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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  Fuel Pump - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By 2nd Nissan Sentra - September 22 - 4:16 pm

  Had to have the fuel pump replaced after one year. Now at 4 years needs replacing again.

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  LOTS OF CAR FOR THE MONEY!!!! - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By toothfairy - September 21 - 10:00 am

  If you are looking for a compact per- formance vehicle for around $20k, this car is PERFECT!! After driving a Honda Civic Ex for the past 3.5 years, Im in heaven!! Were talking 175hp vs. 127hp. It MOVES!! After reading another consumers review describing the Spec V as a "pocket rocket", pretty well sums it all up.

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  fast ad furious - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Charisse Harris - September 20 - 2:00 am

  For a mini maxima , I rat e the car an (A) . Fun and fast , easy on the clutch and fasy on the gas . Good gas milage . nice stereo , wheels and Body.

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  Fun car - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By ejkraft - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Sporty features and better than average performance, for a car of its class, have made this a fun car to drive. Both interior and exterior features are well designed and give this car a feel bigger than the compact cars of only a few years ago. My only complaint is that the suspension got much softer after driving it for 3000 miles than it was during the test drive.

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  Incredible car! - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Antalian - September 18 - 8:20 pm

  This car is super awesome and fun to drive! The 2.5L in my Spec V pulls hard and always has more power to offer. Its surprisingly powerful for a straight 4. I drove it very hard on the 1st tank and still got 26 MPG out of it. But this car shines the most when you take it out on country roads and take some corners at speeds that dont seem like it should be able to handle, but it does handle them, VERY nicely. Im the 2nd owner and its got 85,000 miles and its never any problems.

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  Love it!!! - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By keith & tammy - September 17 - 12:33 am

  We searched around looking for the best, most fuel economy car, but that has style and class. We ended up zeroing in on the new 2007 Sentra. The car is just awesome. We have the S with all the upgrades including the CVT and intelligent key. Never realized how much we like the intelligent key as we never have to take my keys out of our pockets to open, start or lock the vehicle. We also love the Rockford Fosgate stereo system. Its a very quiet car inside - no rattles, road noise, just a fantastic vehicle. You definitely should give this vehicle a "serious" look. Totally redesigned!

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  Not a typical entry-level model! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By ScottinRKE - September 16 - 2:00 am

  This was my 4th Nissan (1 Sentra and 2 Altimas). I made the mistake of buying the 02 Altima when it 1st came out, and had nothing but problems. While at the dealership (where it had been towed again) I saw the Sentra. The interior was far nicer - though smaller, had the same engine, and the price was right. Bought it on the spot. While not as attention getting as the Altima, it feels much more solidly built, and has standard options (ABS, side-impact SRS, trip computer) that I have never had. Very underrated car!

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  Need Different Interior!!! - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By tyt - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Its been fun to drive and cool to own the car. I enjoy driving this car daily.

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  2002 Nissan Sentra GXE - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Scott M - September 14 - 10:00 am

  Well I bought this car about 3 months ago and Im very pleased with it so far. I really like the exterior styling opposed to the older sentras. One thing I dont like is the power, I wished it had more. I know there is the Se-r and Se-r spec V but 126hp in isnt a enough for the GXE. The 2000 sentra Se even had around 140hp. I think Nissan should have kept that horse power in the GXE for 2002. But overall its the most reliable car you can get. I would much rather have this car than a 2002 Honda Civic any day. I recomend this car to anyone who is thinking about getting a economical car that isnt over 20,000$

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  Affordable and Practical - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By CWGoss - September 12 - 10:00 am

  My new Sentra 1.8s came with automatic transmission, CD, keyless entry, power locks and windows all for less than 11,000 dollars. The interior has many storage compartments not available on most cars in this price range. Plus they even put fabric on the interior wall of the doors, not hard plastic like most cars in this price range. Engine is perfectly matched with the automatic transmission. Nissan did their homework on this unit - for a base car! I gave this car a 10 based on years of experience of owning and driving inexpensive new cars.