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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  Piece of Garbage! - 2016 Nissan Sentra
  By Consumer Advocate - July 14 - 6:00 am

  I bought the Sentra new from a shady dealer in the Southeast. Soon after, the car started having multiple issues including door locks not functioning, AC stopped working, tire pressure light always on, among many other performance issues. I took the car to different dealerships service departments in the Atlanta area, and they all failed to repair the defects once and for all, which led me to believe that it is a "Lemon" and should not have passed the Quality Control at the manufacturer.

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  Its A Beast. Keeping it till its dead! - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Nilek - July 13 - 12:26 am

  Aww man, i got this car like 2.5 years ago, it had 52,000 when i got it in 07, it currently has 140,000. Its been in 2 accidents, 6000 in damage the first time, and it was just currently totaled from me side swiping a tow truck, and hitting a guard rail. Its a great car, i have had some of the problems listed from everyone else, dealer had to put a fuel pump in it, crank sensor, new window motor and trunk motor, when i bought it the tires were "new" but had bad road noise. dealer replaced those too. Also, the damn belt has been replaced 4 times, still squeaks like crazy, doesnt hit bumps very well,and gas guage doesnt always go to full, if ya turn left fast it will, or about 60MI it goes up

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  my sentra - 1999 Nissan Sentra
  By JenB - July 8 - 10:00 am

  Its a good car for what it is. It was fairly inexpensive, reliable and gets good gas milage.

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  Bang For Your Buck... - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By MPMSpecV - July 8 - 10:00 am

  purchased 12/31/02 for about $17,600. loaded less ABS and side airbags..base model is only $16.2K !! ive owned a 450+ hp NOS mustang and my specV isnt dissapointing when you campare apples to apples -- a compact sedan with 7 sec 0-60mph, 15.5 1/4 mile and razor sharp handling and 6 speed for $16-18K. remember, at these prices each $2K equates to 10% more. Dont even think about the neon srt4 - at least $20K IF you can find one!) The specV is pure value..nothing fancy inside or out to jack up the price, just above average performance with great price and quality -- certainly worthy of a test drive if youre shopping around.

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  Doesnt start from first try - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By valentina miller - July 1 - 10:00 am

  2006 Nissan special edition; have trouble with starting, especially in hot weather; does not start from first try. Should be recalled.

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  Good car - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By Jack - June 28 - 3:36 am

  Love the smoothness of the driving, bluetooth works nicely in conjunction with all your music features. Love the intellikey. Got 37 mpg driving at 60 mph. No need to go at high speeds. Let others waste their gas.

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  Used to be better - 2000 Nissan Sentra
  By flasentra - June 25 - 1:26 pm

  I had a 1993 that made it to 178,000 miles but I doubt this one will make it that far. While it looks bigger and has a little more room, the trunk is still too small, and with a pretty much stripped down version, I miss things like intermittant wipers, light in the trunk, better fabric on the seats, cruise control... they make a diff. The plastic on the front headlights on both discolor after two years and visors are crap. Windshield has a lot of scratches. Needs better acceleration/pickup. My big complaint is the service--go for an oil change, they try to sell $$$$ maintenance. I bought an inexpensive car because cash is in an issue, I dont have $$$$ to spend in maintenance.

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  Nice Little Car - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Bob22 - June 24 - 9:36 am

  This is the third Sentra I have owned. These are very reliable cars and the gas mileage is great. I get 36 MPG on the highway.

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  Love it - 2002 Nissan Sentra
  By maci805 - June 19 - 7:16 pm

  I bought my 2002 Sentra GXE 6 years ago. It has been great to me so far. I have had nothing go wrong with it and has been extremely reliable. The car saved my life when I was in an accident. I came out alive and in one piece-which meant that the Sentra did its job. It is far from a luxury vehicle, but it is very comfortable and fun to drive. I love my car and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a safe and reliable vehicle.

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  Great Car - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By Kashif - June 17 - 9:06 am

  I bought this car at 70,000 miles and have had it for about a year now. So far it has not given me any problems at all. I get about 26 mpg, with a lot of city driving. The front brakes are starting to make a grinding noise now, and I am guessing that I will have to replace the rotors. It seems that this is a common problem with this car.