Nissan Sentra

Name: 2005 Nissan Sentra
Brand: Nissan

EPA MPG: NA

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: NA

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 6 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

This version of the Sentra had fallen behind most competing small cars. Still, it has an efficient and willing engine, an automatic transmission, secure handling and fairly pleasant interior quality. On the negative side, the ride is a bit too stiff, the rear seat is cramped and braking falls a bit short. The Sentra also received a Poor rating in the IIHS side-crash test without side airbags.

2005 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

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100

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Nissan Sentra

vs. Similar Cars

Honda Civic

Toyota Corolla

Toyota Prius

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Acceptable

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Poor

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Acceptable

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Poor

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

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Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Acceptable

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

IIHS Side Crash

Poor

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2005 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2005 Nissan Sentra

$2,775 - $3,450

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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$2,850 - $2,925

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

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EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

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2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser

$2,775 - $2,975

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2005 Ford Focus

$2,775 - $3,200

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2005 Honda Civic

$3,175 - $5,575

EPA MPG 34 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Honda Civic Hybrid

$ NA

EPA MPG 40 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Hyundai Accent

$2,925 - $3,025

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Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2005 Hyundai Elantra

$2,850 - $3,300

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2005 Kia Rio

$2,850 - $2,975

EPA MPG NA

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2005 Kia Spectra

$2,975 - $3,050

EPA MPG 28 mpg

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2005 Mazda 3

$3,325 - $4,325

EPA MPG 29 mpg

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2005 Mitsubishi Lancer

$3,050 - $12,275

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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2005 Pontiac Vibe

$4,075 - $4,625

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2005 Saab 9-2X

$3,175 - $3,425

EPA MPG NA

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2005 Saturn Ion

$2,775 - $2,925

EPA MPG 27 mpg

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2005 Scion xA

$3,300 - $3,350

EPA MPG 34 mpg

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2005 Scion xB

$4,100 - $4,150

EPA MPG 32 mpg

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2005 Subaru Impreza

$3,400 - $10,400

EPA MPG 24 mpg

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2005 Suzuki Forenza

$2,800 - $2,825

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2005 Toyota Corolla

$4,525 - $4,925

EPA MPG 32 mpg

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2005 Toyota Matrix

$4,100 - $4,575

EPA MPG 28 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2005 Toyota Prius

$4,900

EPA MPG 56 mpg

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2005 Volkswagen Golf

$3,250 - $4,850

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Volkswagen Jetta

$2,975 - $4,950

EPA MPG NA

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2005 Volvo V50

$3,600 - $3,775

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Features & Specs

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

Front

1.8-liter 4 (126 hp)
2.5-liter 4 (175 hp)
2.5-liter 4 (165 hp)

5-speed manual
4-speed automatic
6-speed manual

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2020-Present

Current Generation

The redesigned 2020 Sentra is a complete transformation. It shed its dowdy look and overall driving mediocrity to become one of the best sedans in its class. The engine and transmission are a pleasant combination that provide unobtrusive acceleration. The more advanced rear suspension facilitates a comfortable ride and nimble handling. The interior looks upscale, especially in the SR and SV trims; buyers can even get a power seat, leather upholstery, and heated seats. The rear seat is relatively roomy, and the infotainment system is easy to use. All trims except the base version have Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capabilities. Nissan's Safety Shield 360 is standard and includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, and blind spot warning, but lane keeping assistance is not offered. Updates for 2021 include standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for all trims. The 2022 model added a new Midnight Edition Package on the Sentra SR and a new All-Weather Package for the SV. A 2024 refresh included a new CVT and auto start/stop system that improved fuel economy slightly. There were no significant changes for the 2025 model year.

2013-2019

2013 Redesign Year

The 2013 remake diminished steering feel and left ride quality below par. Equipment levels are good, but the interior feels cheap and the engine is a bit noisy. Stability control, traction control, and antilock brakes are standard. Fuel economy with the CVT rose to a respectable 29 mpg. If you're seriously shopping Sentra, the SV trim line is the way to go. The base S is too stripped-down, while the higher SR and SL lines are just gilding a mundane basic sedan. The SV Driver Package brought push-button start and the Navigation Package included a backup camera. Changes for 2015 included a standard USB port and Bluetooth on all models. Updates for 2018 included standard automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning on most models.

2007-2012

2007 Redesign Year

A redesign in 2007 brought a roomier rear seat, a civilized and quiet ride, and easy cabin access. Interior storage is generous, thanks primarily to an extremely large, lighted and locking glove compartment. The box goes deep into the dashboard and is capacious enough to hold a small laptop. The Sentra also has simple controls, despite a rich list of readily available features such as iPod control, Handling is sound with the optional ESC, but without it the Sentra can fishtail too easily. The driving position is high and most drivers found plenty of room. Visibility is good to the front and sides, but limited to the rear.

2000-2006

2000 Redesign Year

The pre-2007 Sentra was one of the more pleasant small sedans with a spirited powertrain, decent handling, and a reasonably quiet, well-designed interior. There are numerous nooks and bins, as well as large map pockets in the front doors. Major controls are well designed and easy to use, plus the instruments are legible in all light conditions. However, the steering wheel obscures the instrumentation dimmer switch and power-mirror control. Dynamically though, this version of the Sentra had fallen behind most competing small cars. Ride quality is a bit too stiff and braking falls a bit short. Further, the rear seat is cramped and this version of the Sentra received a Poor rating in the IIHS side-crash test without the optional side airbags.