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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  Inside Out - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By pennywise - June 8 - 10:00 am

  This car is just what I was Looking for. Good, no, great gas milage, stylish, and inexspensive. What suprised me most was this car at a little over 12,000 felt like a 20,000+ from the drivers seat. With the road trip package (leather wraped stering wheel, and upgraded stereo), and the exstreamly comfortable seats I could just sit in it all day. My pevious car was an old IROC camaro, so I wont compare performance, but again the gas milage, and the projected reliability (i have only had the car a week) more than make up for that.

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  Abnormal Rear Tire Wear - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Stan - June 8 - 7:46 am

  For the most part, I love my Sentra. Positives are the high driving position, the smart key (which has spoiled us), the responsive CVT transmission, good fuel mileage (average 28-32 MPG in combination driving), and Sentras great exterior styling. Negatives include small trunk, wind stability, and a unexplainably discolored center storage compartment. I have also been thru 2 sets of rear tires in only 42,000 miles, which the dealer service dept was unable to explain to my satisfaction. Says they are not out of alignment. I thought it was very commendable that Nissan also extended the warranty on the CVT to 120,000 miles showing their confidence in that technology.

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  Nissan Sentra - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By emilya01 - June 5 - 8:02 am

  This is my very first car, got it from a dealership used and with roughly 116,000 miles on it. I had the car for maybe a week and it started giving me trouble when I started it. It could sit for up to 5 or more hours and start fine but if it sat for 1 or 2 hours it would take 2 or 3 tries to get it to start up! Replaced the battery...wasnt it...replaced a battery cable...wasnt it. Finally got the fuel pump replaced...works great every since then! Only down fall was the price..$550 to replace! Other than this, I love the car and is great for a first car, small and rides great! Just make sure you have it looked over by a mechanic before you make your purchase(: hope this helps!

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  College buget - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By mcrea5 - June 2 - 10:00 am

  For a college student on a tight budget the Nissan Sentra is a great choice. It is very comfortable for my rather long daily commute. The fuel economy is excellent great on my wallet, but the car is still fun to drive on curvy roads.

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  Consider getting a sentra! - 2017 Nissan Sentra
  By AugustRush1993 - May 27 - 12:36 pm

  Previous Vehicles Owned: 2010 Sentra SL, 2013 Nissan Cube; To begin with, the Nissan Sentra is not a race car- do not have that expectation. While I personally would like more horsepower, the Sentra is adequate when you use the "Sport Mode" option. It takes some time to get used to Nissan CVT engines, but you will adjust. I was very skeptical of buying a 2017 Sentra, but I was pleasantly surprised. The 2017 Sentra is very refined, since this generation was first introduced in 2013. Some improvements are; refreshed exterior styling (very attractive), more sound deadening materials, new SV packages. (I highly recommend getting the "SV" trim level, and adding the "Style Package" for $750.00, you will get alloy wheels, moon roof, and a few other things.) When it comes to my driving, I currently drive 140/miles daily to work and back. This vehicle is more than capable of city, highway, and mixed driving. Regardless of what other people say, the engine noise is not that bad. If a driver is treating this car like a racecar and slams on the brakes, then yes youll hear the engine. The interior room is sufficient- the truck space is exceptional. To the best of my knowledge, the rear seats have more legroom than any other vehicle in its class. Overall, I would recommend this car. The 2017 Sentra is a very refined and well-built vehicle for the money. I purchased my Sentra at Nissan of Keene in New Hampshire. (great dealerships, I recommend checking them out, I drove three hours to them because good dealerships are hard to find).

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  Best bang for your buck! - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By Jamie - May 24 - 2:20 am

  Amazing little car! Fun to drive, great on gas, and it wont nickel and dime you. I bought this car used with 50k miles, it just hit 80k, and I have had no problems with it. An incredibly reliable vehicle- this car has been nothing but good to me. The perfect car for the college commuter.

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  Should have bought the Honda... - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By Ross - May 16 - 11:00 am

  I used to have a 98 Sentra SE that was a great car. Replaced it with an 06 1.8S that is the worst car Ive ever driven. The interior is the worst color ever imagined, and I think they used slinkies for the springs. The suspension is absolutely terrible! It doesnt corner well, its unstable on the highway, and its rough over even mild bumps. The cupholders were definitely not tested on a manual transmission model, downshifting into 1st usually results in hitting whatever is in them and spilling your drink. After 2000 miles, the car had already developed more squeaks and rattles than my 8 year car had in its lifetime. Do yourself a favor an spend the extra $2000 to buy a Civic.

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  Best Midsize Compact - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By kdr - May 13 - 3:00 pm

  Love the Car. Went from Pathfinder to this. Had always been a nissan fan. My instinct about "nissan is more value for the money when compared with similarly priced cars in its class" still holds true. Who would give bluetooth, leather in this class/price. Hondas may have the best resale value. But I bought the car for my needs, not thinking about how much I would get 5 years down the road. MPG: So far, with 200 miles(city) on it the trip computer says 26.5. Considering where I came from (17 mpg), I will be happy if it gives 30+. Ride : Excellent. Drove 4 people at 85mph comfortably. Interior: Luxurious. Features : Rich.

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  My First Car - 1999 Nissan Sentra
  By Jodi - May 12 - 3:26 pm

  I bought this car new in 1999. It has made several cross country trips and taken me to work and back for 8 years. I have never been stranded anywhere. It has been a great, reliable, practical first car. It isnt really "fun to drive". I often joke that I have two hamsters under the hood and one of them is tired. If you have a drink in the cupholders, it will block your radio controls. Both the 1 and the 6 preset buttons broke off about 4 years ago. The cruise control works great, but the button has a hole in it where Ive pushed it one time too many. Overall Ive loved this car, but Im excited to have enough money now to buy something with a little more luxury and style.

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  Best in class - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Manny - May 9 - 4:20 am

  With over 77,000 the car still runs like new. Only replaced the brakes once on front and once on rear. I followed all suggested maintenance on the car and just switched to Mobil 1 synthetic and now the engine feels like new again. I have a SRI intake, racing header and 2.5" cat-back exhaust and the car gets about 33mph average. This is THE best car I have ever owned, second best was my 89 240SX.