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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  Great cheap to own car - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Josh - January 13 - 1:47 am

  My parents bought this car brand new in 2001. It was given to me in 2013 with 95k. Its needed minimal repairs besides regular maintenance. My parents replaced a faulty coil pack and egr valve that was covered under warranty. Ive replaced the clutch and struts with about 125k. Car still has plenty of get up and go at 145k. Paint has peeled off but everything still works. I love this car. I will drive it until the wheels fall off

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  Blew me away! - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By Steve Bukosky - January 12 - 5:20 am

  We were looking at all the brands but Dodge. Subaru Impreza was at the top of the list but when we tried the Sentra with its traction control, back-up camera, sun roof and other features of the SL, we were blown away when we looked at the sticker price. The handling was great, engine and CVT combination very adequate. Whats not to like? My first Nissan, but my son has a Murano and had an Infinity G35. It got me interested in a brand I otherwise would not have considered. Definitely check out Nissan if you are looking for a new car.

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  Up date - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By electricnow - January 11 - 2:38 pm

  In my old review I complained about the CVT. Now at 13.450 miles the Mexico made battery failed. I guess they saved a couple of bucks on those though. Didn`t matter they are not covered under warrenty any way.

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  Not all it is cracked up to be - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Farseer - January 7 - 9:00 am

  OK it looks nice. Here is a run down, ride home from dealership, TPMS came on, would not go off even though tires properly inflated. Returned to dealer, had to schedule appointment & wait & wait. Purchased replacement parts on line, it was faster than waiting in the lobby all day. Still not able to break 24 MPG even though I drive 75% uninterrupted highway miles every day. Estimated 33 MPG is just that, an estimate -"your cars mileage may vary, we cannot guarantee that you will get the stated performance." Also the car lags in the 25-35 mph range when accelerating like you suddenly started towing something behind your car.

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  Great little car - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Cindy in SouthernCa - January 7 - 8:33 am

  I went from my Armada SUV to the Sentra. I still have my Armada and thought I would love getting back into the big SUV after driving the little car but actually love my little Sentra. My son will be sixteen in 8 months and he chose this car over the other small cars and we have no regrets.

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  2001 nissan sentra CA - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Kenneth Finucane - January 6 - 6:53 am

  MY California car did great until about 44K- when the catalytic converter went out. At 52K the converter went out again, this time my car has been in the shop for over 5 weeks! Nisian said the part had to be made, then on backorder, (there were only a few hundred made of the CA sentra model). The truth is that the CA model with its 3 catalytic design just does not work- the car has run lean from the get go- what this means is that eventually the valves will permaturely fail- they are starting to go already, i pulled the spark plugs before i took to the dealler and could see detonation on the tips- not good.It seems Nissan received some form of insentive to try 3 catalytic system.

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  Fun and Economical - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By zenenigma - January 2 - 10:00 am

  After looking at many cars (including the SVT Focus, Neon SRT-4, and Nissan Altima, I decided on the one I had my eye on from the beginning. Performance is great, you can launch from 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and still has good pickup in 4th,5th,&6th. Comfort is nice, I like the bucket seats, some might not. Fuel economy - AC blasting, I got 31 MPG going 450 miles.

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  I love this car - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Joe2481 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  I just bought this car, and I am thrilled with it. I am surprised how well it drives considering the price. I test drove the corolla LE before purchasing the sentra, and it was horrible. It drives like a cow compared to the nissan. The sentra is about 2k cheaper than the toyota. The only problem I have had with the car is the check engine light came one at 80 miles. The dealer says its nothing. It does not even give a code when they hook it up to the computer.

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  nice - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By who really cares - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Very nimble driving ability (theres a reason for all those gears.) Good pickup from a dead stop; passing ability is superb. On clean, level pavement the handling is nice and tight. On uneven pavement the can go airborne very easily. The front end is very light. Im not looking forward to driving in the snow. There is not enough traction to keep even a modest start from making the tires squeal. The premium sound package is tight and well tuned. It is not super-audiophile quality, but it is mostly clear and has a good range. The back seat is _very_ cramped - there is hardly any leg room.

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  Continental Sport Contact 2 Tires Awful - 2009 Nissan Sentra
  By KnightLog - December 31 - 11:56 pm

  Happy with the car. The sunroof whistles. The Lighter is in an odd location. The Original Equipment Tires that come with the car are Continental Sport Contact 2. They are terrible in the rain and when you hit highway patches you start to loose control. If you purchase a Sentra make sure you have the dealer pull these tires off first. :)