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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  Surprised to love this so much! - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By Mrs Bessey - May 7 - 12:23 am

  I had a 1998 Nissan sentra as my first car and have had it until this year. When looking for a new car I adamantly refused a new sentra because mine was small and had always only mildly pleased me...Well, that was until I looked at the new Sentras up close. WAY bigger, WAY nicer, and a BLAST to drive. This car doesnt even -feel- like a sentra after driving my 98 for so long. I am completely in love with it. The fuel efficiency is amazing and the cars sleek design combined with size inside make this car a wonderful one for me, hubby, and the someday babies. :)

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  My 2007 nissan sentra - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By 2.0 4 door sedan w/ - May 3 - 5:50 pm

  that i bought used Aug. 07 with 22000 miles has so far at 41000 miles has been a great car to own With the exception of a break master cylinder recall Nissan paid for. The car drives and handles well. I like the cvt trans. It rides and handles well. My gas mileage has been 29 city and 35 H way. I would buy it all over again.

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  My first real car - 2013 Nissan Sentra
  By Nicholaspel@hotmail.com - May 1 - 4:07 pm

  Ive owned alot of clunkers. Most cars i have driven were 200,000 miles plus. Well i always like to rent a car on vacation and this was the one for grabs. On the trip the ride was smooth, no gears meant a smooth ride on the interstate. Its always adjusting. Usually in a 4 cylinder i would be at 3000 rpm on the interstate at 70. The sentra likes to hover around 1800-2000 the noise is great. I can turn down my radio amd hear myself think. Torque city driving is not sp great. The added a sport mode features which basically makes the travel distance of the pedal shorter. Faster reaction etc. its a great commuter car. Interior is easy to keep clean, i have black cloth so it can be shampood easier. Give it that new car smell every 9 months. I guess you could say i liked the car so much, i found the exact same model and color and bought it. People dont like the acceleration . Its similar to a 4 wheeler, hit the throttle and go. I drove rx7s in the past, very similar . Interstate or highway, good acceleration. I just drove it from louisiana to delaware last week which is why i am writing this review. I bought this car preowned and certified by nissan. It has been the best investment. Gas mileage is fantastic. I dont know why peoples transmissions are burning up. If you hit the gas hard it will stay in the higher rpms. If you have a heavy foot i reccomend another. This is purely a small car, low hp. Cvt will never allow it to be anything more. Strictly for cummuting and gas mileage without being in a tin can

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  I Love My Car! - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By dianna - May 1 - 1:16 pm

  I love my car! My boyfriend bought it for me. I love driving it. I have no complaints about my car at all. It handles very well. I have had all the oil changes and the 15,000 mile inspection. and the tires rotated. It corners very well! No problems at all. If you take care of your car. Its going to last a long time. I hand wash my car.I treat it like a baby!! I love it!

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  nissan sentra se turbo R spec v - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By nakia - May 1 - 9:46 am

  Great car very reliable gas mileage depends on how you drive. it hugs all turns a little bumpy but hey, great power and torque feels like a v8 but an in line 4 wow.

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  Never again car build in Mexico! - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By TX - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I got it for my wife in September of 2001. Should have looked more around. 2 recalls, rattling dashboard - fixed, numerous complains about the A/C finally fixed, cannot close the window at 70 miles per hour because of whistling for the rest of the trip. Tires gone after 16000 miles. Very poor craftsmanship.

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  great buy - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By bang for the buck - April 29 - 10:00 am

  the car is so much fun. with lots of goodies straight off the lot. best buy. and for only 17345. great interior and fast as hell.

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  Smooth as water - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Cali driver - April 25 - 6:20 am

  This car has surpassed all expectations. After trying honda civic, toyola corolla/camry, scion, matrix, mazda3, this car had everything in it that were options for the rest. Moonroof, CVT, ABS, leather seats, Bluetooth, XM satellite, fog lights, hidden trunk compartment,alarm, and the best~ Intelligent Key entry. As long as the remote is on you, you dont have to dig around for it to open the door or start your car. The ride is so smooth, like a boat on water. I dont want to stop driving. My boyfriend is 511" and loved driving it. Especially the CVT. There is ample room and my friends are impressed with the drive.

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  Fair - 1996 Nissan Sentra
  By jasjar - April 24 - 6:00 am

  The car is just fair.

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  terrible car - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By sean - April 20 - 5:43 am

  DO NOT BUY NISSAN. This car has been a nightmare for me. I have had countless problems with the car. Manifold had to be replaced twice, O2 sensors replaced numerous times, fuel injector is faulty, spark plugs need constant attention, car shakes uncontrollably, nissan refuses to pay for any of this even though it is supposed to be covered under a parts warranty. car is around 94000 miles now and Im surprised its lasted even this long. Maximum speed on the highway is around 40 mph.