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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  awesome - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By lisa711 - March 10 - 10:00 am

  This car has amazing power, especially for being a 4 cylinder. The seats are very comfortable and great on long trips. My oly complaint is that its a little hard on ga.

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  Good car to own - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By Matrix - March 9 - 4:53 pm

  It is a fun car to drive! its stylish with the spoiler, comfortable compare to honda civic, and relativly cheaper considering it comes with cd and ac for under $15000, roomy for a subcompact car, it is a nice car to own for daily commute with a great gas mileage.

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  6 speed manual - 2015 Nissan Sentra
  By Verne - March 5 - 7:25 am

  I can not speak to the long term aspects as have only owned my car for a month. When I bought it I could not find any reviews on gas mileage. I currently own a 2014 Camry SE. While not quite as comfortable and roomy as the Camry, it is fun to drive and in the in town mileage is 35.5 mpg. I like the cruise control location much better on the Sentra and it still is comfortable, quiet and the trunk is roomy for its side. At 50, it will get will get 50 miles per gallon. For an inexpensive car, there is no equal. I shopped Corolla, Civic, and Focus.

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  I have loved this car. - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By Happy girl - March 2 - 2:46 pm

  I bought my Nissan in 2002. This car has been more than I could have hoped for. In 8 years of ownership I have only had 1 problem with the alternator going out at 133,000 miles. This car just keeps going and I often say I will drive it till it dies. The interior is a little small if you have a family and the drink holders are awkward but all in all this car has been awesome. Bravo to Nissan.

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  Better than expected - 2012 Nissan Sentra
  By bugmanpat - March 1 - 11:11 pm

  The little Sentra is probably overlooked by most people interested in a small car, and that is too bad. It has more interior room than most of its competitors, you sit a little higher off the pavement, and the driving dynamics are good. Add to that some outstanding gas mileage when driven gently - way better than the EPA estimates so far for me. And all of that for a price that is easily as good or better than its competitors. And due to good resale values, you can get really great lease payments - much smarter than buying a 1 or 2 year old used car.

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  Numerous Problems - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By PghNissan - March 1 - 11:56 am

  I love the car and driving experience, however, It has been in the shop 3 times now for ticking in the steering wheel and will be going back later this week. Its also had to have the rotors turned. Beware!

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  Im getting a little scared... - 2013 Nissan Sentra
  By cori1 - February 27 - 11:30 pm

  I have a 2013 Sentra SL- At 2837 miles, The car went completely dead- electric system shut down. It was in my garage so no safety issue- Had the car towed. Local dealership said it was an internal failure in the IPDM. After 4 days and replacing this, car ran fine. Nissan paid for a 3 day rental. It happened again last night- approx. 11,000 miles- dead as a doornail. Spent the morning waiting on a tow, setting up a rental car, etc. Waiting to hear from the dealer. Nissan has promised a 3 day rental but COME ON GUYS! Im a single Mom- no one to help me get to work- no work, no pay! I thought I was getting a RELIABLE car- AM I GOING TO BE ON THE NIGHTLY NEWS like the GM DRIVERS? IM SCARED!!

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  Nice Small Car Overall - 2017 Nissan Sentra
  By Jane - February 25 - 4:23 pm

  I went from a 3.5 engine to a 1.8 so Im still trying to get used to it. I wish it had more power when I try to accelerate on the highway. Can be dangerous when your are entering freeway!!! Becareful! After all it is a small car. It gets you from point A to point B. Good for driving locally. Has an OK interior and really spacious for its size. I dislike the suspension!! U feel every bump really hard and loud! If you are driving in a smooth road you will enjoy it! About 34mpg...I will get LED lights on my SV. Sound system sucks. I hope I can get to upgrade that soon somehow. I hate the wheel covers something I didn really pay attention to until after should have gotten the rim wheels... Overall, I would recommend unless you have a heavy foot!

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  Good little car - worth a look - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By SentraOwner - February 25 - 1:00 pm

  I bought the 2.0 SL version. The CVT is silky smooth. The ride quality is on the soft side, and comfortable on all but the most pot-holed and patched roads. The car is also very quiet. You hear the engine during acceleration when its cold or when you need instant power, but wont hear it during general driving. Build quality is good - there were no obvious mistakes on my car, and the fit and finish of the materials is excellent. Steering is a little over-boosted, but responsive. The glove box is HUGE along with the trunk. The Sentra is worth considering if youre in the market for a small car, especially if youre looking for an up-market version with special features.

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  Smooth Ride - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Cntrn9 - February 25 - 2:00 am

  The Sentra drives very smooth. The front seats are comfortable. It has a great stereo system. There are great colors to choose from. The exterior design is up-to-date and unique.