.

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  Nissan could give more for your money - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Julia - December 19 - 10:00 am

  My experience has been ok. At 60,000 I was having several mechanical problems. I had to bring it in several times before they would bring attention to the real problem.

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  Great Car For A Great Price - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By KID TOKYO BRAND - December 19 - 8:30 am

  Right off the bat I noticed that The motor is very quiet and has great acceleration. The power you get with 33 MPG you cant really go wrong. The steering and handling has great response. All the controllers, knobs, switches, and whistles are very easy to use, they are easy to get to, and are easy to remember where they are located. Everything is great about this vehicle, even down to how solid the doors close.

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  Excellent small car- Miss it so much! - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By kris - December 18 - 4:36 pm

  We bought our 01 Sentra as a young couple. Its design, size in its class and handling were the features that sold it. In 7 years of owning it, we have never worried about taking it for long trips. It holds its own on snowy and icy VT roads in winter with the right tires. Everything about this car was solid - the doors were heavy and tough as were the lid of the trunk and the hood. The mileage was a fuel sipping 35 mpg on the highway. It is a compact car and the room behind the driver can be a little less if the driver is tall, but that is true of all compact cars of 01. I have finally traded our Sentra in for a Quest as our family requirements have changed. This is a great Nissan product!

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  Fun ride; Good value - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By van29 - December 16 - 3:13 pm

  Looked at all the small performance cars under $20k and thought this the best deal. It is fast and nimble. The boring styling was actually a plus point for me. Buy it with the "racier" colors though.

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  First Nissan - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Brent - December 10 - 9:43 pm

  This is our first Nissan and we love it, will never go back to any GM cars. We have gotten 34.4 MPG on the highway and anywhere for 26-29 in the city depending on the time of year as we live in MN. The inside doors do scratch easily, but I got sick of spending $1000 for 3 different GM cars for replacing the head gaskets. GMC stands for good mechanic constantly. It has been a great car. We have put 17500 miles on it since November of 2007 and have not had any problems, I cant say that about the GM cars I have owned. The Nissan cars will go a lot longer with out ANY repairs compared to the GM cars.