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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  Very nice car - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By NismospecV - May 23 - 9:46 pm

  This car is very fun whe tuned even the slightest bit. I got a stillen header and downpipe and nismo intake kit and this car moves very fast ive gotten it up to 156 mph on those upgrades and some tires.

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  My little charcoal GXE - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By Hraefn - May 21 - 10:00 am

  I needed a car in a hurry when my eight-year old Mazda blew up, so I looked at everything available. I found a really great clearance deal on a 2000 GXE, compared power/ weight/price ratios with Mazda, Toyota, and Honda, and bought bought the Nissan. Once I got used to the someone wimpy 5-speed shifter, I fell in love with the car.

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  1st nissan - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By jazzyk - May 21 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Nissan (Sentra SE with performance pkg) and I have been very happy with it. It is cute and VERY fun to drive, and has lots of great features that just arent available on the competition. I looked seriously at the Civic as my last car was an Accord that I absolutely loved - but the Civic just couldnt hold a candle to the Sentra. Now that was before the Si came out - so maybe now it does, I dont know. The only caveat I have is the paint. It chips if you even look at it wrong. I will probably be repainting the whole car in the next year because of this. But other than that I love it!

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  2002 Spec-v - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By Red_Spec-v - May 21 - 10:00 am

  The new spec-v The only extremely bad point which makes me wish i didn`t buy the car My car has now 4965 miles on it and i and many other owners have numerouse paint chips on the front of our cars and even the roof nissan refuses to repaint the hood blaming the consumer for it`s poor paint quality , my car in peticular has bad paint a very well resoected autobody shop has tried to get a consistent reading on paint thickness and can find none so if you don`t mind your cars front,sides,roof having no paint \, however with the poor paint the car will have no resale value in my oppinion don`t buy the car i`m planning on selling mine

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  Just bought and loving it. - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By saladincham - May 18 - 11:13 pm

  I love my new Nissan. Ive never bought a new car and had a little bit of sticker shock, but bought mine for a very good deal and have been impressed with the quality and the overall feel of driving. Very good looking car, and very good on your wallet. My first car was a 1999 Nissan Sentra, and I plan on sticking with them for years to come!

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  beware... - 2015 Nissan Sentra
  By Bill Voelkel - May 17 - 9:04 am

  Navigation does not come in 3d..even though it says it does..only 2d..I have to keep on reconnecting my bluetooth every time I start my car...Make sure your phone is on there list of phones that will pair before purchasing...My auto select for my lights doesnt work already and car is less then a month old..I got upgraded bose stereo system and have alot of static all the time..Gas mileage is no where near as advertised...The car does drive nice but all these little annoying things ruin your driving experience...

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  Grinding Parts - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By CF - May 11 - 5:33 am

  My 2008 Sentra has 25,000 miles and just took it in to the dealership because seems to downshift with difficulty, and also because of grinding/scratching sound coming from transmission (or engine)? Nissan Dealer agrees that he hears the grinding sound, but says this is NORMAL. What? Normal to hear parts scraping or grinding? Are you kidding me? Great, now what do I do?

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  varoom - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By jaime - May 8 - 1:23 pm

  I own a 2004 SERSpecV and it is one the best cars that I have ever owned. There is one problem I have with it though and that would be that I cannot find any aftermarket parts for it. Such as I would like to put a body kit on it and cannot find one anywhere. I have checked with local car clubs and even tried online. Maybe in a few years they will have them out. Other than that the car handles, drives, and looks great. It seems like I get a compliment on it everyday no matter where I am going. Jaime 27

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  Perfect Car for now ! - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Ed Eberl - May 7 - 5:30 pm

  After testing several cars including the Corolla, Focus and Mazda 3, the Sentra was the best choice. The interior room is as big or bigger than my 2003 Dodge Stratus. This is the perfect choice in a bad economy with insane gas prices. I beleive the Sentra will be the next smart size family sedan replacing midsize cars, which are quickly become todays gas guzzlers.

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  Spec V for 3 seasons - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By V-licious - May 2 - 2:00 am

  Good reliability, poor handling in the snow. I didnt expect for it to be great,but I got stuck on a slight incline and had to hoof it home. I have read about the tires and that is where Nissan seems to have gone wrong, although I think that it will still have problems after new tires are installed,I think it will be better. Other than that,this car is awesome. Handles very well in dry conditions, good pick up and go. Back seat leaves a little to be desired,but if you wanted a back seat you would get an Altima. The back seat is big enough for a car seat, and maybe one adult. This car is absolutely great for 3 seasons,