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Used 2008 Nissan Sentra Consumer Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
179 reviews

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3.13 out of 5 stars

Not a Japanese car

Chris, 03/31/2008
2008 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

The fit and finish is awful. The hood and trunk are off center.The trunk so much it almost touches the rear 1/4 panel on one side and has a 1/4 inch gap on the other. The plastic dash is not smooth and the edges stick up. The cheap labor shows here. The eyeglass holder is so hard to open you wind up pulling it from the dash. I dont even use it anymore. Bumps can be teeth jarring. Gas mileage is less than stellar. At this pricepoint there are much better choices. Shop around. This car will be going back at lease end and I will be back at Ford. Also no power seats rather an antiquated crank to raise seat height

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Smooth as water

Cali driver, 04/01/2008
2008 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car has surpassed all expectations. After trying honda civic, toyola corolla/camry, scion, matrix, mazda3, this car had everything in it that were options for the rest. Moonroof, CVT, ABS, leather seats, Bluetooth, XM satellite, fog lights, hidden trunk compartment,alarm, and the best~ Intelligent Key entry. As long as the remote is on you, you don't have to dig around for it to open the door or start your car. The ride is so smooth, like a boat on water. I don't want to stop driving. My boyfriend is 5'11" and loved driving it. Especially the CVT. There is ample room and my friends are impressed with the drive.

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5 out of 5 stars

Best Car I Ever Had

edee, 04/02/2008
2008 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I really liked the altima, but when I saw the sentra, it was on! I didn't like the plain one, I picked out the 2.0sl with peanut butter color leather seats, sunroof etc. The ride is quiet and smooth, sound system is great. I think I made a good choice, the only thing I wish they would add is more horse power for more speed. Thank you for making a great car.

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5 out of 5 stars

Love the Sentra

Schabotnik, 04/09/2008
2008 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

For those in the market for a small car, I can't imagine how you can do better than the Sentra. I went from a gas guzzling, junk heap Wrangler, and haven't regretted a second. Its fun to drive, handles great, quiet, smooth, great MPG. Honestly, I don't know what some of these reviewers are thinking. This thing is awesome in all regards.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great car and good price!

Ray, 04/13/2008
2008 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Originally I was interested in the Versa until I realized I could have the Sentra for a little more. I found the Sentra very roomy and lots of nice little extras such as a trip computer that will display, time, outside temp, and average fuel economy amongst other things. The Sentra is peppy with very good mpg and handles well. The styling is modern and the ride very quiet compared to our Sonata.

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5 out of 5 stars

Surprised

Steph, 04/17/2008
2008 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I don't really care for small cars. I once had a 1994 Sentra and it was too small. I had my heart set on a 2008 Max, but with the gas as high as it is, I'm glad I got the Sentra. I am very impressed with this car, the speed, the interior, the exterior. The style is awesome, looks like a mini Max, if the Sentra still had the body style that they had before 2007, I would not have purchased it. The 2008 Sentra has much more room, and the accessories are the best. There are only 2 things I don't like about this car and that is the tight steering and as with any small car, the wind blows it around. I would recommend this car to anyone, plus I'm a Nissan woman.

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5 out of 5 stars

Sentra a big small car

Ron, 04/18/2008
2008 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Interior room up front is very comfortable and has lots of room. Instruments are nicely laid out and easy to reach. Easy to drive and the CVT is very smooth. Plenty of trunk space. Nicely laid out automobile.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Awesome Good Time

pillpounder, 04/19/2008
2008 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I bought my Spec V almost a year ago. I got it in the super black color. It matches well with the black and red interior. I owned a Sentra Spec V 2004 model, which I adored. I love my new car even more. I will be a Spec V fan for life!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Great Value, but keep the dealer honest!

cpa6, 11/12/2011
2008 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I love my Sentra! BUT there were a couple of problems. The rear axle was bent upon purchase causing fishtailing in winter. Found it when I had the alignment ckd. Dealer tried to get out of it, but ended up getting it fixed for free. 90k miles on it so far. Do all my own work. Synthetic oil every 10k miles, CVT fluid myself at 50k, removed the cabin air filter. Grossly overpriced and worthless. Great value and looking forward to another 100k miles! Brakes have lasted far longer than I anticipated.

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5 out of 5 stars

If you're thinking of buying one, do it

Danny, 04/23/2008
2008 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I went to the dealership not expecting to like the Sentra. Coming from a Buick Century, I thought, "oh, a small, Japanese 4-cyl, well, at least it has a warranty." Then I took it for a test drive. The engine / transmission combination on even the 2.0 S model blows my old car away, and blows away my friends' Civics, Yarises, and even older V6-equipped cars. The interior leaves very little to be desired. Fuel economy is ridiculous compared to what I'm used to (avg. 30, city and highway), and I bought it without even trying the amazing stock stereo system. This drives like a much more expensive car, and swaddles you with geek-chic tech to make sure you don't forget it.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great Car For A Great Price

KID TOKYO BRAND, 05/02/2008
2008 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Right off the bat I noticed that The motor is very quiet and has great acceleration. The power you get with 33 MPG you can't really go wrong. The steering and handling has great response. All the controllers, knobs, switches, and whistles are very easy to use, they are easy to get to, and are easy to remember where they are located. Everything is great about this vehicle, even down to how solid the doors close.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

surprise

memphis dude, 04/27/2008
2008 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Although maybe not though of as a true performance car this nissan spev v has surprised me at every turn of the key. The suspension is taut and firm but never complains.. shove it into a corner and it performs. The lowered stance and stylin wheels give the car an edgy but not too over the top look while the details once you notice them are very satisfying. I love that it has plenty of power on tap and that it has plenty of room inside for my big frame. The instruments are big and easy to read and electronics are easy to use. Premium fuel is high nowadays but so is filling up a larger car with regular. I think the interior of this car is superior to larger more expensive cars.

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5 out of 5 stars

Very Happy With My Selection

Unwind2, 04/28/2008
2008 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Bought the Sentra after looking at Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Toyota Carrola and Chevrolet Malibu. I'm in my 50's so have owned several different makes, had a Nisson years ago that I kicked myself in the but for trading off. I've been very happy with this Sentra. Some many things I like. Quiet ride, inteligent key...is real nice got spoiled to that in a hurry. I got the xm with fosgate stereo....awsome stereo.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

Great Deal

Cory, 04/29/2008
2008 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Driving Impressions: CVT is something we'll have to get used to, steering/suspension are a little tight, very good gas mileage, accel. is very good considering it's a 4-cyclinder. Interior is decent, trunk space kinds folled me, didn't realize there was a hidden compartment at first. Vehicle was purchased for my wife, she likes it, even though she preferred the Scion.

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2.63 out of 5 stars

Already in for service

Dissapointed, 05/01/2008
2008 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

On it's way in for service after a month. Bolts(3 so far) keep falling off from somewhere and sticking to the speaker magnets. The back tailight assembly is coming loose. And there is a banging coming from the front end. The gas gauge keeps jumping all over never know exactly how much gas is in the car. Gas mileage is way below my daughters 09 corolla. Contrary to what others say this is not a japaneese car read the windows. Looking to dump this garbage heap.

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5 out of 5 stars

Great College Car for My Son

mike, 05/06/2008
2008 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

For the price this car can not be beat. Especially considering the favorable financing. THe first car my son looked at and after looking at several other we came back to buy. Safety features were a big selling point to his mother.

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5 out of 5 stars

Sentra lover

C.Kushner, 05/06/2008
2008 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I went shopping for an economical car for a reasonable price, and found it and more. With all the equipment and luxury car features the car has, it can't be beat. The ride is smooth and quiet and roomy. The CVT makes it very responsive.

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5 out of 5 stars

Loving the Sentra- All over again!

Jenn, 05/22/2008
2008 Nissan Sentra 2.0 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We really wanted to get the Yaris (sedan) but they were on back order. After test driving the 08'Yaris (hatchback)& 09'Corolla. We weren't impressed at all. So, we headed to Nissan. We test drove the Versa (sedan) and I have to say that even that car drove better than the Toyota's. Then we drove the Sentra. WOW! It is quite and we were very impressed, that we purchased it on the spot. And we had no intentions of buying a car that day. Its a fun and awesome car. Infact, the back seat is roomier than my hubby's 03'Galant. It fits 2 adults & 2 kids comfortably. This is just a 3rd car for us, but I have a hard time giving it up so my hubby can have his turn. The CVT is awesome too!

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5 out of 5 stars

Slightly Impressed

Ally, 05/21/2008
2008 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Went around looking at every car in the mid size range that you can think of, I tried so hard to avoid the Sentra. Look at everything Corolla, Jetta, Hyundai Accent etc but they just seemed dull. Then my parents talked me into it taking a look at Nissan. I couldn't believe i had avoided it for so long. I had to opt for the S because let's just face it, the base was bland. So far getting great mileage, if you are considering the Sentra go for the S and add the convenience plus package for a few dollars more. You wont regret it

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4.13 out of 5 stars

'S OK

tarheel, 05/29/2008
2008 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I got the SL fully loaded and for the most part the car is great. The build quality seems to be pretty decent, although the sunglasses holder is definitely flimsy. I like the sound system, sunroof, Intelligent key, and trip computer. On the highway, I do get about 32-33 MPG, but in the city, I get terrible mileage. I do drive probably 3 miles at a time sometimes, so that was to be expected. My only complaint was that the brake light has come on twice thus far (I'm only about 5500 miles in), both times for reasons beyond anyone's comprehension. Nissan's warranty covered everything, but it was troubling nevertheless.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Pleased with Sentra

Marshrat, 05/28/2008
2008 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I just purchased a 2008 Nissan Sentra, and am very pleased with both the comfort and the performance. The 6-speed manual transmission is very easy to shift, and the ride is very smooth with the 16" wheels. I would recommend this car to a friend.

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5 out of 5 stars

Almost 200k miles and never broke down

Leah, 05/31/2020
2008 Nissan Sentra SE-R 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Got my 2008 Nissan Sentra as a used rental car at 39k miles. 10 years later it's almost at 200k miles and it's never broken down on me. I literally have not had to have any repairs other than normal maintenance and replacing things like battery/brakes/shocks etc. It has never even had a leak. I have driven it across the country many times too and never had a problem. It's a simple little car but it's been so reliable as a daily driver and roadtripper. I can't even think of one thing I could change about this car, if you are looking for a used car to get you from point A to B without any stress this is a great choice especially for a lower mileage one, it will keep going for a long time.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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2 out of 5 stars

$$$$$$ By far worst buy I've ever made

Tapped out and mad, 09/07/2022
2008 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This car was fun in the beginning 6 speeds are more fun than 5 speeds. I spent a pretty penny on this car thinking it would be somewhat doable to maintain... Big mistake on my part. The stupid clutch itself is $2,500 minimum to replace and that was me providing the parts. Tried to save a few bucks by taking it to a friend and yeah much harder than he thought it would be. Seeing as you have to drop EVERYTHING! Took him almost 2 weeks ago for it to not even be done correctly. Not I've got to get it re replaced and other issues on top of that because I tried to save some money. Moral of the story just pay the shop the $2500+ save yourself the grief. Nothing on this car has been cheap to replace. Everything is almost double the price of the same parts for the base model Sentra. Although it is cute and all but do not buy unless you actually know how to drive a stick and know not to ride your clutch and never ever let an inexperienced/disciplined person drive your car. Fuel economy is also not so great

Safety
4 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
Reliability
4 out of 5 stars
Value
1 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

SE-R Engine/CVT/Seats=Grand Touring Car

Peter, 06/07/2008
2008 Nissan Sentra SE-R 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

The 2.5L DOHC 4 cyl with perfect balance is made in Japan and gets its maximum torque at 2800 rpm. The CVT senses the engine is very strong and sets itself with high speed gearing to save fuel with low engine rpm: 1600 rpm at 60mph and 1200rpm at 45mph for over 27 mph while brand new. Ride is taut yet bumps fully absorbed. Steering is outstanding with 34 ft turn radius and a dead-flat-level suspension. Exterior is very striking and attractive. Paddle shifters on steering wheel allow CVT to be shifted like a six-speed..a way-cool feature. Intelligent tranny will perceive your foot off the gas on a downhill and drop the gearing to provide engine braking automatically without needing brakes.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Adequate-performs satisfactory

Martin, 07/08/2008
2008 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I leased this car for two years. It beat out two other models barely. I wanted a manual transmission but this one is real stiff and start offs are hard to mix gas with clutch. My Model A Ford is smoother. Once past 1st gear it's good. The car runs smooth and has plenty of power. The interior has good quality materials. I can manage for 2 years but will buy larger and domestic next time. Gas mileage is not too good right now but is over 30. I expect this will improve. This Sentra is a good solid car.

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2 out of 5 stars

Update

Chris, 08/05/2008
2008 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

5 months and 3100 this garbage heap is going back for the third time. Now the alarm does not work properly, the passenger side door panel is pulling away from the door, and Nissan has informed us that the car is being recalled for brakes. Could explain the front end banging the service department had "no clue where it was coming from". Gas mileage is poor still. Never again. It is back to Ford at lease end.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Excellent buy

CTM, 10/05/2008
2008 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Wondering about MPG? If I keep my foot out of it I can average 30 mpg. Usual avg is 27. I get 36 mpg hwy in 6th going 55-60 mph. It can run on regular, no problems, but I use premium for more power. I installed an Injen CAI and it SIGNIFICANTLY made more power. Worth every penny and with about 3 months of use no problems. The seats are very comfortable on long trips. The trunk is huge. The glove box is huge. I outrun CooperS, GTI, VR6 no problems. The affordable price is great. Not as fast as a Speed3 but it costs $5-$6k less. Avoid the Rockford stereo. It sounds good when not moving. But roll windows down and it is easily drowned out. Tires are great dry, bad in snow.

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5 out of 5 stars

So far, love it

Pat, 03/27/2008
2008 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Looked at GTIs, civic si, minis, Astra, the usual sporty compact crowd. Drove the Sentra Spec V and it just seemed to do everything well where all the others did some stuff better, but fell short in other ways. The Sentra fit my needs - more space, great mpg, Nissan gave me moonroof, LS diff, xm radio, fun ride but not brutal, torque means any gear pulls great. Love it!

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2.5 out of 5 stars

2008 Nissan Sentra

Lee, 04/12/2008
2008 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

This car screams cheap build quality. Gas mileage is poor 25-28 mpg mostly highway. Uncomfortable driving position found this out over time (needs a telescoping wheel). Gray plastic interior shows every scratch from my fingernails. Looking to dump this car already. Looks great but looks are deceiving. The ride over small bumps knock you around like a wooden roller coaster.

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