Used 2011 Nissan Sentra Consumer Reviews
Used Sentra for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
After one year with our 2011 SR
bridgecross, 10/14/2011
2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SR 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
27 of 27 people found this review helpful
After 20 years owning various Hondas, we test drove nearly everything in this class/price range, and nothing even came close. This has a smoother ride than the Civic, better handling (by far!) than the Corolla, and is roomier than all others. So roomy, in fact, that the EPA classifies it as a mid-size sedan. With the larger tires on the SR model it feels as though you're driving a much bigger vehicle, and I've noticed that I'm sitting ABOVE Altima drivers! The styling is not as frumpy as some reviewers say, it seems to look different from various angles. From the front it's positively sleek. Next to it, the new Toyotas and Hondas look dull. We have no regrets.
Great car at a great price
laurie16, 03/30/2011
2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SR 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
15 of 15 people found this review helpful
We recently purchased a 2011 Nissan Sentra SR and we are very pleased with the car. It is fun to drive, has all the safety features we wanted, and our son's booster seat fits securely in the back seat. This car is by far the best we've ever owned.
2011 Nissan Sentra for sale near you
Showing 3 of 47 listings
- 2.0 S SedanMSRP: $5,988373 mi away
- 2.0 SR SedanMSRP: $6,288373 mi away
- 2.0 SR SedanMSRP: $4,97574 mi away
See all 47 listings
Very pleased
sgilbert, 06/19/2011
2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
24 of 25 people found this review helpful
Have about 2200 miles on it. Have been very impressed with thoughtful design (large trunk, ample rear seat room, large glove box). Seats are comfortable. I really like the tight, solid body, with no squeaks or rattles. Excellent gas mileage (38-39 mpg on highway at 65-70 mph). No wind noise, and quiet on the highway. Excellent build quality - doors have a quality "thunk" on closing. Nice dash lighting. I enjoy the trip computer, but wish it had a compass. The CVT transmission takes some getting used to, but it's OK. Ride is firm (reviewers say "harsh" over bumps, but I don't find it objectionable. All in all, a quality product I'd recommend.
Great Buy
James , 11/14/2010
2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SR 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
23 of 24 people found this review helpful
Very happy so far - have had 3 days and put 200 miles on it. Roomiest and most comfortable car in its class and I am 6'5". Great build quality and features. I love the CVT, though I am still adjusting to. I just filled it up and the the car said 33.8 MPG in combined driving - I calculated 39.8!! I got a great deal, but it did take some back and forth. Also looked at Mazda 3 - no pep/road noise, Ford Focus and Fusion - cheap looking interiors and the Versa. Versa very roomy, but definitely not in the same class.
Reliable compact car for 11 years ownership
chang, 03/25/2016
updated 09/28/2022
2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
16 of 17 people found this review helpful
Updated 9/28/2022 has owned 11 years already with 97K, totally satisfied , only unexpected defective is engine light on last year for oxygen sensor failed.( $380 to replace) Other than this, only front break pads, front struct replaced due to I accidently ran over side walk. I replaced transmission oil around 70K, Coolant around 80K, I didn't change break oil every 15K like manual but it's totally fine within 2 times replaced for past 11 years. Updated 9/25/2020 Due to pandemic, only drove 2 K for the 6 months, all good, changed coolant at 82K maintence, Updated 3/26/2020 80 k now ,Changed front structs at 75 k due to leak, not sure if it’s caused by me (missed side walk step while drove out from driveway). Other than this repair, everything is fine , transmission oil has been changed at 70 k. Updated 9/27/2017 It's still good /reliable with only regular oil change / cabin oil filter change In past 6 months, it performed well in LA traffic and highway drive. I had experience to try new version of Nissan Sentra ( 2016) which is less power/ also worse handling than my 2011 Sentra It's still solid European car handling feel with Japanese car reliability , it's sad newer version Sentra has lost all characters The battery was going down again when it approach 58K and Nissan dealer replaced it with my $48 out of pocket ( it was first replaced while above 36 months with warranty ) ; I am glad i get another 5 yrs battery warranty now The only complain is that manual recommend to change break oil every 15K which I don't get it I only changed it while it had 30K , everything is well now and no any dealer asked me to do so....Why Nissan wants you to change brake oil that often ??? So 2011 Sentra is really a nice car even its conservative looking ...... updated 3/26/2017 Everything went well , changed new tires right passed 51 k Other than that, the car is reliable, powerful and easy to maintain Just do the maintenance , I owned the 2011 Sentra S since 2011, it has never experienced any big issues . Had bad battery right before warranty expired during regular oil change in Nissan service dealer . They were nice to find the issue with free replacement and new battery warranty on it. I love the European suspection but Japanese car reliability . There was a issue with break noise right before 30K then I did break oil change at Sears . After that , the noise gone ( manual suggests do brake oil change every 30K ) ; I am giving the car to my daughter now for her college life.We will keep it as long as we can.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Comfortable, reliable, low cost of ownership!
M F, 09/18/2017
2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
If you want a spacious, economical, dependable car with very good power for fuel efficiency and overall cost, this car is great!
- Safety
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2011 Sentra SR CVT 50K miles
rook119, 07/20/2014
2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SR 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
My gf and I bought this car for her. She had originally bought a 2011 Corolla (mother of god that was an awful hateful machine) but someone totalled it (thankfully). So instead we got this. It was inexpensive (17.5K loaded) and didn't look as appliance-y as say a civic or corolla. Its nothing great but it does it job, its relatively reliable, has a good resale value, looks pretty good and has an insane amount of space. Just don't be fooled by those 27/34mpg numbers because you are getting far less. Verdict: The car does its job. I'd say because of the high resale value you are better off just buying a new Sentra if you find yourself wanting one though.
Love the 6 speed stick
peachydad, 08/27/2011
2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Just bought base 6 speed Sentra. Got great deal, paid about $16,000. comfortable, quiet, solid, good ride quality. Drove both CVT and stick, didn't like the disconnected feel of CVT, have always preferred manuals. Just wish the manual came with more of the upscale goodies on the higher end Sentras. Have to separately buy a key fob online. Surprising amount of interior room for size of the car. Trust Nissan to build quality cars, owned Titan bought in first year of production and never let me down until it was totaled by distracted driver texting, truck saved my family's life.
I love my Sentra SL!
jhdubb, 10/15/2011
2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
13 of 15 people found this review helpful
I have read numerous reviews from the experts about this car and there are not a lot of positive reviews about the Sentra. Many of the experts have commented on the bland exterior design and I do not agree. I think the SL with the spoiler; alloy rims; mud guards and tinted windows make this baby pop. I realize that we all have different opinions but don't let the reviews from the experts divert you from the Sentra. It's a great looking car. My family loves it. Our other car is a VW GTI. Even my 16 year old son loves this car. I get compliments on it all the time. I drove the corolla; the hyundai elantra; the civic; and the focus and the sentra is a better looking car!
overall a great value for a decent commuter car
onehappydogstl, 03/30/2011
2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SL 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
My dealer sells both Honda and Nissan, so cross-shopping and test drives were easy to execute. I feel many professional car reviewers do not give this car the credit it deserves. Personally, the Civic ride is too firm, the roof line makes getting in and out without ducking impossible, and the engine and tranny are no quieter under throttle. I do agree the Sentra is not cutting edge in either interior or exterior design, but it is still attractive. I suspect younger people will only appreciate the SE-R versions.
Issues with the shocks/struts, mass airflow
Ric M, 01/17/2018
2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Nissan has terrible design when it comes to the mass airflow of the engine. Diagnostics will point to the mass airflow sensor and fuel sensor when it may be the plastic boot that is cracking and having issues after 5 years. They will call it "normal wear and tear" and they even have a CBS out to the maintenance operations to replace this. However, due to an inspection calling these out and taking to O'Reilly Auto Parts, we bought a two sensors for $400 and it didn't fix the issue. Nice. Now I am having to have the dealership replace the boot, charging us for a rental car while the do the work and more. And, I also had issues when a fuse melted in the driver side interior fuse panel and we can't use the charger port in the car and we have issues with the CD area and controls for the AC/Heat running hot. I NEVER had this issue for my 2002 Altima or with my Honda CRV or Toyota Corolla. I question buying used cars from the dealership in Richardson, TX.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Nissan Sentra 2.0S
versa_2013, 11/10/2013
2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Purchased a 2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0S with only 1500 miles on it. In three weeks I'm now at 2860 miles and have a good idea what to expect from this car. The ride is VERY smooth. The Sentra's 2.0L engine/CVT combination delivers more than enough power for everyday driving. The cabin is spacious upfront but tight in the back, and well isolated from engine/road noise. Steering is on the stiff side at low speeds. Brake pedal is very responsive. Barely any body roll in any situation. The CVT is surprisingly responsive and smooth, but is very sensitive to throttle. I've been averaging 32.5 mpg overall in Winter driving conditions (Northern Canada.)
"Blackie"
Fred Gough, 11/23/2015
2011 Nissan Sentra SE-R 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
This 2011 Jet Black Nissan Sentra SR sedan is just short of a new vehicle. "Blackie", has 68,000 miles on it and is very dependable. "Blackie" gets 28 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the hwy. We have kept a very regular maintenance on this vehicle. We bought "Blackie" brand new, it had only 18 miles on the odometer in 2011.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Nissan Sentra 2.0
cobalt_08, 04/29/2014
2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
6 of 9 people found this review helpful
With ever increasing gas prices, my old Cobalt (29 mpg highway) was getting expensive at the pump. After browsing a bit, I found a base-model 2011 Sentra w/ CVT at my Nissan dealership. Completely void of anything except the basic necessities, an affordable price with very low mileage, I bought it after a test-drive. Like all of you, I have places to go, people to see, and with a 34 mpg highway rating, I would save a bit on gas. *Sigh* The one place I wanted to avoid is now my most popular destination: The Pump. No matter what I do, this car can't get above 27mpg on the highway. I've tried all manners of tests to improve gas mileage, to no avail.
Liked it better than the Corolla
drivedrove, 01/16/2012
2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
13 of 23 people found this review helpful
I recently drove a Sentra and a Corolla back to back, for a week each, and I prefer the Sentra. You ride up higher in the Sentra, and the cabin feels roomier. The CVT has plenty of power to get up to speed and pass on the highway and feels smooth and responsive. The cabin is quiet going around town, but fairly noisy on the highway, and opening the trunk seems awkward. Overall, though, I was impressed.
Sentra's overall wins
Cheri, 03/23/2016
2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The car has clean lines and has smooth excelleration , very quiet ride and is comfortable as well. Love the great gas mileage!!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Timing chains related issues
Ali, 12/09/2017
2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
5 of 8 people found this review helpful
Nissan non cooperative company. Only have 106k miles oil pump not working they use the tool special design by Nissan. I go dealer they dont sell to me. I fix myself. They dont sell socket to me . They sell used Nissan car. There are more people on you tube having same issues.any used car could be batter than Nissan.inever 👂 heard nobody sell those special socket now only for socket i can't do more work.
Love my 2011 Sentra SR
Name Taken, 11/05/2010
2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SR 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
6 of 10 people found this review helpful
I traded in my 2009 Versa for the 2011 Sentra SR and I am so happy I did. The car is so much fun to drive. Lots more power than the Versa and handles way better too.
Not good as expected
stevenzhuli, 05/22/2011
2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
11 of 20 people found this review helpful
Like CVT acceleration, smooth. but not as expected as a new car feeling. especially low speed, don feel smooth move. Dealer said ABS is working. But I should not feel that thing is working.
Very slow CVT transmission until warmup
barry hillman, 06/11/2017
updated 12/22/2017
2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
In very cold weather, the CVT transmission makes the car go very slow until warm-up. It is very annoying. After warm-up, the car runs fine. I paid about $18000 for the car. It was about $2000 more than usual because of Japan's problem with nuclear power plant. It still was a good deal.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Bad Sentra 2011 2.0 SR type
borinken, 11/11/2010
2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SR 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
3 of 6 people found this review helpful
I bought a Nissan Sentra On October 31, 2010. As I am driving the vehicle in less than 20 miles p/hr I could hear a jurking sound from the engine compartment. I took it to the dealership, 5 times in less than a week, nobody could detect anything. I had no choice to downgrade a brand new Nissan Sentra 2011 to a 2010 Model. The funny part is that Nissan states in the Owners Manual that same situation. Apparently, its a ABS system doing a "self check". Funny how they sell vehicles that are not fully secure, yet the dealership did not want to cancel the contract. I will never buy a Nissan again.
Good Car and Dealer
Anonymous, 12/07/2010
2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Happy with car. A relative has a 2008, which sold my wife on this vs Corolla. Roomy. Good MPG. CVT is unusual, but likable when you get use to it.
Great Value
J.Robbin Hajek, 04/30/2017
updated 10/30/2017
2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
After our last two Toyota experiences,which were uncharacteristically poor,we decided to try the Nissan brand.So far both our Sentra and our Frontier 4x4 have given good solid ,problem free service.This Sentra is a good handling automobile,that offers great visibility,is quieter than our Corolla,has logical instruments,comfortable seating(at least for us)and decent acceleration.Not quite as economical on fuel,but is ok.Have not had any problems so far,and that what counts.The same can be said of our Frontier,no trouble.Made the switch to Nissan,and so far very pleased overall with the value and performance.During a very hot 2017 summer ,the air conditioning quit.No problem thanks to a great service contract,problem fixed quickly.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Excellent value, good styling and perfromance
Rob, 01/25/2023
2011 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought a 2011 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V with 118,000 miles, great little car, plently of room for four passengers or five if necessary. Good power, easy clutch. I like the styling and performance from this little pocket rocket! Well equipped with navigation, sunroof, helical limited slip, alloy wheels, Fosgate sound system, 6 speed manual transmission, 200 hp, pretty quick! Excellent value!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Underrated Sentra
The Red Moon by JG, 03/15/2024
2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Was not looking for this make nor model. Purchased the 2011 Nissan Sentra in 2020 with just over 80,000 miles. $6000. The dealer encouraged me to take this one instead of a different make for a little more. But the stereo convinced me 🤭. Great sound and display. But seriously, awesome handling, roomie and excellent gas mileage. Getting it's 1st tune up now! And! The vehicle seems to fix itself when the engine light appears . (Diagnostics saying unbalanced air & gas mixture). So satisfied with this basic Nissan Sentra.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
No shop manual
Haveaniceday, 10/18/2017
2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
If you want to work on this car, the overpriced (over $200) and almost useless DVD is no good. When I bought cars in the past, I could get a great shop manual for much less money from the manufacturer. Also, in very cold weather, the CVT transmission will go very slow until the car warms up. Other than those things, I think the car is a very good value. I think the interior is very comfortable. The mpg is very good at 33. Unfortunately, I had to pay $2000 extra ($18000 total) because Japan was having a problem with the big storm.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Unsatisfied X customer
Ed Mix, 06/24/2019
2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 SR 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I've purchased 3 new Nissan and this Sentra's Engine blew up at 66,000 miles on it. It was no fault of mine. The part that's attached to the crankshaft, that controls the spark to the engine, failed to work. The head mechanic at the Ken Pollok Nissan dealer in Wilkes-Barre, said to me that he's never seen one go. In fact the dealer gave me a loaner car to diagnose the problem. Which took them 6 WEEKS to do so. They even had some techs there from the Nissan Corp to help. So in the end Nissan would NOT help at all. They said because it was 6,000 miles out of warranty. I even had all oil change records, which was done every 3,000 miles, to prove I wasn't neglectful in the maintenance of the vehicle. I had to spend $2,000 on a used Engine , which also has problems. Plus one week later ,the dealership had the audacity to call me to say, that if I purchased a new vehicle from them they would reimburse $500 of the $2,000 I paid. Unreal and this the way they treat a loyal customer who has purchased 3 NEW vehicle from them? VERY SAD company
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
Worst first car
V, 09/20/2022
2011 Nissan Sentra SE-R 4dr Sedan (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I wanted to love this car so bad, but it’s the worst car ever, I bought it used and it’s almost cursed, the jerking issue is to a whole other level, within a year it’s undrivable, it was supposed to be the air mass sensor but after replacing the car still jerked and jerked, it’s probably the transmission but whatever stay away from this car
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Solid, economical Nissan Sentra
Tom Mott, 12/26/2016
2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I found this a thoroughly dependable and economical car for commuting and around town. On state highways in U.P. Michigan I registered over 42 mpg for a tankful, but for interstate highway speeds I could count on 39 mileage. The light weight of CVT, paired with computer control, allows a careful driver to really stretch a drop of gas. It has plenty of power to merge into any traffic, and is super easy to park and maneuver. I'm going to get a 2015 just like it.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Expensive repairs!!!!
Anonymous, 12/31/2016
2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had to repair the computer for the transmission at 90,000 miles. Well guess what my warranty was only good for like 80,000 miles. I had to pay 2,500 dollars to fix the computer for the transmission. Then my car started having issues with the gas pump at 91,000 miles. For some reason the sensor for the gas pump clicks at 3/4 tank instead of when the gas tank is full. I have been trying to manually fill it up past 3/4 tank and my car has been making a squealing sound. Well I gotta go get that fixed now too. This car shouldn't have the amount of problems it has had at 90k miles. I
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Good Car
Umber, 12/01/2021
2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Really comfortable and reliable car
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Anti-thief symbol causes rear wheels to lock
Sherrie Lodge, 04/23/2022
2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Anti-thief symbol causes rear wheels to lock, but this car starts up immediately. Before that startup was hesitate, then this happened. I don't know if it's the key that worn of what.
Nissan 2011 sentra
dennis williams, 06/15/2019
2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
work just fine miles may be little high, it need a little repair, everything else runs good
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value