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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  A Great, Fun to Drive Little Car - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Nismo427 - November 12 - 2:00 am

  While my particular car suffers from some build defects, its overall performance and handling are way above the norm for this class. The venerable SR20 engine is really strong and when most of the power comes on at 4000 rpm its a rush like no other. The paint in typical Nissan fashion isnt so great, neither is the build quality of the interior, but the overall feel of this car is sure to please anyone out looking for a little fun.

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  Very comfortable front seats - 2017 Nissan Sentra
  By PaulC - November 4 - 4:43 pm

  In an age where nearly all car makers offer only hard, thinly padded front seat bottoms that induce fatigue and soreness on longer drives the Nissan Sentra impresses with a seat bottom that fells softer and is shaped and padded in a way that doesnt cause pressure points and fatigue. Other characteristics of the car are just ordinary except for road noise which is suppressed better than in most midsize cars. I like cars with comfortable seats, and a bump absorbing and quiet ride and in the midsize category I find the Hyundai Elantra the most desireable overall, the Nissan Sentra second place, Toyota Corolla third place and Chevy Cruze fourth place.

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  WORST CAR EVER!!! - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By doobzz617 - November 4 - 3:59 am

  I have had nothing but problems with this car. I bought the car in 06 brand new. By early 2009 I had to replace the engine. By early 2010 I had to replace the transmission, and a week ago my check engine light went on and the transmission needs to be replaced again! Nothing but problems and money! I hate it!

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  Best of the Inexpensive Small Cars - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Randy King - November 1 - 10:00 am

  I test drove the top of the line Honda Civic, the 2003 Corrolla S, and the Ford Focus and this car hands down blew the competition away! It is very fast, and a total blast to drive. The sun roof is quieter than most at 70 mph. If you like acceleration, you will like this car. I presently have 7,900 miles on it and only one factory defect upon delivery. (The auto trunk release did not work). Nissan needs to advertise this model more. If they did, I believe they could corner the small car market. I never would have considered a Nissan for this size car if it wasnt for a friend of mine that advised me to check them out.

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  (Of Course) Bang for the buck - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Zeek - October 30 - 11:36 am

  The Spec-V is one of the best bang for your buck cars available. It is also one of the few with four doors. It will run a mid to low 15 second quarter mile stock, but there arent many modifications available for the car yet, so for you tuners there isnt very much further to go. The car has its great points, handling, lots of torque, and styling, and its bad points,

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  Good car for the money - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By mholly99 - October 29 - 10:00 am

  Bought my Sentra used with 94000 miles on it. Good reliable little car with GREAT gas mileage. No problems so far and I got a great deal on it. Perfect for a college student like me.

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  Great Toy. - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By DeshispecV - October 28 - 11:33 pm

  Even tho I bought my Spec V with a lot of miles on it, it still runs real good. Its a champ on the streets. Its a sleeper car stock and a beast with mods. I love driving it and seeing the looks on peoples faces when I fly past them in their V6s. Great toy to have.

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  Awful Car - 2013 Nissan Sentra
  By Virginia - October 27 - 11:18 pm

  I bought my car May 2013 new from the dealer, the car has never been involved in an accident. About 3-4 months after having recently bought the car the car made this horrible grinding noise, I took it to the dealer and they said it was because I drove through mud! I couldnt believe they gave me that excuse, so I took it to the dealer again and after complaining they finally looked at it and they fixed the part that was defected. Now March 2016 my car started to accelerate or jump on its own while I was driving. The problem grew worse when making a left turn the car barely moved even though I pressed on the gas all the way the car seem like it wouldnt budge. There were also times I would press in the gas and the car started to feel like it would jump and feel like it was about to shut off. I thought the fuel filter needed to be fixed, once we took it to the dealer the problem was that the car needed a new transmission. Fortunately, the car was under warranty so they are supposed to be fixing it. Another feature I noticed that doesnt work properly is that sometimes when the front passenger is sitting it reads as if nobody is sitting there, so if I were an accident the bag could possible not deploy. This car has been nothing but a waste and I regret getting this piece of junk!!!

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  Great Car for the Money - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By Frontier4x4 - October 25 - 9:43 pm

  Purchased new in 05, 1.8s with the Special Edition package (a must!). Rides great, awesome stereo, great on trips, but performance with the A/T leaves a little to be desired. If you need more get up and go, get the 5 spd or drop the coin on one of the SE-Rs. Original tire size is an odd ball but you can step up a width and there are more options. This model Sentra (B15) is know for two issues, the Vapor Canister Purge Valve- easy to change in the driveway but cost $100 and the fuel pump has some valve that stops working and causes hard starting... just turn the key to on for a few seconds- once the pump primes it starts fine.

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  First Time Nissan Buyer - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Tom Neston - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Nissan Sentra Was Going To Be A Cross Country Road Trip From New Jersey To California. Plus A Trip From New To Key West Florida. During The First 4 Months That I have owned The Nissan Sentra It has performed wonderfully, without any problems. I purchased It on June 29, 2002 And Today It Is November 28, 2002. The Auto has 25,000 Miles on it and the next trip will be to Seattle, Washington and Bownsville, Texas. Great Small Car.