Used 2011 Nissan Sentra SL for sale 

The Nissan Sentra is available in six different trims with two transmission and engine options. As standard, all variants starting from the base to the SL trim come equipped with a 2.0L inline-4 engine, while the higher performance spec trims get a 2.5L I-4 engine. The sedan is available with a front-wheel-drivetrain only. Basic features include adjustable and power steering, remote trunk release, and AM/FM stereo. As one moves higher up the trim ladder, a premium sound system, fog lamps, and steering wheel controls become great value additions.  

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We recommend buying the SR trim of the Nissan Sentra, which at $17,990 provides all price-adequate features. While the SL trim is also priced similarly, the SR adds optional features one can choose from, making the Sentra even more practical and pragmatic. However, if you’re looking for a performance-driven sedan, the SE-R Spec V is the best bet.

The engine that your Nissan Sentra features will depend on the trim that you choose for. The daily driver engine, the 2.0L inline-4 unit is capable of churning out 140 hp and 147 lb.-ft of power and torque respectively. However, if you are looking for a sportier drive, the 2.5L inline-4 engine that produces 177 hp of power and 177 lb.-ft of torque has you covered. 

The Sentra is available with two transmission options; a continuously variable transmission and a 6-speed manual transmission available with the base trim. The top-rack SE-R Spec V is equipped with a 6-speed close ratio manual transmission. The 2.0L CVT transmission Sentra manages to accelerate from a still to the 60 MPH mark in 9.6 seconds and completes the quarter-mile run in 17.3 seconds. It records a top speed of 119 MPH.

In comparison, the Hyundai Elantra and Kia Forte make use of a 6-speed automatic transmission, while the Toyota Corolla comes mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission. In the segment, while the Kia Forte emerges victorious clocking 9.2 seconds in the 60 MPH acceleration test, its sister brand offering the Hyundai Elantra triumphs in the quarter-mile run taking 17 seconds. The Toyota Corolla has the lowest power and torque output in the segment at 132 hp and 128 lb.-ft, respectively.

While in isolation, the Nissan Sentra feels extremely fuel-efficient, there are other cars in the segment that perform better in comparison. The Nissan Sentra manages 27 MPG in the city and 34 MPG on the highway. Combined, it manages 30 miles per gallon of fuel. The Sentra features the largest fuel tank in the segment and has a total capacity of 14.5 gallons. It manages a total range of 391.5 miles in the city and 493 miles on the highway. The performance spec variants of the Sentra manage lower economical figures, which is something you would expect from a car that delivers higher power figures.

In comparison, the Hyundai Elantra leads the segment in terms of fuel efficiency, managing 32 miles per gallon of fuel in combined scenarios. Though diminutively behind, the Corolla and Forte have the least economical figures in the segment, managing a combined mileage of 29 MPG. In the segment, all three competitors have smaller fuel tanks than the Nissan Sentra.

The cabin of the Nissan feels adequately spacious despite the overall dimensions of the car. The Sentra’s cabin is thoughtfully curated and has a luxurious aura to it. The cloth upholstery feels price adequate, while the leather-wrapped steering wheel on higher trims adds to the plushness. The ride quality of the Sentra remains decent throughout but the seats may not be as per the liking of the traditional buyer. While there is enough space, the seats feel dissuading. The SE-R variants have a rather sportier cabin build. The optional leather seats with the SE-R badging add to the sportiness of the car, however, its engine is noisy.

Nissan Sentra can seat 5 passengers, which is also the segment standard. The Sentra has a total head-, shoulder and legroom of 40.6/56.9/34.5 and 37.3/55.1/34.5 inches for the front and rear passengers, respectively. In terms of cargo capacity, the Nissan Sentra has a total volume of 13.1 cubic feet, which can be enhanced by folding the rear seats of the sedan.

In comparison, all cars in the segment have almost similar amounts of space available for passengers. However, in terms of cargo capacity, the Hyundai and Kia remain streets ahead of their competitors, having a total capacity of 14.8 and 14.7 cubic feet, while the Toyota Corolla ranks last in the comparison with a capacity of 12.3 cubic feet. Some salient interior features of the Nissan Sentra include:

• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Interior accent lighting
• Heated mirrors
• Interior air filtration
• Tilt-adjustable steering wheel

How intuitive is the 2011 Nissan Sentra S infotainment system?

When the infotainment system of the Nissan Sentra is to be considered, there are little or no complaints one could make. Even from its base trim, the Sentra feels adequately equipped. Standard features on the base Nissan include AM/FM stereo, CD Player, and Auxiliary audio input. As one moves higher up the trims, Bluetooth connectivity becomes a standard feature, while top-rack trims get a premium sound system. Some other infotainment features include:

• 160-Watt Audio output
• Mast Antenna
• Premium sound system
• Radio data system
• AM/FM stereo

The exterior styling of the Nissan Sentra is polarizing, to say the least. While you may admire the subtleness in the design, its elements do feel outmoded in a segment that has moved to strappy and muscular styling. The Nissan Sentra is a small car, even in its looks. While the headlights seem fine-drawn and refined, there is a lot that goes on in the tail light, which makes it look a bit complicated. The grille that sits up front and the 17-inch alloy wheels work well in tandem with the overall design and increase the visual appeal of the sedan.

The Sentra is the heaviest car in the segment at 2,983 lbs. It is also the longest, widest and tallest car in the segment measuring 180.1, 70.5, and 59.5 inches, respectively. Despite its overall length, the Nissan Sentra’s wheelbase is 105.7 inches long. Its ground clearance at 5.7 inches feels adequate for a car of its segment.

While overall dimensions vary minimally, the Hyundai Elantra has the longest wheelbase in the segment at 106.3 inches. The Toyota Corolla has the best-in-class ground clearance of 5.8 inches. In terms of curb weight, the Toyota Corolla weighs the most at 2,800 lbs, followed by the Kia Forte and Hyundai Elantra, which weigh 2,791 and 2,701 lbs, respectively. Some standout exterior features of the Nissan Sentra include:

• Splash guards
• Rear Spoiler
• Moonroof Package
• Special Edition Package
• All season tires

Perhaps, one aspect where the Nissan Sentra does not perform as expected is safety. While its 4-star rating in the NHTSA crash tests is the lowest in the segment, the Sentra does host a number of safety specifications even with the base variant that makes the car reliable. The Sentra makes use of 4-wheel disc brakes that work decently when coming to a halt. Standard safety features include emergency trunk release, electronic stability control, and traction control. Other salient features include:

• Tire-pressure monitoring system
• Child seat anchors
• Engine immobilizer
• Daytime running lights
• Electronic brakeforce distribution

The 2016 Sentra feels evolutionary. Over the course of years, Nissan has adapted the Sentra to meet the buyers' needs. It still remains its fuel-efficient self, with an engine that delivers as expected. However, with the base variant, the ride feels rather unimpressive, and the handling does feel underwhelming. Its design feels old school when compared with competitors, and its safety is also low in comparison. If you’re planning on buying a sedan in the segment, we recommend looking out for other cars on offer.