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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  okay - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By CharlieGates - September 13 - 10:23 am

  This car is really fun to drive, but the day after I bought this car i washed it, and both the front bumper, and the rear bumper are already loose. Im afraid if i try and dry the bumpers they might fall off. The back seat is VERY small. The driver and front passanger have to have their seats all the way forward to make the rear passanger even fit. I dont like the dash because after about a year or two in the arizona heat the entire plastic interior is going to start cracking and falling off. Also if you put your foot into it, the engine seems like it doesnt know what to do.

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  A mixed review - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Mary Ann - September 10 - 5:30 pm

  Generally speaking I like this vehicle. PROS: good looking, deceivingly spacious, I like the interior placement of the controls; seating is quite comfortable; fairly quiet in smooth driving situations. My kids love it. Its really rather adorable. CONS: The shape of the side mirrors cause problems with the blind spot; I dont feel it "grips" the road as well as Id like it to- suspension feels a bit mushy; I dont like how wide the material is leading from the top of the window into the end of the windshield again causes trouble with visibility. I dont understand why the door controls dont light up? Lastly, the rear headrests obscure visibility.Overall cuter than the rest in its class.

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  GREAT CAR FOR THE PRICE - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By sentra4me - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Previous vehicle was a 99 Escort. After a test drive of 04 Corolla and 04 Sentra, I went home with the Sentra. $2500 rebate and $2000 for trade = $11,000 purchase price. More things came standard on the Nissan versus the Corolla.The standard warranty time length is great, more solid ride and its easy to finance on your own.Im only a 20 yr old college student and this cars wonderful for the tight parking spots on campus and easy to zoom around in. It may not be as stylish outside as the Corolla, but interior wise its unbelievable. 6 places to store items, plus pockets on the doors. I WOULD SUGGEST IT TO ANYONE ON A BUDGET! Great car for the $$$

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  When I can drive it, its great - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By SentraDriver - September 5 - 10:00 am

  Bought my Nissan Sentra Spec-V on July 16, 2002. It has been a pleasure to drive … ample power, handles great, stylish, fun to drive. Love the six speed stick, the interior is very cool and it is the best car in its class for the money. However, it only has 318 miles on it and it has been to the service department 2 times already! Currently it is in the shop to repair the clutch noise and because the engine is knocking. Sounds like a diesel truck when I start and turn off the car. Other complaints – gear shift takes some getting used to (a little stiff and plasticy) and the rear end styling could use a touch up to match the ultra- hip front.

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  Could be better - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By ladytee - September 3 - 4:16 pm

  Ive had this car 9 months and so far its been very reliable. If I had it to do over again, Id probably buy a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry instead.

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  Car has transmission problems - 2012 Nissan Sentra
  By Eileen Ochsner - August 25 - 11:56 am

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  2002 SE-R Spec V - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By stix006 - August 23 - 2:00 am

  Great car for a great price, speed and acceleration is unrivaled for anything in this price range. I just wish the gas tank was bigger, but it suffices. A great car to drive, takes off really quickly. You have to be careful because theres alot of torque an its FWD, so you have to be on your toes.

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  Recall -check out brake fluid - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Thomas - August 20 - 2:46 am

  I have only 1600 miles on my car and already the brake light warning showing on the dashboard. I check the brake fluid level and it was very low. I topped the liquid level myself and after a week the level has dropped again. Be careful and take this urgent. I am taking the vehicle to the service tomorrow for checkup. I am sure the brake fluid is leaking and the master cylinder will need to be replaced.

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  I prefer Sentra to my Civic - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By kurts - August 18 - 10:00 am

  Sentra is very smooth driving. It has never given me any problem in many long trips. I am more used to the Nissan interior design; Civic and Corolla has an interior that feels "cheap".

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  Spec-V-iagra - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By dentremonkey - August 18 - 10:00 am

  If it wasnt for the fact that I managed to get myself smacked with $400 for what amounts to an economy car, Id be much happier. But I literally sold the car to myself so I shouldnt complain. This cars closest competition costs $5000 or so more (RSX type-S, Cooper-S.) I LOVE flying past Honda kids as theyre getting pulled over by Johnny Law. Thats until I got pulled over myself - doing 92 in a 50. Other than the temptation of impending traffic violations, this car is a fun, well built and thrifty little beast.