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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  I Love This Car - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By LGrif57266 - January 12 - 8:56 pm

  From what i can tell you as far as owning this car, it is great all around. If youre in the Import Tuning scene, then this is a definite alternative to the Honda Civic SI. This car flies like its no tomorrow and it will throw your head back into the headrest. Nismo has all kinds of parts for it as well as other aftermarket companies so youll be killing most 4- bangers on the road. the engine sound is wonderful especially at the top end of the RM range band. It also handles like a dream. In short, if you buy this car, you deffinitely wont be disappointed

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  Not a Bad Car - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By OK car - January 10 - 9:26 pm

  Have had gas issues,were it wouldnt take gas,just spit it back out.Bought my car with 22 miles on it, and so far so good. It is a 2004 and has 54,000 miles on it.So far just the gas issues and it does take 2-3 times to start most of the time. It is a reliable car,drove back and forth from Pa to Vegas and it is great. Very good on gas.

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  Spec V is Great!!! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By KAPACINO - January 7 - 2:00 am

  i have just purchased my top of the line spec v, and i got it in sunburst yellow and it looks great, in fact i havent seen another yellow car on the road for awhile, and the tight suspension feels great, while acceleration at high speeds is even better, crusing at 60, i didnt even need to reach 3 rpms to pass up people at 80 mph, great pickup

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  Very Nice - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By James - January 5 - 3:50 am

  I bought my car in April, 2003 and it has 26,000 now. I had 0 problems and never had to go to the dealer except for the ECM recall. I highly recommend this car. I usually get 26MPG+. Not bad for a fast car!

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  62,000 miles and engine gone - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By badn99 - January 4 - 4:20 pm

  Car drove well for almost 3 years until one day at 62,000 miles check engine light came on. Took it to the dealer and was told engine had failed and needed to be replaced at a cost of $7000. Imagine my surprise that just after warranty on engine expired it needed a new one. Got 2nd opinion and was told the same. Engine misfired badly and knocked. Car had regular specified maintenance and was well cared for. Contacted Nissan but no help. Will never buy another Nissan. Car is now sitting awaiting a used engine at a cost of $2900,

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  Reliability - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Frank - January 2 - 9:56 pm

  Since I have owned the car, I have had about 4 factory recalls and recently, with less than 33,000 miles, the transmission had to be replaced. I would not recommend a Sentra, nor would I by another.

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  Love my Nissan - 2016 Nissan Sentra
  By kelly wares - December 31 - 12:12 am

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  Enjoying the Ride - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By nx2kracer - December 26 - 9:36 pm

  With 6000 miles on this car, I have nothing but praise for it. It is still a joy everytime I sit down in the supportive bucket seats, shift it into first and take off. Power is available no matter where you are in the power band and it has the handling to the match. The car was a joy to drive on the race track too, it ate up the 3.2 VIR track with grace and finesse. Screaming out of the corners! Buy one you will enjoy it!

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  2012 Nissan Sentra S (Auto) - 2012 Nissan Sentra
  By gary01 - December 25 - 8:20 am

  Great car for cheap money. The car feels solid and is very quiet. The car handles great with a smooth ride. The only downside is gas mileage, I get between 24 and 28 mpg. I got the same mileage with my V6 Honda Accord. I expected better mileage with a 4 cyl. engine.

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  2010 sentra a/c issues. - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By awii - December 24 - 12:50 pm

  Im happy with the cars performance ..how ever a/c is not cooling like it should.. it takes half hr to 45 minutes to reach to a medium cold..this is my third nissan, never had a/c problems with them..took it to nissan dealer to have this check and according to them nothing is wrong.. they said the a/c is withing nissan specs..im not convince.. prior to moving to nc i lived in fl and never experience a/c problems with my 2001 sentra and that is really hot weather.. I traded my 2001 nissan for this car. i wonder if Im the only one with this problem..i plan to take it back since Im not satisfied with the results..i would like to know if any one else has similar problem..