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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  Nice Car - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By mdsentra - June 28 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the Sentra, Corolla, Protege, and Civic. All were good cars. I got a really good deal on the Sentra and thats why I chose it. Now after 15,000 miles Ive had no problems.

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  Great potential but far from Perfect - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By Chase - June 28 - 8:44 am

  I bought this car from a car and kind of regretted it the dude that sold it to me had it all messed up. Starting off Radio and speaker system. I had 2 speakers missing from the front car, Radio connections for usb and aux were totaled, completely unusable. Around 1500 in repairs under the hood including engine mount struts. I will say the amp was still working real good powering the subs but later removed the rear speaker setup in favor of 3 way 6x9. I took a look to try and upgrade the exhaust system to borla and noticed a very big difference in power. The issue that the other se-r spec v owner was talking about power, I learned that rear part of the exhaust system did not have a gasket for the exhaust and likely was causing backpressure and making him lose power. I was having that issue as well and nearly got rid of the entire issue, there is a small sign of it still there. The engine. Boy that thing is quick for a 4 cylinder ive ran the thing near redline a couple of times and i never get sick of the torque that it pumps out once it gets going. But i will say my dads 2006 v6 mustang seems to get better gas mileage out of my car and i drive mixed between city and highway and normally get 24 to 25 MPG on the premium gas. Now for the interior. Hard annoying plastic. I will say it looks alright with the way its setup but the plastic part turns me off. The seats are nice and relatively comfortable. The seats themselves look pretty nice and sporty. The body style kind of turns me off, but with the small things here and there it certainly helps to get the car looking much better. The car itself is fairly spacious and roomy. I am 511" and i still have around 3-4 inches when sitting straight up. It had plenty of cargo but the seats do not roll down so you could ding it there. But the glove box is like a suitcase, So Roomy! Overall i enjoy the car more than i dont like it and it has a lot of potential. But, like every car you cant have it all.

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  Lots of Bang for the Buck! - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By CARL K. - June 26 - 12:00 am

  Chose to lease the Sentra because of all the features that came with the car. On my SL model, leather, sunroof, XM radio, keyless entry and ignition, like on cars 2x the price.

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  Ill buy another Nissan - 1999 Nissan Sentra
  By Saideh - June 24 - 6:06 am

  This was my second car. I bought it new 6 years ago, when I was a still a teen. Now Im thinking of passing it on to my little sis because it has been very reliable, never a single mechanical problem and has great gas mileage.

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  Its Got Bugs - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By roamdogg - June 23 - 3:00 am

  I decided to go with the 07 model after totaling my 97 Sentra in early 2006. It seemed like a nice upgrade. Almost immediately I began having problems with drivers seat making squeaking noise and shifting forward/backward just to annoy me. Three dealerships, and they all say they cant duplicate it. CD player likes to fade in and out when I turn it up loud, and the drivers side door lock controls are making a "whooshing" sound when I use it. Since its not happening "all the time", Nissan wont address the problem. Ive learned its got to break in order for them to fix it while its under warranty, otherwise wait for your warranty to expire and revisit them. Theyll fix it then.

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  Sorry, not a believer - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By RNMorton - June 22 - 10:00 am

  Kick-ass acceleration and solid handling with some wonky oversteer at the limits. But I think the bad news outweighs the good. A chintzy interior - in a $20,000 car I had to tape padding to the hard plastique armrests. Generally cheap feel. And just terrible gas mileage for a four in a light sedan. At 17 or 18 mpg around town I for one would trade some zip for more mileage. With the small gas tank and a nervous computer the car can be begging for gas in less than 200 miles, way too often for me.

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  Nice car - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Jermonte - June 21 - 8:40 pm

  Very reliable car, bought it with 44000 miles on it and have never had a major mechanical problem, now has almost 73000 miles on it!

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  Fast, Smart, Stylish, Practical, and FUN - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By robertfarns - June 18 - 5:26 am

  First, let me say that this car was chosen after much deliberation. I compared and test drove over 5 competitor’s car before I made my decision. The final selection came down to the Honda Civic and the Sentra (no surprise as these are each others main competition). Final decision was the bottom line price. I purchased a 2010 Nissan Sentra SER in black out the door before tax, tag, or title for $17,500. The very best price on the most comparable Civic (Si model) was $21,700. That’s over 4K! Honda also decided not to offer their performance enhanced Si in an automatic so I even compared the “normal Civic to the SER and the best I could do on a comparable car was almost 2K more! I was impressed

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  Fun to drive - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By Wu-lin - June 14 - 10:00 am

  Thinking of the cost of Nissan Sentra GXE and feel these: From 0 to 45 mph in few sec, no probelm. From 70mph to 90 mph, no problem too. It is so much fun to drive this car. "Everthing you need, nothing you dont"

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  Intermittent Cruise Control - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By D. Land - June 11 - 10:00 am

  I love Nissan.Leased a 98 before buying.Had problems from day 1.The inside is often noisy,the rattles vary in volume,frequency and location. The cruise is intermittent & they cant find the problem.It works on restart but is a concern.A rear speaker has blown repeatedly w/o resolve.Also the entry remotes work off/on. Otherwise, the car is great.Their lack of competency & empathy is disappointing.If resolved,Id have bought another Nissan.The fact that Ive had problems in a new car over 2 years, makes it hard to trust Nissan. Would like to know if others are having this happen, Nissan says no.