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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  Surprising drive and quality - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By BAC - July 13 - 10:00 am

  I test drove a GXE in April but was not impressed with it, however I was impressed with the SE-R. In July I found payments higher than I liked and was persuaded to test drive a GXE with the Synergy package. I was amazed that there was a difference in the driving and feel of the car. I was trading in a sport suspension car that hugged the road and wanted the same in a larger car. This drove almost the same. I had a power sunroof installed and am totally in love with this car. The hp could be more making it better but otherwise its a great car. Dont quite understand how the "stone" color is tan though.

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  Horrible Purchase - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Horrible Car - July 12 - 3:50 pm

  Within the first year I owned this car, the drive belt had to be replaced and was on back order which tells me this is a common problem with this vehicle, I had to have the cd player replaced because it wouldnt eject my cd, and I have had problems with it starting. The dealership told me it had a "10 second start". That does explain why it tries to start and dies. I will never buy a Nissan again. I encourage all others to take my experience into consideration.

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  That emergency brake HAS to be ON........ - 2017 Nissan Sentra
  By Sally - July 7 - 5:39 am

  I am single and leased the vehicle because the salesperson was great at what he did and helped me get a vehicle even though my credit was not good.From the beginning I noticed that, on acceleration, there was the feeling that the emergency brake was somewhat engaged.......very draggy and dull acceleration. The car lurches at times (automatic transmission) and that is not a good feeling when I need to GO. The interior is black and very cheaply constructed. Just vacuuming it is difficult because nothing wants to release from the fabric. Nylon of some kind. Its awful. The mats and floor carpet are cheap and also are also VERY difficult to vacuum clean. The construction of the drivers seat hurts my right hip. The GOOD parts of the vehicle are the huge trunk, the nice styling of the outer body, and thats about it. It is difficult to get in and out of. There is no odometer to reset once I fill it up. The gas tank is too small, yet it does get good mileage.......have to fill up every few days......and of all the crazy things, the gas tank opening is on the PASSENGER side of the CAR. I am NOT HAPPY with this vehicle, yet am grateful to have it, given my credit situation. But if you can get a Altima or better, do it. I had a 2005 Altima that was still going strong this March when I was hit and it was totaled beyond any hope. But it was an awesome vehicle all the way around, and I LOVED it and am still saddened that it is gone. Altima is great.

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  2 Thumbs up for the Spec V !!!!! - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By bennyspecv - July 6 - 12:16 am

  First of all, I had a 2002 sentra XE (touring: Mags,rear spoiler & 6 CD changer). The upgrade to a 2005 SE-R SpecV was well appreciated. The SpecV is so fun to drive.... when you take a corner that you are used to take with another car in the specV, you will see that the handling is surprising and when you think you cant go faster, it sticks to the road. The only regret I have is that they changed the exterior look from the 2002-2003 but the overall performance takes your mind off the body and keeps it on the road !!!!

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  Good Enough - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Davey00000 - July 4 - 10:00 am

  I had a 97 sentra GXE then traded it in for the awesome SE-R. Great car, tons of fun to drive. NEVER HAVE HAD A SINGLE PROBLEM, even after 15,000 miles. Love the power.

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  95000 Later - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By JayLawII - July 2 - 2:00 am

  Engine light on, friend told me about Head and Cylinder Gasket Problems with Sentra/Altimas. A little worried. Noticed a loss in power and rougher downshifting, could be due to need for tune up though. Brakes still tight- good. Changed tires, still skid and slide under braking. Hard to change 3rd brake light. Speakers blew on stereo. Resale value extremely low, $3500. A fair weather friend. I try very hard not to drive during incliment weather.

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  Disappointed with SE-R - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By telal01 - June 30 - 2:50 am

  Test drove SE-R with auto tranny. Salesman said someone ordered it then brought it back 3 days later. I can understand why. Car is not as powerful as numbers suggest (165hp) Car did not handle well on turns on bumpy roads, the rear end losses grip easily and also likes to bounce around over rail road tracks. Probably due to the fact it does not have independent rear suspension like most cars in its class. I think it is over-priced for what little it offers.

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  Lots ofun - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By poogman - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Got my Spec V 10 days ago and am very happy with it so far. Still in break- in period so I havent been on the gas too much, but even still its strong up to the 4k rpm break-in limit. The best part is the shortage of them on the roads. Theres millions of Civics out there, and its a nice car, but not many SE-Rs. From what I hear, the Matrix/Vibe needs to hit 6k rpm before the alternate valve timing kicks in. Glad thats not the case on the SE-R. A Sentra is a compact car, so dont expect to comfortably fit a family of four in it, but for a daily single/double occupant driving, its hard to top.

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  good value - 2012 Nissan Sentra
  By juniorshariff - June 26 - 5:35 am

  good auto for commuting. roomy inside , good exterior curves on sr model. only ,it should have more h.p

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  My best friend - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By luvmysentra - June 24 - 11:00 am

  I have had the Sentra for little over a month now, and am absolutely pleased with my purchase. I was looking for a simple, yet comfortable car with fuel efficiency as the most important feature. I purchased a 1.8s and was able to get many more features than Id ever expected on my "college student" income. All the features are automatic, I have a manual transmission with cruise control (I love this feature), and the trip odometer has about 6 different displays that I cannot find in any of my friends cars. I use the MPG and dte displays most frequently. After 1300 miles, I am averaging just under 32 mpg in mixed driving conditions. This care is dependable, comfortable, and a great buy!