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:

• 

  Rusty but trusty - 1996 Nissan Sentra
  By D-murray - November 6 - 12:30 pm

  I stopped taking care of this car about two years ago and cant kill it. It has <150K miles on it. Rust started as a couple small bubbles in paint and EXPLODED over the last 18months. Only thing I ever did to this thing in over five years and 70k miles is replace spark plug wires, and of course brakes and tires.

• 

  More bang for your buck! - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By RS - November 5 - 10:46 am

  I have always liked the look of Nissans. I was interested in the Altima but didnt want to spend that much on a car. Did not want a used car either. I test drove the Sentra and once I found out all of the toys (convenience package) you can get, I was sold. I was also looking at the Mazda 3 but I was sold with the blue tooth phone and keyless ignition (I will never buy a car without that again)! The car is fun to drive and for the few times I carry more than one other passenger with me, it has proven to be a champ with passengers and for transporting stuff in the trunk/backseat area. I definitely made the right decision with this car. I had a great dealer experience as well.

• 

  Impressive car...a must buy! - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By nighguy - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car looking for a sporty, fun car that I could still drive my friends around in when we go out. The four doors are great, but the engine is unbelievable. The key with this car is the torque available to you. The powerband is huge, and the car goes when you want it to. Turning is no problem with the added struts, and launch times are low. My best on my second ever 1/8 mile run is a 10.28. Basically, this was a well designed car with great modification potential. But if thats not your bag, no mods are needed...its a stock rocket!

• 

  Nissan Sentra 2006 - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By destiny9099 - November 1 - 7:51 pm

  I bought my Sentra 1.8 about a year ago, bought at 58k miles and now at 70k, starting to notice hard start up and a drop in gas mileage. On ave I was getting 30mi to a gallon and now about 25-28mi to a gallon. Now going on the hunt to figure out if the fuel pump that everyone seems to be having issue with is the problem or something else. Going to start cheap and work my way to pump. Mechanic friend thinking it could be fuel filter or air/fuel sensor. So going to check those first then do pump. Hope this will be the end to my problems for awhile. The only other problem is with my six cd changer likes to skip and not play cds even ones that are new. but that is least my worries.

• 

  As predicted the brakes failed after 14k - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Terry - October 30 - 3:20 pm

  I read reviews before i bought the car and many comments said the brakes would go after only 15. I mentioned it to the dealer and they discounted it to poor driving habits. sure enough, at 14,800kms the front brakes and rotors had to be replaced. they would not cover the replacement as i didnt get my regular maintenance done there. the service absoulutely sucks. you wonder why i didnt get my maintenance there. my first and only maintenance was to get an oil change and winter studded tires removed. when they placed the tires in the car they scratched my car and refused to admit it. When purchasing a Sentra insist in writing that they would cover a brake job if they fail after <20k.

• 

  Spec-V 02 - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By spec_v_d - October 30 - 10:32 am

  This is the second 02 spec-v i have owned. The first was just crap but it was because of the original owner treated it like crap... previous owner was a young girl who did not know how to drive a stick. Now i got another and it had the new motor, tranny, and clutch installed by nissan due to recall on the original motors. Car has about 50k miles on it and i couldnt love it more. I have owned lots of tuner cars and i must say this is by far my favorite. Handles great, amazing power for the 4 banger. I have a few mods to the car nothing to crazy just cold air, exhaust, and suspension. gets pretty good gas milage could be better though. All in all i give this car a 4.7 out of 5

• 

  The Best Rice Burner - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By sentrarob - October 26 - 5:20 am

  Great gas mileage, smooth ride, very peppy 1.8L motoe

• 

  Great experience - 2014 Nissan Sentra
  By tcapp - October 19 - 4:58 pm

  I recently purchased a 2014 Sentra an it has been a pleasure to drive! The interior is stylish and spacious and I like the trunk space. As for the acceleration, I think it is quite good (better) when compared to other similar vehicles I test drove (e.g. Corolla, civic). The sport mode really helps in the acceleration and it actually surprised me after driving other comparable cars. Also, I get a lot of complements on the new exterior look and sighs of envy from others when they see the MPGs. The CVT has been great and I have had no issues with it. It runs great on the highway and in town. This is my third new car and I am very happy with my purchase.

• 

  Great Car - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By roboto - October 17 - 10:00 am

  This is a good little car.

• 

  Take it for a test drive. - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By T-Bone - October 17 - 2:00 am

  The Nissan Sentra LE compares quite favorably to ever other car I test drove (Protege, Civic, Corolla, Elantra, Jetta). The 165 HP engine is at the top of the class and is mated very well with the automatic transmission. Handling is relatively tight - though perhaps not as tight as the Protege. Interior velour cloth is a nice touch and the stereo stystem is truly wonderful (180 watt with 7 speakers). I bought this car on the last day of March as incentives were to expire (they may well have come back by the time you read this).