Until this year, the Nissan Sentra did little to tickle our fancy. Compared to the model it replaced in 1995, the current Sentra has been a dud. Refined, roomy and reliable, Nissan's smallest sedan has not been the success that Nissan had hoped for because of the car's frumpy looks, which are spotlighted by a rear end that appears to be larger than the south end of a northbound Holstein.

Looks aren't everything, however, and for those who care more about substance than flash in their vehicles, the Nissan Sentra has a lot to offer. An impressive 1.6-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine that cranks out 115 horsepower and 115 foot-pounds of torque powers lower-rung Sentras. All new this year is a Sentra SE, which is equipped with the 2.0-liter DOHC 140-horsepower engine that has heretofore been restricted in application to the 200SX SE-R sport coupe. Smart customers looking for a fast set of wheels will pick this engine over the offerings from Honda and Toyota; the Civic and Corolla can't touch the Sentra SE in the fun-to-drive department.

Other pluses in the Sentra's credit column include standard air conditioning, power door locks and power windows on all but the most basic of Sentras. All models include a tilt steering wheel and rear window defogger. Additionally, the Sentra has received a good rating from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration for the driver and passenger in NHTSA's frontal crash test.

The Sentra's biggest problem is with its appearance. If you can overlook the car's ugly rump and plain-vanilla front end, you will find a willing, reliable vehicle that is surprisingly well assembled and affordable. And if your taste in driving runs toward the quick and curvy, you won't be able to find a better pocket rocket this side of the Ford Contour SE.

1998 Highlights

A new Sentra SE debuts, sporting the same 140-horespower engine and styling cues found in the 200SX SE-R coupe. Other changes include an exterior freshening that features new front and rear fascias.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 1998 Nissan Sentra.

Overall Consumer Rating

4.440 reviews

Write a review See all 40 reviews

5(50%)

4(42%)

3(5%)

2(3%)

1(0%)

Most helpful consumer reviews

Love This Car

i2ancid,10/05/2014

I bought this car when i was 16 for $600 at 223k miles i drove it pretty hard as it is my first car (floor it from stand still, top it out at 100mph on high way, take turns hard.) 4 years later, iv added 50k miles to it and it still runs great regular tune ups, tires, oil changes, and the only thing iv replaced is the starter, wrong with the car is the CV boot rips easily but i think

Wow this car is AMAZING!!

blingbling1,10/07/2013

I bought this used around 170k from a family member that took very good care of it. I have put 40k on it and its still going strong. Things that have been changed on it are the starter and alternator and regular oil changes. I trust this car to get me ANYWHERE!!! It has been in two wrecks since Ive had it, both not my fault. The last bent the trunk in and the insurance comp. wants to

Why don't they still make them like this?

Royale W. Cheese,04/26/2008

This has been a fantastic vehicle since I bought it in late 04. Bought it at 90k or so, no problems at 137k. The only issues I have had from it were the ones I discovered on leaving the used car lot: an oil leak from the main seal and some electrical issues that the previous owner tried to fix himself. Those have been the only things I have had to fix or have fixed since driving the

GREAT, RELIABLE CAR

sentrauser,10/26/2009

I am original owner of a 1998 Nissan Sentra GXE and have put 180,000 miles on it over the past 11 years (I was 21). Back seat is tight, but have used this car going back and forth to school and work (45 minutes each way every day) for a long time and have hardley had any work done to it. Recently replaced the starter and alternator and the body needs help around the tires, but I

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Features & Specs

MPG

25 city / 35 hwy

Seats 0

5-speed manual

Gas

115 hp @ 6000 rpm

MPG

25 city / 35 hwy

Seats 0

5-speed manual

Gas

115 hp @ 6000 rpm

MPG

25 city / 35 hwy

Seats 0

5-speed manual

Gas

115 hp @ 6000 rpm

MPG

20 city / 28 hwy

Seats 0

5-speed manual

Gas

140 hp @ 6400 rpm

See all Used 1998 Nissan Sentra features & specs

Safety

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver3 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver3 / 5
Passenger3 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
RolloverNot Rated
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of RolloverNot Rated

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Side Impact Test
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested
IIHS Small Overlap Front Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test
Acceptable

More about the 1998 Nissan Sentra

Used 1998 Nissan Sentra Overview

The Used 1998 Nissan Sentra is offered in the following submodels: Sentra Sedan. Available styles include 4dr Sedan, GLE 4dr Sedan, GXE 4dr Sedan, SE 4dr Sedan, and XE 4dr Sedan.

What's a good price on a Used 1998 Nissan Sentra?

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Which used 1998 Nissan Sentras are available in my area?

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Should I lease or buy a 1998 Nissan Sentra?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

Used 1998 Nissan Sentra

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