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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  SE-R - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By btreamer - March 3 - 1:06 pm

  Its alot of fun to drive. If my commute wasnt so far Id have got the Spec-V.

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  A Bit Too Early - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Al in DE - March 1 - 11:36 pm

  We purchased this car for my wife and after only 1000 miles have been avg 33 mpg. Great space & comfort! Not a sports sedan, but wasnt looking for one. Nissan unfortunately goes for cheap tires which I will shortly change. Wheels could have a better design. The CVT makes a bit of unusual sound, but gets the job done. Rear suspension should have been of the independent variety as well, but I guess costs have to be cut somewhere. I would recommend the Sentra as a great commuter car and shes quiet and could go all day at that speed without any stress to car or driver. I would recommend giving this car a test drive!!

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  Excellent value for the money!!! - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Tony - March 1 - 6:43 pm

  Its been almost a month now since I bought my Sentra and I love driving it! It is very spacious inside, beautiful display, and excellent audio system. Nissan has not spared using quality materials building the car. This is my first Nissan (usually go for Toyota) and I think I found a new favorite car brand. (So does my wife!). All in all I cant believe that a car with so many extras can be bought for way under $20k!

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  Love the car, despise the battery! - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By kdk - February 27 - 10:00 am

  I absolutely love my 07 Nissan Sentra!! Lately, I have been having nonstop battery problems. In the past 2 weeks the battery has been jumped off a total of 6 times! That just did not seem like it should be happening to a car that is a little more than 3 years old. Apart from the less than impressive battery, my car hasnt given me many troubles. Ive had a few variations in my MPG. Sometimes I would get around 30 MPG. Then other times I would ONLY get about 12 MPG! Certain parts were tweaked and cleaned, and now the gas mileage is relatively normal. The car is cute and suits me (a college student)! It is also very spacious (very convenient for moving in and out of the dorms)!

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  Shoddy Workmanship = Lots of Repairs! - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By KAG - February 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought the Sentra because it had a lot of features I wanted for the right price. All 4 tires needed to be replaced at 36K. 1st week returned to the dealer for a clanking noise under the car - it was missing the clip that holds the exhaust pipe before the muffler & the headrest wouldnt adjust. The fuel door stopped opening after a few months, & Nissan only covers that for 1K miles. Paint was bubbling & peeling off the hood after a few months as well & needed to be repainted. Both sun visors needed replacing. Rather large rust spots on the rear door jams & small ones on the roof at around 30K required 2! SEPARATE trips to body shop for rather extensive repairs! Only avg 27 mpg. Shoddy!

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  Not too bad - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By BMH - February 26 - 1:36 am

  Got this car with 14k on it in 06 and has over 60k now. Gas milage is far better than factory sticker. Being 63", this car is way small. The cup holders are worthless. The ride is ok, very noisy. Doesnt like to start on first try some times or it starts and dies. Have an on going issue with the plug for the mass air flow sensor. Keeps getting dusty and then the car through an engine code and wont drive, have to blow out the plug to get it to run. Performance is poor, I had an 88 Honda Accord that had a better ride and more pep then this car.

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  Love My Sentra SE - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Bryan - February 24 - 12:56 am

  Bought my 01 Sentra with 53815 miles on it and I have had no problems whatsoever to date. The motor pulls strong and the acceleration is great from a 4 cylinder. The SR20DE motor has tons of available aftermarket performance products and the body is beautiful in black.

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  Awsome Economy Car - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By BlueRules777 - February 23 - 2:00 am

  I LOVE this car! I have recieved many compliments on the price, quality, style, and color (Vibrant Blue). It is very fun to drive, feels very solid, and even though it is a compact it is very roomy and feels fairly large on the road (dont feel vulnerable). There is, also, a ton of storage. I couldnt ask for much more in a vehicle!

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  awesome - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Marc - February 23 - 1:03 am

  i think that this car is awesome. it offers more that looks, it offers a style that not many car manufactures can give you.

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  Good Value - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By John - February 19 - 1:10 pm

  My 2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V has had some problems. The parking brake is insufficient to hold the car on a steep incline. I had an insurance claim due to this. Also, the recalls have been plentiful. The interior and exterior panels are cheap. On the plus side, Nissan powertrains are near indestructable. As long as you keep up with regular maintenance and dont abuse them, they will run 250,000 miles with minimal problems. The 2.5 liter engine is very torquey and powerful for a 4 banger. Combine this with a close ratio 6-speed and you have a very quick, fun car to drive. The handling is phenominal for an old school chassis. The car rides rough with a good bit of road noise. Overall, its a good value. Im at 20,000 miles and am still smiling. I would buy another.