The Nissan Sentra is one of the best selling vehicles on any market, and here in the North American market, the vehicle has seen its ups and downs, as well as plenty of changes throughout the years. We'll go over some things to consider, as well as the best years to buy a used Nissan Sentra.
Key takeaways
- The Nissan Sentra is a good family car, especially in 7th generation thanks to the new design
- No manual transmission is available for the 8th generation in the states, but still available in Canada and Mexico.
- A hybrid was floated in 2010, but decided against.
- If you're wanting something that is a bit more stylish, then the 8th generation is one to keep in mind. Being that it is more modern, it does come with better features too.
Since the Sentra has been around for over 30 years, there are several generations for this peppy compact sedan. With over 8 generations to look at, we'll go over the more recent generations.
Fifth Generation (1999-2005)
This generation came at the turn of the century, and with it came a new classification. Now a compact vehicle, this generation saw the "bucktooth" front grille become larger, as well as black faced gauges with orange lighting across all trims.
The 1.8 Special Edition came out for 2005 and 2006. This came with a rear spoiler, fog lights, SE-R-style front grille, and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Sixth Generation (2006-2011)
This generation didn't see too much change at first, thanks to Nissan floating the idea of a hybrid Sentra that was ultimately decided against as current events made it so that it was no longer necessary.
When 2010 came around, the Sentra was kind of stale due to the lack of change from the fifth gen, and the uncertainty of the hybrid. This year saw the grille look something more like the Altima's hit the lineup. The headlights, and taillights were also redesigned, but those were more unique to the Sentra.
Some new features were red back-lighting color for the speedometer and knobs, and a new CD player with an optional navigation system. A backup camera also came on some trims, as well as iPod, and USB integration. This year lost standard leather seats on the SL trim, making it an option now.
Seventh Generation (2012-2018)
This generation saw the Sentra get a complete redesign, both inside, and outside of the vehicle. This is because Nissan wanted to bring it more inline with other vehicles in their catalog. While this generation is longer, it is also lighter, and thanks to its more aerodynamic shape, it comes with better fuel economy than the sixth gen.
Changes trickled in over this generation, rather than doing one big change later in the generation. These changes are a revised CVT transmission tuning, as well as revisions to the steering, and suspension, auto hazard warning signals, and new colors.
In an attempt to further bring the Sentra in line with other models from Nissan, they redid front and rear bumpers, lights, hood, trunk and wheels.
2017 saw the first ever turbocharged Sentras in the North American market, these were the SR Turbo and NISMO. Both offer 188 horsepower.
Eighth Generation (2019-present)
This year sees an independent rear suspension that replaces the torsion beam rear suspension that was in the last three generations. This generation doesn't see a manual transmission come on the Sentra in the US, but if you're lucky, you still might be able to find one thanks to neighboring countries.
While the previous generation of Sentra's looks reflected the budget friendly nature of the vehicle, this generation aimed at fixing that. Edmunds noted that “This redesigned Sentra has a much nicer interior, so it doesn't seem so much like a rental-fleet vehicle. It also rides a lot smoother over bumps and has a sleeker and more distinctive exterior look.”
2024 saw a facelift, as well as a new feature. This new feature is the engine start-stop technology.
Final Thoughts
With a few different looks, and a new classification for the new year, the Sentra remains a good go to vehicle. Come on by to Alan Jay to see our stock.