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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  Extremely Reliable Transportation - 1999 Nissan Sentra
  By nwhiker - April 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought my first Nissan, a 1999 Sentra GXE a couple years ago. It has been a great car. Freeway driving (only) has yielded 50+ mpg. Combined city and highway has averaged 36 mpg. It brakes very accurately and handles well. The 95-99 Sentras werent great sellers, but its hard to understand why. More comfortable than the Civic and Corolla.

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  Sold on Nissan - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By R.F.MARTINEC - April 13 - 1:30 am

  The conservative styling and ride of this compact car sold me. This is my second Sentra and I am very impressed with the upgrades Nissans has done with this model for 2006. I use this car primary for commuting and a few long distance trips. Average fuel economy is 24-26 mpg in mix city driving. and about 10 mpg more with highway driving. This is not bad cosidering I have an automatic. My only compliant is some interior rattles on ruff pavement.

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  Great little car - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Edgar - April 10 - 11:10 pm

  Bought this car brand new in 2004. Car has never had any issues except a faulty sensor that was covered under warranty, but other than that, car’s been running like a champ. It’s not a touring car and/or luxury vehicle. It’s an economy car meant to be driven from point A-Z without the costs. From the looks of the engine bay, servicing is easy, accessible and cheap. Reminds me of a time when you can easily fix your own car without the need of taking it into the dealer or special tools needed. Anyway, great daily driver.

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  Nothing but trouble! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By jbh126 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Bought: 3/8/04 - on 3/15/04 at 495 miles check engine light came on, lost all engine power. Dealer replaced enitre computer (ECM) on 3/18/04. Today, 3/21/04, at 715 miles - light came on AGAIN, and lost all engine power. Dealer could care less. Otherwise car is great, if it would actually run for more than 3 days. I suggest buying a Toyota or Honda - anything but this car!!

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  Love hate relationship with my Sentra - 2016 Nissan Sentra
  By Patrick Cartwright - April 8 - 1:35 pm

  Fuel economy and CVT are my only issues. Ride quality and comfort are great.

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  All Grown Up! - 2016 Nissan Sentra
  By Dwayne Evors - April 7 - 3:38 pm

  I have owned three Sentras. A 2004 2.4 SR which would move pretty well, but did not get good mileage. A 2012 SR which had a smaller engine, got better gas mileage, handled better and was a good step up from the 2004. And the 2016 SL I have now which is really a nice car. I have owned the Lexus 300 series, 400 series, Camry XLE V6, Nissan Altima V6, 4, Toyota Avalon XLE, Nissan 300ZX, Corvette, just to name a few cars, but this Sentra is really a good upscale feeling car with a touch of luxury and I cant believe I said that. I know that feeling goes away when you push the accelerator to the floor because then you know it is underpowered a bit, but until then and while driving on the highway and around the city it can make your think at least in the leather of the SL that you are in a little luxury sport car. Not bad for a Sentra!

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  Highly recommended - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Aki - April 5 - 8:26 pm

  After shopping around for a few days, we almost bought a Mazda3 but changed our mind right after we test-drove a 2007 Sentra (our previous car was Toyota Corolla). We purchased 2.0S four months ago and have never regretted a bit. Thanks to its blocky body and the height-adjustable driver’s seat, getting in and out is very easy. Inside is spacious and quality of materials used is better than competitors. The brakes with ABS work very well, although we first needed to get used to. CVT is a definite plus and the smooth flow of power is fantastic, particularly when driving on steep hills with cruise control engaged: I will never want to go back to an old-fashioned automatic transmission.

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  Disappointed - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By ramccombs - April 5 - 10:00 am

  The styling on the Sentra is best when a spoiler is added to the package. The 1.8 liter engine is peppy, but requires high rpm (~4200 rpm) on large hills when the cruise control is on. I drive approx 700 miles each weekend and the comfort level is acceptable. The interior is roomy and the trunk space is more than adequate. I February (mostly highway) and usually get about 30 mpg vs the 35 that is advertised on the window sticker.

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  2004 Nissan Sentra - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By George White - March 31 - 10:00 am

  Getting between 33-34 mpg. Responsive steering and engine power and it rides smooth even at 90 mph.

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  Could not be worse - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By RMan - March 28 - 2:00 am

  own it 16 months,serviced only in Nissan dealerships,never late for maintenance. result: CD/AM/FM replaced,1 recall-headlamps,sometimes driver door leaks when its raining,shift bulb replaced,back sit leg room for people with no legs,dashboard makes noises,legendary horrible paint job. 11 months after purchase had steering noise-still not fixed.Nissan certified mechanic says supposed to be like that (Sentra"feature"!?). Cust.Service dealership or headquaters THE WORST. Auto trans on SE-slow start even with145hp engine, 4 cyl.Once was driving straight,frontend started vibrating and car started pulling to right-still investigating