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:

• 

  Nice car for the money - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By nice_guy - August 22 - 8:10 pm

  I bought this car, everything is good with this car. I got a bluetooth and the audio package and the alloy wheels but not a spoiler, It looks simply sexy. I spend more time in my car than in the room.

• 

  Test Drive One and Youll See - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Joe V. - August 22 - 2:00 am

  Ok, this is my second Sentra and this car sets the standard for the others in many areas. I test drove the Civic and the Corolla, and both of these models were more expensive, but had different weaknesses. The Corolla lacked the zip that I was looking for, the the Civic suspension was even worse than the Sentra in my opinion. The 04 transmission is smoother than in previous years. All in all, a very great car for the price, and a fun driving experience. Drive it yourself and youll see...

• 

  I love my SE-R - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By fitz - August 21 - 10:00 am

  This car looks great, runs great, and is fun to drive! looked at the new Corolla, the SE-R Spec V, and the SE-R, and am happy I got the SE-R. handling on country roads and highway is superb. got a 2.5 liter engine and 165 hp (35 more than the corolla and only 10 less than the Spec V.) The SE-R comes with power everything standard, and the standard upgraded 7- speaker sound system is great. 16 inch wheels are cool and the all season tires are great.

• 

  great make - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By chasy - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought my car used when it had 35 thousand miles on it. That was 2 years ago i have since put 45 thousand more miles on it and i have had no trouble with it. I will be honest and say i drive the heck out of it too and its still standing. Did i mention its only a 1999. They are great imports Dont let the name fool you. If you take care of it it will last even longer. ENJOY!

• 

  Greatest car in its class - 1996 Nissan Sentra
  By sharkcity - August 14 - 12:10 am

  My parents have had a few of these that went over 300k. Bought when gas hit 4.39. Getting 42 mpg- Im an easy rural driver. Love the sunroof. Bring on the $7 gas!!

• 

  Great Little Compact - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Erin in Indy - August 7 - 8:13 pm

  I bought this car new in 2004. I was downgrading quite a bit, so it took some time to get used to it. But other than my snobbishness to it originally, its been a great little car. I have over 100K miles on it, have driven it from IN to TX and to FL a couple times, plus a 60 mile commute for work everyday. Ive had very little trouble with it mechanically. Had an engine issue a couple yrs after I bought it, but that was covered under my warranty. Otherwise only normal things like new tires and brakes. Its been comfortable on long road trips. I wouldnt want to sit in the back for very long but then I again, I dont have to. :)

• 

  SPECV - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Naim Nader - July 29 - 10:00 am

  Love this car it is so nice to drive and speeding up in first and second gear is soo much fun. I dont like the 4th to fith change but you get used to it. I love the car

• 

  Six months since purchase of Spec V... - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By Angelo - July 26 - 1:46 pm

  I have had my Spec V for 6 months. The only time I have had it in the garage was for Oil changes which I gladly perform myself. It is very reliable, I even learned to drive stick with this car and it does not seem to give. My only Mod is a NISMO Cold-Air Intake. It was definatly worth $230. The CAI does also improve gas mileage about 5-10%. The engine is so much louder after I put it on and pushed the gas to the floor. It certainly has more punch. I plan on getting at least exhaust headers and a Cat-back system.

• 

  All in all, not bad. - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By KMP - July 24 - 2:30 am

  Power steering fluid leaks. I have to keep checking and topping up when necessary. Makes a squeaky noise on the drivers side, front end as I drive over bumps (speed bumps). Makes a squealing noise under the hood, mostly on wet days. CD player didnt want to give back a CD. I had to take it to the dealership. They replaced the CD Player but didnt return my CD. The trunk release no longer works from inside the car nor does the remote control open it.

• 

  Cant Complain - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Sabs - July 16 - 7:53 am

  I have owned 6 new cars in the past 4 years, with the Nissan Sentra being my 6th car. I got a more basic model. Granted this is no Toyota Camry or Infiniti G35x, it serves its purpose - a commuter car where I didnt have to dish out an extra $10K for a Prius and averaged 30.5 mpg (mixed city/hwy). For anyone who complains about the quality, the way I see it, you get what you pay for. You didnt buy a luxury car. Personally, I think this is a fun car to drive. Its the smallest car Ive driven so far, but it has some good power and acceleration. If you are looking for a reliable car to get you from point A to B, then keep the Sentra in mind.