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 car for the price - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Driver21 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 01 Sentra SE in 00 because I needed an affordable, reliable new car to get me to school and work. It has done exactly that. I have brought it in exclusively for oil changes and regular service to the dealership,+ a recall. I see people are complaining about the quality of paint, tires, rattles, etc. I personally have not had any of those problems yet, and my car has 49,350 miles, and still have the original, although balding tires. I would also advise to get a manual trans if you are not sure. I bought the auto because I commute in traffic a lot, but can not wait to get a stick car.

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  2003 Sentra S-ER - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By jay-c - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I really like this car. Other than the less than perfect transmission shift quality and bumpy ride mentioned below, there has not been much to complain about. Interior trim details, such as the HVAC controls seem a little cheap, but they work fine. Plus this car will smoke Civics at a stoplight.

• 

  Your info is wrong! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Dar - April 16 - 10:00 am

  Your info listed for this car is wron! There are many more options than you list. You have not available listed for many things that are available! I have auto locks/windows/ mirrors, front interior map lights,vanity mirrors on both sides, abs brakes, split seats in the rear that fold down w/ acces to the trunk, alarm system that shuts the engine down if someone tries to steal it, cd player and other things. So, please list that these things are available. Thanks!

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  This Car is well worth it. - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By metropolis32221 - April 16 - 10:00 am

  The car is very good in 99% of all the areas. I had never even considered a Nissan because of past ones that I have seen or ridden in. I was looking for a Sport Compact and decided to stop into my local Nissan dealership just out of curiousity. I looked at the Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V and immediately started to like what I saw. I then proceeded to take it on a test drive, and I was completely sold. It is extremely fun to drive and has alot of potential for sport compact enthusiasts and aftermarket products.

• 

  Excellent Car - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By PoliceHummer - April 16 - 10:00 am

  If you like a car that hugs the road and a car that turns with no problem and is a lighter wieght car then the Nissan Sentra SE-R is a excellent car and you dont have to go by my word but go to your local Nissan Dealership and ask them if you can test drive the Nissan Sentra SE-R. If you want to E- Mail please send it to PoliceHummer@aol.com.

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  Best value - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Wyrmfang - April 16 - 10:00 am

  This car has very good engine performance, although the mileage is not spectacular. The tilt steering is a joke; I am 62", and I have to push the seat all the way back to drive; not much legroom up front. Seats are comfortable, the sound system is good; the steering could use improvement at highway speeds (seems like an effort to steer straight; could be the Bridgstone tires). Excellent standard equipment for the price (ABS, 4 wheel disc brake, front and side airbags). Great all around car.

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  Great - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By CLIO - April 16 - 10:00 am

  I went from 1988 Nissan 5-speed down to earth car to 2004 automatic heaven. The Sentra has grown up. I wanted a car that was a little bigger than the one I had but was as great as the old one. Looks like Nissan knew exactly what I wanted. I cant beleive this is a Sentra. I hated giving up my old car, but I am very pleased with my choice. I love my 10 day old car.

• 

  OK, but not great in bad weather - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Aravis - April 14 - 4:06 pm

  Ive owned this car for 4 years now. The engine seems kind of thrashy... doesnt shift smoothly. This car is HORRIBLE in any weather other than bone dry. I even put really nice all season Michelin tires on it and I hydroplane on everything from snow to rain to leaves, even going slow. Its a great first car, but I dont feel safe in it

• 

  Good commuter car, Faulty Head Gasket - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By Idaho Commuter - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Used as as commuter car, it has done really pretty well until the head gasket issue hit us. Nissan should have recalled these vehicles since it is a known defect. It sure seems like every 2005 Sentra WILL eventually have to have the head gasket repaired at $1000+ ($1200 in our region). Shame on Nissan. It has performed admirably other than this major issue. Nice mileage (Avg 36 mpg), and a work horse for us commuting long distances. With the defective head gasket on these cars, we cannot recommend them. We feel our loyalty to Nissan is forever damaged since they have shown no loyalty back to us by not recalling a known major issue. Buyer beware if the head gasket has not been replaced!

• 

  not bad - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By JWLM334 - April 10 - 2:00 am

  for a small car it handles pretty well. The stopping power is excellant as was demonstarted to me during the recent blizzard. The ride is a little bumpy and the shocks in this car make you feel every nook and cranny in the road. Im used to having a Pathfinder so Ive been spoiled by the best SUV made. Wish I had my Pathfinder back ;:(