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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  Rusty Bucket - 1997 Nissan Sentra
  By Homecmk - December 2 - 2:00 am

  The driveshaft starting rusting before the end of the year and I dont even live near the beach. The door panels are likely made from recycled tin cans considering the thinness. The noise level are outragous on the freeways.

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  great car - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By nismo04 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  The sentra ser-spec v offers sports car performance and handling at an economy car price. It has very responsive acceleration and handles very well with its sports tuned suspension and helical limited slip differential. It is incredibly fun to drive. If you are into sport compact cars you will not be dissapointed.

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  INTERIOR NOISE - 2016 Nissan Sentra
  By Carlos meza - November 27 - 10:28 am

  great car for the price , but upon driving this vehicle on the highway at approxamently 70 mph there is a wind noise ,,that is very load and annoying ,, had the dealer take a look at it ,,they said it was the seal around window and fixed ,, so they said !! two days later same thing happened , noise so load I could not hear my wife talk .. again dealer said they fixed it ..WELL GUESS WHAT ??? TAKING IT BACK FOR THE THIRD TIME ...if the dealer cant fix it this time I guess Ill be looking for a lawyer.

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  Sentra Buyers go for the SE-R Spec V - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By T. A. F. - November 26 - 2:00 am

  Purchased my molton silver Nissan SE-R Spec V on Friday 01/23/04. I love this car !!! For those of you looking for a car in this price range, you owe it to yourself to atleast test drive this car. The more I drive it, the more I like it. Puts a grin on my face every time. Fun to drive.

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  Great Car, better than Corolla I owned - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By RG - November 25 - 7:16 am

  I have owned this car for a month now and have to say I am very pleased with this vehicle. I traded my 2009 Toyota Corolla in for this car and I have no regrets doing so. From day one I had issues with my Corolla. I cannot say the same about my Sentra. I am currently averaging about 32mpg with 50% city and 50% highway driving. CVT is very smooth.

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  Transmission - 2013 Nissan Sentra
  By dnierode - November 21 - 2:00 pm

  Just leased my 2013 Nissan Sentra Monday with about 10 miles on it...took it to work got home went for another drive...Tranny took a puke...about 62 miles, shot...WTF... they are being pretty good at the dealership, but I do not want that car back...

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  Great Little Car - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By Kitchy Guy - November 21 - 12:06 am

  Its a fun little car to drive. There are other cars out there with better performance, but at a much bigger price tag. Ive had the car for almost 3 years now, I love the performance. No matter how fast Im going, if I hit the gas, it still has plenty of pick-up. Due to the size of the engine, the fuel economy isnt the best (maybe its how I drive). The torque also makes driving in the snow a challenge. The front seats are very comfortable, the back seat is small for 2 adults, 3 adults is just uncomfortable.

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  Sentra Blues - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By Jerry Fair - November 18 - 9:16 pm

  I have been a Toyota owner for years and a Toyota mechanic but when I needed a new car I thought I would try my first Nissan. It was a mistake. To compare the design quality of a similar Toyota such as a Corolla to a Sentra is like comparing night and day. Here are some examples. The trunk on a Sentra is much smaller than a Corolla. Additional Sentra problems that Corolla does not have: engine performance-poor. Cruise control is too fast and the trans immediately kicks down. Fuel economy is no where near the 40 MPG other reviews have stated. I get about 28 MPG. Radio sounds bad. CD player is a joke. Who ever designed the cup holder should be bared from auto design for life. I could go on.

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  the best car i have owned so far - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By will - November 17 - 10:09 am

  Ok this car has its in and outs. I notice the starting problems its not the fuel pump or starter its the fuel regulator that is cheap needs to be replaced with a aftermarket one by its best to turn the key to the on position for 5 seconds so the pump can prime up but the head gasket did blow once,not sure why had to replace the alternator once and some hoses ,the steering wheel is kinda hard to turn a little and power steering leaks are normal so had the engine replace but I didnt have any problems with that engine but on these cars the its very good on gas maintenance its not to bad for the size of the car,of course its not a luxury vehicle but it is very durable

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  Great Car, Tremendous Value! - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Mullah81 - November 15 - 5:06 am

  After a month of diligent research, my wife and I decided on the Nissan Sentra S Model. We test drove the Civic, Jetta, Corolla. Although this is an "economy" car, you would never know it with all of the wonderful and useful features that it has. For starters, the design is really nice and modern. The glove compartment is huge, by far the largest of any car we test drove. The LCD display screen and on board computer is really neat and displays some useful information (average mpg, average speed, temperature, time, etc.). The fit and finish of the car is superb and really has a solid feel to it. The CVT is so smooth and really beats traditional transmissions in my opinion.