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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  Best bang for the buck, period - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Specificationvictory - October 3 - 2:00 am

  you absolutely cannot get a better car for the price.

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  Limited Edition is a great deal now! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By happymister - October 3 - 2:00 am

  Hi, I disagree with the editors review that the Limited Edition is too expensive and folks should go for the Altima instead. Comparing the feature sets available with the Altima 2.5S and the Sentra Limited Edition, both come with same engines, but Sentra has better features.. in safety, audio systems as well as comfort features. and while the Altima is difficult to obtain at Invoice - $19.7k, I got the Limited Edition for $14.2k (Invoice-1% - $1000 cashback -$500 New Graduate discount + 0.9% financing..) thats a cool $5k less than the equivalent Altima. and doesnt justify my opting for an Altima since i dont need a larger car.

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  Hate to See It Go - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By mleinnyc - September 29 - 6:43 am

  We are so sad to part with our Sentra. (We have to get a bigger car for kids and cant afford to insure two.) I bought it with 30K miles as a salvage and now have 100K on it. The only issue I ever had w/ the engine was fixed for free as a recall. Ive replaced a few belts and the brake pads. This car has been 100% reliable. Weve driven it, literally, across the country. Im not into flashy cars, dont care about how "fun" they are to drive. My main concern has always been the bottom line. I really appreciate being able to rely on this car and that Ive never had to spend a lot on it. Love this car!

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  52000 Miles. NO MORE CVTS!! - 2013 Nissan Sentra
  By Wallz - September 28 - 2:40 am

  I got the car "certified used" from the local Nissan dealer in May 2015. I have had a couple issues with a check engine light saying the mass air flow sensor being slow. Shortly after that issue was fixed, the trans began to shutter at times. 28th just becoming more frequent in the last 2 days. The year has not even ended and this morning on my way to pick up tools to put my daughters new stuff together and in the middle of an intersection the transmission stopped the car. Would not go into gear and if you put it in nuetral it is difficult to move by yourself in the rain I had to rock it back and forth to get it to move out of the intersection but BEWARE ONCE YOU GET IT MOVING IN NEUTRAL WHEN YOU STOP PUSHING MAKE SURE IT IS IN PARK OR USE THE PARKING BRAKE IT WILL ROLL OFF IN NEUTRAL WITHOUT HELP for some reason the car will barely propel itself in neutral. Found that out after he got it off the tow truck haha. Luckily it was very early on Sunday morning and I didnt have my 2 year old daughter with me. But needless to say I WILL NOT EVER BUY ANOTHER CVT TRANSMISSION CAR AGAIN. I bought the car out of necessity and not what I wanted and so I cant blame the salesman I should have been more vigilant in my decision. Wont be making that mistake again.

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  I love my sentra - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By lbaker - September 27 - 2:36 pm

  I have had other makes and models of cars, I prefer the Sentra to all the other cars I have owned. I have not had any trouble with my car. It drives great and will take off with out the long wait to warm up like some cars I have owned. It did not cost an arm and a leg. It gets great gas mileage.

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  I love my Nissan - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By lovemynissan2 - September 27 - 1:20 pm

  I bought my nissan in 2009 at 21k milwa on it. I love the car, great MPG. i started at 25mpg and i only used shell or bp gasoline and the best oil and now am up to 31.2(31.8) at one point. I have rims on it(16inch) bcuz the originals were bent (damn pot holes) but over all i love the car, am now at 63k miles on it and loving it. Im planning to keep until it cant run anymore. there has been a few times where i was told "u have a beautiful car" i agree it is.

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  Spec V - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By TribeFanSG - September 27 - 10:00 am

  Ive had no problems with this car. It run like a bat outta hell. Torque steer can be a little dicey.

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  Cute Little Car No MPG - 2009 Nissan Sentra
  By wallyw - September 22 - 12:23 am

  We have put 1500 miles in 4 months. For a small car it is nice to drive. Do not like the gas mileage. It has averaged about 21 mpg in mixed driving since we bought it 4 months ago. Bought it during the clunker program. I always check the mileage when I fill up. I fill the car until the gasoline level stays in the top of the neck. Ive never trusted the electronic mpg. Surprisingly enough it is pretty close.

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  2005 1.8s sentra - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By paul m - September 21 - 9:33 pm

  Very smooth riding car for a small sedan. Fuel mil. is good. Nice stereo.Would have paid more for the features in this car if i had gone with the corolla or honda.

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  True pocket rocket - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By drey05 - September 20 - 9:00 pm

  I tested the Civic Si, and Jetta GLI. I went to the Nissan dealership to look at the 07 Nissan coupe. Was attracted by the looks of the Spec V. I traded in a Jetta Turbo. The spec v is a lot faster, and rides better. I get an average of 25mpg and Im not a light footed driver. Ive gotten as high as 45 mpg with this. My X has a 07 GTI, and this is faster (we raced) and still is a larger car. Its almost like a stock sleeper. Plus you have to love the 6 spd manual, performance clutch, sport tires, big brakes, and gas shocks. Go take a look at one.