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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  Remote entry problems, Again!!!!! - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By disgrunteled owner - February 5 - 4:50 am

  At 30,000 miles the remote entry module went out. Its got just under 50k, and its going out again. The day we bought the car, the passenger front window seal flipped and had to be replaced. The drivers window made a very loud cracking noise when the window was rolled all the way up, and the regulator mount had to be welded to cure this, at 15k, and its starting again. Its only had mobile 1 since new, but quite often suffers from lifter noise. I trust this car very little, and I think the experts agree. Thats what leads to very low resell value. If I could squeeze this car, Id get lemonade.

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  Most Fun and Value for the $$$ - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By pheurton - February 3 - 10:00 am

  Had the car one week and love it. Plenty of power and handles great. Really sticks to the road, and the ride comfort is not compromised, as in the Spec-V. Comes with plenty of the good options standard, but if you want a sunroof or fosgate stereo, you must take an automatic trans. Overall, for $15,400 you get every pennys worth.

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  whats up with the cd ? - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By frist nissan - January 31 - 10:00 am

  Good car, no problems strong engine. A fun vehicle to drive,sure be rated higher.

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  worst engine the vechicle could have - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By disappointed - January 28 - 8:20 am

  my wife was in love with this vechicle. the inside design is roomy and comfortable. the engine at first was great, but after 25000 miles it started with a tapping noise that now has become annoying and loud enough we were asked if it was a decile motor. took it to the dealer ship and they said nothing wrong they even brought in a specialist and he said that it was normal?? very disappointed with the performance of this vehicle. Nissan corp. doesnt want to help. the car car now has burned a quart of oil between oil changes that doesnt seem normal. the vehicle didnt do any of this before.

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  Love the 6 speed stick - 2011 Nissan Sentra
  By peachydad - January 28 - 6:28 am

  Just bought base 6 speed Sentra. Got great deal, paid about $16,000. comfortable, quiet, solid, good ride quality. Drove both CVT and stick, didnt like the disconnected feel of CVT, have always preferred manuals. Just wish the manual came with more of the upscale goodies on the higher end Sentras. Have to separately buy a key fob online. Surprising amount of interior room for size of the car. Trust Nissan to build quality cars, owned Titan bought in first year of production and never let me down until it was totaled by distracted driver texting, truck saved my familys life.

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  Terrible Car - Buyer beware!! - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By ward - January 26 - 3:26 pm

  I have had more problems with this car than my Hyundai. after 1 year (4/06) I had to have a brand new engine .. since then the car goes to the dealer every few months because it just wont start. im given numerous reasons about why it just dies they say they fix it and then it dies again .. my 2 year old car is at the shop TODAY! I tell everyone I meet dont buy this car. not to mention the other problems (my cd got stuck in the cd player and now it wont work .. if you use the cup holder it will always change the cd in play .. sound from the brakes) the list goes on and on. get ready for a fight with Nissan Corp if you complain!!

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  Good Sedan - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Texan - January 26 - 9:00 am

  I have the Sentra SE for more than a year. The engine is quite for its class. It is fun to drive with the regular SE suspension, not the Stage II. The highway cruise is great. The speakers and the subwoofer are good. It does have rattle and squeak, but it is not a big deal. The Bridgestone tires are awful. The Pirelli tires replacement make the ride much better. The steering is tight and precise. The ABS and 4-wheel disc brake are wonderful.

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  What a ride - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By automonogamist - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I drove a 92 SE-r for 10 years and upgraded to the Spec V earlier this year. What a car for the money. Styling is on par with anything out there within 10 grand. I am biased, but you cant beat this one in black.

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  Great car and good price! - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Ray - January 20 - 2:46 pm

  Originally I was interested in the Versa until I realized I could have the Sentra for a little more. I found the Sentra very roomy and lots of nice little extras such as a trip computer that will display, time, outside temp, and average fuel economy amongst other things. The Sentra is peppy with very good mpg and handles well. The styling is modern and the ride very quiet compared to our Sonata.

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  Good Car - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By Camay - January 12 - 1:23 pm

  Excellent car for student, wish it didnt have so many little rattles in the door panels. Overall pretty good.