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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  Great bang for the buck - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By magagne - May 4 - 2:00 am

  Dont know why there are not more Sentra SE on the road..its fast, handles like a dream, and is just fun to drive!

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  2002 Sentra - Nothing but problems - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Vicki - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I bought my New 2002 Sentra in December 2001 & I have had nothing but problems with it since then. I am dissappointed with the performance of the vehicle. At 200 miles the service engine light came on, and they had to replace my thermostat & gasket. Once the problem was fixed my service engine light came on again at 427 miles. Only this time the dealership had my car for 18 days. I have also had trunk release problems and the radio stations get bad reception. I dont know if I just got a bad seed or that Nissan isnt making quality products, but I am very unhappy with the car and would not recommed this car to anyone.

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  Dont buy a sentra, horrible MPG - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Joshua1981 - April 30 - 12:10 pm

  Let me start off bye saying the car drives pretty good. But thats about as far as it goes. My 2.0S only gets 23 mpg combined city and highway driving. Which is way below the fueleconomy.gov ratings of 25mpg city and 33mpg highway. What has happened to nissan. I like the car ok other than that but to me gas mileage is a big part of car ownership. I would strongly advise anyone considering buying a 2007 Sentra to buy a honda civic or toyota corolla. They get way better gas mileage. I only got 350 miles on a 14.5 gallon tank of gas. Im very disappointed and nissan should be ashamed of the gas mileage on the sentra. I will never buy another NISSAN again. Hope that helps.

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  Superior performance and headroom in comparison - 2017 Nissan Sentra
  By Tim - April 26 - 6:40 pm

  Shop the price. We compared jetta , jeep , kia soul, forte, sentra sv showed better quality inside and out. Comfortable compared to VW jetta with a bigger cabin, and better quality interior. You cannot beat the smooth ride in comparison to the other vehicles we drove. Best value, and the only auto dealer that DID NOT switch up the eprice. Honored advertised price, Salesman @ Peoria Nissan were more knowledgeable than at other 5 dealerships here in A.Z. Love the Sentra SV.

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  pricing - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By preda - April 24 - 10:00 am

  I am very pleased with this car but i just want to know how much doed it worth after 5 years with such low mileage.

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  Leoivench - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Leoivench - April 24 - 10:00 am

  The best small car on a market

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  Built to last!! - 1998 Nissan Sentra
  By nismofan33 - April 19 - 3:59 pm

  I have had this car since 2004 for my 16th Birthday. Got it for around $3200 which was cheap considering it had 90,xxx on it. I have taken really good care of it and at 195,xxx miles it runs beautifully! Ive only had to replace the harmonic balancer and that is it! I have religiously changed the oil every 4k miles and done regular maintenance, and I am still running full synthetic with no leaks! I have never had a problem and this car runs like a dream! If you take care of it it will last forever!

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  A wolf in sheeps clothing - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Kedrick - April 15 - 5:26 am

  This is one of the most well made economy cars on the road today, with is sleek front end styling to its high spoiler this vehicle its a force to be reckoned with. I purchased this car after having an accident in my 97 BMW 328i and was forced to quickly find a cheap replacement... the anwser SE-R Spec V. This car delivers exceptional performance from quick take offs from a red lights to satisfying the urge to pass the slow driver on the interstate while in 6th gear... just give the gas a push and the car will respond well beyond your expectations. This is a great car for the $ and I would highly recomend it to anyone who likes to drive a car that will suprisingly eat a lot of others 4 lunch!

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  Best in its class - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By dsifai - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Had the car for 5 months now. Extremely fun to drive. I must say that my expectations were to high for this car, consequently I was disappointed with the tourque of the engine. Handling and braking are its bests points. Fuel consumption and rear leg room are its draw backs. For the price I paid, there is nothing that beats it. It is a beautiful car and it passed the Canadian test... starts at -45 degrees C, eh!

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  bbbb - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By mg - April 8 - 6:46 pm

  Good quality built car, only minor details that have gone wrong in the past two years. one is the windshield wiper solution sprayer on the drivers side does not work well.I have had better A/c in other models but it does the job.