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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  a GREAT car! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By mfisher150 - March 26 - 10:00 am

  loved the Nissan more than my VW convertible! And thats saying a LOT!

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  The world of Nissan - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By jake the flake - March 26 - 10:00 am

  I will never own another make of vehicle again. From now on it is Nissan for me.

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  Would buy again in a heartbeat - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Gary - March 26 - 1:30 am

  Own a 2005 Sentra with 57000 miles with no issues. Bought this one to replace a 2001 Maxima. The S or SL trim levels are the way to go. The sunroof and the upgraded stereo are nice touches, also. Been averaging 33 MPG since the second tank fillup, balance of performance and fuel economy has been impressive. Love the keyless entry. Just need to get a Bluetooth phone now to take advantage of that feature.

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  Great Car pound for pound - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By DOCEK - March 23 - 6:26 am

  Bought my car near new, with 18000 miles, now with nearly 70000. So far has held up great, but wear and tear is starting to take its toll. needed to change tires, brake pads, a belt and alternator so far... but not too costly overall.

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  NISSAN SENTRA 04 RATING - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By FYRLOVER - March 21 - 10:00 am

  SO FAR I HAVE HAD THIS CAR FOR 4 MONTHS AND I HAVE HAD TO TAKE IT IN FOR MEACHANICAL PROBLEMS 3 TIMES NOW. I WILL HAVE TO REPLACE THE FRONT AXEL BECAUSE IT IS CROOKED WARPS THE ROTERS AND BRAKES AFTER 1000 MILES. THIS CAR WAS BOUGHT BRAND NEW AND NEVER IN AN ACCIDENT. FOR ALL THE CARS I HAVE BOUGHT USED AND THEN BUY THIS ONE NEW BECAUSE I DIDNOT WANT ANY MALFUNCTIONS WHILE I AM ABOUT TO HAVE A BABY, BUT I BELEIVE THAT I WILL NEVER BUY A NEW CAR AGAIN! THE FUEL IS NOT THAT GREAT, IT IS BETTER THAN MY TRUCK BUT IT IS NOT AS GOOD AS MOST OTHER 4 CYL.

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  Best car for the money - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By youbeachcleaner - March 21 - 10:00 am

  An awesome car if you are looking for both a fun and reliable car that is affordable. It has everything you would want from a sport sedan, looks, power, versatility, suspension, braking, and safety (if you get the ABS side airbag package.) Fun to drive time and again, and with the new nismo parts, you can upgrade it everytime you get sick of it. All for less than the price of most other cars in its class.

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  Great Car - 1999 Nissan Sentra
  By schmotty - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Ill keep it short. The only thing I dont like is the location of the cupholder. And this is because, if using the cupholder, the CD/Tape/AM/FM stereo constantly gets turned off and on while shifting (5-speed). This wouldnt be a problem with an automatic, but in that case, the car would not be near as fun to drive. -=0D

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  Enjoyable - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By Clare - March 17 - 2:00 am

  So far, Ive been extremely satisfied with this car. It has been reliable, comfortable and fun to drive. The springs are very stiff in the SE model and do not bode well for putting on makeup, but the performance and cornering that is gained is well worth the harshness of the ride. I would definitely recommend this car. It is quite spacious, easy to insure and fun to drive

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  Very nice package - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Tink - March 17 - 2:00 am

  Very good and solid small car. It competes well with other cars in this catagory.

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  Reliving My Childhood - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Nemo - March 17 - 2:00 am

  I am re-living my childhood driving this car! It combines the raw power of my 1965 GTO with the reliability of my 1994 Camry. It goes like a bat of hell when you want it and still gets great gas mileage. It impressed my daughter when she drove it the first time and that says alot for the car. It gets a steady diet of compliments from the tuners around my neighborhood. Definitely worth the money