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:

• 

  Its what I wanted and expected... - 2010 Nissan Sentra
  By supercab95 - December 28 - 11:43 pm

  I wasnt looking for a sports car or truck. I was looking for a small car with some extra features and thats exactly what I got. The CVT is smooth and driving is comfortable. I wanted something with good gas mileage and once again I am not disappointed. The car takes off and drives smoothly on the road and even seems to handle snow and sleet without any problem.

• 

  Love my Sentra! - 2013 Nissan Sentra
  By snapdiggity - December 26 - 3:08 pm

  I leased my Sentra at the end of July and love it! I turned in 2010 Sentra I had, and do love this car more. My only complaint is the size of the center console, the 2010 model was much bigger which I loved. I love the LED accent lights inside and out. I am averaging about 35 MPG and my commute to work is only about 10 minutes mainly highway. The engine is extremely quiet, and love both the ECO and Sport features. I have the Black with Charcoal interior. Inside is easy to keep clean too. The leg room in both the back and front is roomy compared to my old Sentra. Would recommend!

• 

  jeffs sentra - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By jefgil - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Very solidly built. Suspension is stiff, which minimizes a soft ride, but gives a very secure feeling of safety. Great pep in the motor. Ample room for tall (6) person in rear.

• 

  Awesome Car!!! - 2006 Nissan Sentra
  By Heather - December 23 - 12:03 pm

  Ive owned a Lexus and it doesnt compare to my Nissan. Its roomy, its comfortable, and it can pass anyone on the road!, there nothing bad I can say about it.

• 

  Wear of the car - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By joe_c172000 - December 21 - 10:00 am

  My car has 40000 miles and I am disapointed with the resistance of some of the materials: - The steering wheel has started to change color. When I contacted Nissan to get a new steering wheel, they told me that I was driving with rings in my hand, which I dont. - The carpet is worn out. Come on, its my fourth car and I never saw that before. - The paint is definately too fragile.

• 

  Cost Cutting ruins an otherwise great car - 2017 Nissan Sentra
  By Bryan - December 19 - 11:19 am

  With the stick, is very fun to drive despite having the wrong gearing for the powerband and notchy shift action. No limited slip diff for some reason, even though this is the juke powertrain, which comes with the LSD standard. This car looks upscale and the interior is very nice. Unfortunately, this is thin veneer over a very cheaply made car that in my opinion will not last for the long haul. Feels substantially less well put together then the last generation sentra, which feels built like a brick outhouse. This is confirmed in that the 2007-2012 sentra weighs 150lb more despite being smaller than the 2013-up model. I am a mechanic and bought this car not only to improve my credit, but so I wouldnt have to work on my own car, as I spend 60 hours a week most weeks working on other peoples cars. Less than 100 miles into my purchase, I noticed 2nd gear was very hard to engage. Had to bring it to the attention of the dealer 3 times before they confirmed my findings (defective transmission). After that they replaced it with no issues. I have had the car for a year and have put only 5600 miles on it so far, and already the body is starting to loosen up, various squeaks are manifesting themselves. The body simply does not feel very solid at all. My mother owns a 2008 sentra, with over 180k on it and it feels more solid than my brand new car. I know this because I service her car for her. Yes, I test drove multiple 2017 sentras (after I was already committed to mine, unfortunately,) and they are all the same. If I would have known, I would have saved myself over 15 grand and bought a 2012 sentra (the last year for the old bodystyle) from Copart and fixed it, because thats how flimsy this new car feels to me. The car is otherwise great, I average nearly 33mpg average around town and have touched 54mpg on one particular back road trip! My issue is that I dont feel it will last long. Cost cutting abounds everywhere. The interior is about the only place that they didnt try to save coin....it is very nice. Everywhere else the cost cutting monster has had its way. The ride is nice, until you hit the first big bump, and you run out of suspension travel (something the previous sentra did very well was absorb bumps.....) Open the hood or trunk and you are greeted by great swaths of metal that Nissan didnt bother painting body color (to save on paint)...all you see is the base coat. What paint is on the car is very thin and very easily chipped or scratched, which was never the case on previous Nissan products. I already have chips on almost every body panel which are down to the primer. Remember, this is a NINE MONTH OLD CAR with 5600 gentle miles on it. The drivers door already closes with a different sound than the passengers door. It sounds tinnier, as if the weatherstrip is already wearing out. The rear brakes squeal when stopping, i feel like I am in one of those old 1950s TV shows every time I stop. The sunvisors buzz incessantly against the headliner at idle and the package tray rattles. Again, most of this stuff is nitpicking, but still, when a NEW CAR has more NVH problems than its 10 year old sibling, that is saying a lot, especially when the old car has 11 times the mileage. It is a great car to lease, not to buy, in my opinion.

• 

  Cost Cutting ruins an otherwise great car - 2017 Nissan Sentra
  By Bryan - December 19 - 11:19 am

  With the stick, is very fun to drive despite having the wrong gearing for the powerband and notchy shift action. No limited slip diff for some reason, even though this is the juke powertrain, which comes with the LSD standard. This car looks upscale and the interior is very nice. Unfortunately, this is thin veneer over a very cheaply made car that in my opinion will not last for the long haul. Feels substantially less well put together then the last generation sentra, which feels built like a brick outhouse. This is confirmed in that the 2007-2012 sentra weighs 150lb more despite being smaller than the 2013-up model. I am a mechanic and bought this car not only to improve my credit, but so I wouldnt have to work on my own car, as I spend 60 hours a week most weeks working on other peoples cars. Less than 100 miles into my purchase, I noticed 2nd gear was very hard to engage. Had to bring it to the attention of the dealer 3 times before they confirmed my findings (defective transmission). After that they replaced it with no issues. I have had the car for a year and have put only 5600 miles on it so far, and already the body is starting to loosen up, various squeaks are manifesting themselves. The body simply does not feel very solid at all. My mother owns a 2008 sentra, with over 180k on it and it feels more solid than my brand new car. I know this because I service her car for her. Yes, I test drove multiple 2017 sentras (after I was already committed to mine, unfortunately,) and they are all the same. If I would have known, I would have saved myself over 15 grand and bought a 2012 sentra (the last year for the old bodystyle) from Copart and fixed it, because thats how flimsy this new car feels to me. The car is otherwise great, I average nearly 33mpg average around town and have touched 54mpg on one particular back road trip! My issue is that I dont feel it will last long. Cost cutting abounds everywhere. The interior is about the only place that they didnt try to save coin....it is very nice. Everywhere else the cost cutting monster has had its way. The ride is nice, until you hit the first big bump, and you run out of suspension travel (something the previous sentra did very well was absorb bumps.....) Open the hood or trunk and you are greeted by great swaths of metal that Nissan didnt bother painting body color (to save on paint)...all you see is the base coat. What paint is on the car is very thin and very easily chipped or scratched, which was never the case on previous Nissan products. I already have chips on almost every body panel which are down to the primer. Remember, this is a NINE MONTH OLD CAR with 5600 gentle miles on it. The drivers door already closes with a different sound than the passengers door. It sounds tinnier, as if the weatherstrip is already wearing out. The rear brakes squeal when stopping, i feel like I am in one of those old 1950s TV shows every time I stop. The sunvisors buzz incessantly against the headliner at idle and the package tray rattles. Again, most of this stuff is nitpicking, but still, when a NEW CAR has more NVH problems than its 10 year old sibling, that is saying a lot, especially when the old car has 11 times the mileage. It is a great car to lease, not to buy, in my opinion.

• 

  VERY GOOD CAR FOR THE MONEY - 2004 Nissan Sentra
  By Row - December 15 - 10:00 am

  my wife and i brought the 2004 model used we both like the car very much but the only problem is the back seat i would like to see more room in the back seat .But overall we really like thecar for the price and looks for a compact car in it class .we could not afford the honda accord not at this time but we are please

• 

  Great for high miles - 2005 Nissan Sentra
  By great for high miles - December 14 - 9:56 pm

  I drive 300 miles a day on a route, mostly highway miles, and this Nissan performs very very well. On a good day, I can AVERAGE 40.58 mpg! The worst I got was 37 mpg. All with great power and really good comfort. Id highly recommend this car to everyone, based on performance.

• 

  Great Car for the Buck! - 2003 Nissan Sentra
  By Dwayne G. - December 7 - 10:00 am

  Overall, great car so far and from all Ive read (which is a lot) it should be for a long time. I have the 1.8L 4cyl which is the one I wanted because of the great fuel economy, but it could stand to be a little more peppy. With the rear spoiler, fog lights and alloy rims package, which I got, this car looks really good for a sedan, kind of like a small Maxima. The Stereo/CD system sounds great.