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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  If youre thinking of buying one, do it - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Danny - June 23 - 7:06 pm

  I went to the dealership not expecting to like the Sentra. Coming from a Buick Century, I thought, "oh, a small, Japanese 4-cyl, well, at least it has a warranty." Then I took it for a test drive. The engine / transmission combination on even the 2.0 S model blows my old car away, and blows away my friends Civics, Yarises, and even older V6-equipped cars. The interior leaves very little to be desired. Fuel economy is ridiculous compared to what Im used to (avg. 30, city and highway), and I bought it without even trying the amazing stock stereo system. This drives like a much more expensive car, and swaddles you with geek-chic tech to make sure you dont forget it.

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  Reliable - 1996 Nissan Sentra
  By sunnyface5 - June 23 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this veh 3yrs ago with 75,000 miles - I now have 170,000. With regular oil changes, maintenance, this car has gotten me though difficult times

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  Excellent Sentra - 2009 Nissan Sentra
  By Joe R - June 21 - 8:13 pm

  Had a lot of cars over the years but this has to be one of the best. For a small car, it rides great!

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  Wow. I made a mistake. - 2016 Nissan Sentra
  By Samantha - June 21 - 6:28 pm

  This is the 4th Nissan Ive owned. I stuck with them because I have loved my Nissans, and I am all about brand loyalty. My last (2013) Sentra was pretty great, so I decided to go the same route with this one. unfortunately, not only did the dealership stop being helpful once I signed that paper, (and at times were actually detrimental to the process, verging on rude and ignoring my requests to get my contract and financial paperwork (Which I dont have 45 days later), leading me to miss my first payment) but this car is awful. The navigation system turns off about 500 feet before my destination, leaving me to guess or impede traffic to try and see house/building numbers. The USB has to reload my USB drive (where I listen to all my music) every time the car starts, and skips the music as it "index"es 1-3% at a time (and sometimes doesnt at all). Most of the time I reach my destination before I can actually enjoy any of my own music. The dashboard is half pointless, as it took me almost an hour to figure out how to scroll through the settings list. The center console is half the size of my last one, but theres a huge space between that and my cup holders- what a pointless design. The buttons on the steering wheel are tiny, leading me to question how those with large hands or fingers are able to hit one. EVERY TIME the temperature is under 40 degrees F, I get an Alert saying there are cold temperatures outside--underneath the temperature that is stationary. So if the winter temperatures affect the performance in my car so much that I get a warning about it...I LIVE IN NEW YORK, and am extremely disappointed. The acceleration makes my car sound like it wants to die and is working twice as hard as it should be (I am not a slam on the pedal type of person). The windshield wipers dont lift up due to a design mistake- again- living in new York with ice and snow, this is a MAJOR flaw. Driving over 20 mph, my passengers side whistles and I feel like a dog listening to a high-pitched sound (I dont know if it is the window? mirror? Having the window doesnt change it or alter the noise, and I have to turn on music to be able to drive long distances without going crazy from the whistle. The blind spot notifications and back up cam are great- there was a big improvement over the 2013, and I love the pockets on the front of the seats. However Im not joking when I say if I could turn it in now, I would. I hate this car, and I will never purchase another Nissan thanks to this experience, car, and the (and the previous for same attempt of purchase) dealership I worked with this year. After 11 years of owning Nissans (and another 3 in the future of leasing this POS), Im upset about every single interaction that has taken place, on top of the car. If the car were great and the dealership sucked, whatever. This car is awful. I absolutely do not recommend it, and if you HAVE to get a Nissan, go for at least the Altima.

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  A Comfortable Exciting Ride - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Jeter786 - June 20 - 2:30 pm

  In mid October I purchased my Sentra for an amazing price, new from the dealership. I had test drove the new Civic and Accord but unless leased they were out of my price range. I drove the Sentra and instantly fell in love. The advertised gas mileage was just what I was looking for. Almost 5000 miles later this is the best vehicle I have bought yet. It has acceleration even with the CVT and a quality interior as well as a sound system to match. The bluetooth phone is outstanding and the car is quiet. Recently I drove it through the mountains on the way to North Carolina and it was a joyful drive. This car really outperforms all that I test drove and its one you cant beat.

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  Nice Little Car - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By Michael - June 19 - 10:46 pm

  I love this car. This is the first car my parents got for me when I was 16 and I still drive it today. The car has great gas mileage I havent had any wear and tear problems and it looks great for a car that doesnt cost an arm and a leg. I dont like the interior very much, the back seats are cramped, and the cup holders arent very well made. In fact, the cup holders broke because they were so flimsy and the ones in the front stink as well. Other than that, this is a fun reliable car, great for a teen getting their first car.

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  Poor Choice - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By vrkeller - June 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Nissan Sentra GXE brand new in August of 2001, I was deciding between this and a Honda Civic, I made the mistake of choosing this car. Since then, Ive put about 30,000 miles on it, and it has been in the shop about 6 times. 3 times for recall, and 3 other time the car just broke down. On one trip to the dealer they sent me home while the car would just stall for no reason while in motion, and after leaving the car with the dealership for over a week, the dealership still couldnt figure out what was wrong with the car. And as we speak the car is in the shop for axle noise (warranty of course) Now Im planning to purchase a Jetta.

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  3rd time sentra owner - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By d. gleason - June 18 - 10:00 am

  This is the 3rd nissan sentra Ive owned. You cant kill the engines. I wouldnt but the automatic again it really takes away from the gas mileage. My 95 5speed got 35mpg. With the automatic its about 22 in the city. The interior comfort is poor. the a/c blows very cold. The bottom line is for comuting back and forth to work its ok. And the price is right.

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  Decent Econobox - GXE Synergy Package - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By kenjae - June 17 - 9:14 pm

  Ive had my Sentra for almost one year now. I recently had a Nissan dealer do a 25 pt inspection. I was told my rear motor mount was torn, my throttle body needed cleaning as well as a few other minor issues. I have had the car since 55,000 miles and I am at 76,000 now. The thermostat went out at around 73,000. Basically, it is a decent decade old econobox. The factory battery is still in there working fine. I get high 20s in town mid 30s highway gas mileage. A/C kills a lot of engine power but its got a sunroof. Engine noise is not too bad. Road noise can get frightening if it is a nice pot hole. Be careful on windy highways. Performs better than expected in the snow with allseason tires

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  Never Again - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By Jim B. - June 17 - 6:10 am

  This is the second Sentra I have owned and it is clear that the quality of Nissans cars are not what they once were. Blown Head gasket at 70,000 miles. Tried to work through Customer Service, but they offered no assistance (less than 36 months, but over on miles). This is a design flaw relating to the number 2 cylinder, but Nissan is turning the other way hoping this issue will disappear.