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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  Good. - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By Travis Austin - January 18 - 11:50 am

  My first real car out of college, living in the suburbs of Chicago and was in need of something that I didnt have to mess with. Corolla was the default choice, but I actually found this more manageable in the act of driving. Fuel economy is 40 going 55 mph, 35 at 65 mph, and around 33 on typical highway driving. For the size I feel the car could get a little better, but if you know how to drive for the sake of economy, it makes a significant difference. I have the low-end version and I think the stereo is fine. The drive is quite smooth, though admittedly Im not entirely used to driving newer cars. Zippy. Smooth ride on the highway. Glad I have this.

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  2001 Sentra GXE - 2001 Nissan Sentra
  By bman1027 - January 18 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Nissan Sentra GXE brand new in april of 2001, I was deciding between this and a Honda Civic, I made the mistake of choosing this car. Since then, Ive put about 28,000 miles on it, and it has been in the shop about 6 times. 3 times for recall, and 3 other time the car just broke down. The most recent trip to the dealer is the most outrageous experience ive ever had. The car would just stall in for no reason, and after leaving the car with the dealership for over a week, the dealership still cant figur out what is wrong with the car. Now Im getting rid of the car and planning to purchase an Accord, Camery or a Jetta soon.

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  G14 RJX - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Japs - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Tough,Relaible Confortable family cars, Falls inbetween compact & MidSize

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  Sentra = Solid - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By Razalon - January 14 - 3:00 am

  My first ever car was an 83 Nissan Sentra wagon. It was passed down from my sister, to my brother who then passed it down to me after he totalled it, and it needed a clutch. Well after putting my own money into this car I drove it everywhere. It was nice going two weeks on a tank of gas that would only take 9 gallons on empty. Just got my 2006 because the deals were so good on them. I was going to wait on the Versa to come out, but I know that the Sentras are a for sure thing. I got mine loaded with the special addition and more options. Fog lights, SER grill 16" rims, 300W stereo etc... I got it for $13,500. For all I got with this car, and the Sentra reputation, It was not a hard decision.

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  Another Nice Nissan - 2009 Nissan Sentra
  By Kemp - January 13 - 5:16 am

  Had A Jeep Grand Cherokee once that was under 36,000 miles and the transmission went out - the freeze Plugs went out and the final straw was when the windows would not go up - that was my turning point to buy a Toyota 4Runner or a Nissan Pathfinder - Thank You Jeep for forcing me to make the Move and Thank You Toyota for being more expensive. This is my 3rd Nissan and I must say my faith in Nissan is as strong as ever - With the added incentive for Cash For Clunkers how could I pass up on trading in a 1986 4x4 Ford Bronco II. To have such a Reliable vehicle again (Nissan) is like a breath of Fresh Air.

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  Very happy - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By neal - January 11 - 6:40 pm

  This car has exceeded my expectations so far. Its fun to drive and looks smart both on the inside and from the outside. Its quiet and was a great value, considering all of its standard features.

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  Pleased with Sentra - 2008 Nissan Sentra
  By Marshrat - January 10 - 12:26 am

  I just purchased a 2008 Nissan Sentra, and am very pleased with both the comfort and the performance. The 6-speed manual transmission is very easy to shift, and the ride is very smooth with the 16" wheels. I would recommend this car to a friend.

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  Quality Small Sedan - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Q - January 6 - 10:23 pm

  Ive had the car for almost a year with 20,000+ miles. No major complaints. Road noise could be a touch less, but better tires may help. One window open at 45+ mph creates some bad wind effects. Bluetooth microphone leaves a lot to be desired but call quality inside the car is great. Sound system does well compared to custom systems Ive installed in previous vehicles. I wish I wouldve pinched for the sat radio. Trunk space is very roomy and I love the separator. Massive glove compartment with a convenient tray in the door. Site lines are good, A pillars could be a touch smaller. Seats are comfortable. Drivers arm rest padding is already breaking down. 27 MPG real avg city/hwy.

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  Great car, best bang for the buck - 2007 Nissan Sentra
  By Donna - January 6 - 10:03 pm

  Feature for feature, compared to honda & toyota, best in value. Nice redesign with plenty of features.

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  Great Value - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By ruff n tumble - January 6 - 2:00 am

  The car is certainly not the fastest or best compact performance sedan out there, but for the price it is hard to beat. Shifter feels good, but can catch you off guard going from 4th to 5th. Power is great for a naturally aspirated 4 cyl. Brakes are powerful and linear. Great price! Lease for $156/month with $3,000 down and 15k miles a year. Fun to drive fast.