2006 Nissan Sentra Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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You wouldn't know the 2006 Sentra is Nissan's compact economy car based on its power, performance, and premium features. Though the base model is relatively bare-boned, the other trims pack in a lot of elements of convenience and comfort at an affordable price. For 2006, Nissan makes minimal changes to the Sentra, as it prepares a major overhaul for 2007.
The 2006 Sentra comes in four trims. The 1.8 and 1.8S feature a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder engine at 126-hp, available with either a standard 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic. The 1.8S is essentially a Special Edition package that adds most of the cosmetic features of the sportier SE-R trims, such as power front seats, keyless entry, a trip computer, foglights, and rear spoiler. The fun and fast SE-R uses the same engine but tuned to get 165-hp and comes only with the auto tran. The SE-R Spec V hits 175-hp with a 6-speed manual transmission and comes with sport seats and Brembo brakes. The SE-R models are standard with ABS brakes, performance shocks, front side airbags, and either 16 or 17-inch tires (to the 15-inch tires on the 1.8 models).
Drivers love the 2006 Sentra SE-R, because it is fast and quick off the line. The detuned engines are adequate, if not quite as responsive. Owners love the comfortable seats, gas mileage, and overall budget savings. Complaints point out the limited rear legroom and the inadequate cupholders that are located too close to the CD player.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2006 Nissan Sentra
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by Susan S
Nov 26, 2024
I’m really enjoying this car, it drives really smoothly. everything runs well. im very happy with it.Nov 26, 2024
by Emmanuel A
Nov 24, 2023
This is the best starter car in the world!
6 Speed Manual and limited slip differential going to the front wheels!?
With a 2.5L QR25de? Its awesome and I want one so bad rn.Nov 24, 2023
by Anonymous
Jan 23, 2015
I give this car a strong thumbs up. Good acceleration for a small car. For a small car it provides a really comfortable ride. Great power when accelerating. I didn't notice any delay doing take off. Suprisely quiet for a small car. Great mileage and smooth ride.Jan 23, 2015
User rating:
by Susan S
Nov 26, 2024
I’m really enjoying this car, it drives really smoothly. everything runs well. im very happy with it.Nov 26, 2024
by Emmanuel A
Nov 24, 2023
This is the best starter car in the world!
6 Speed Manual and limited slip differential going to the front wheels!?
With a 2.5L QR25de? Its awesome and I want one so bad rn.Nov 24, 2023
by Anonymous
Jan 23, 2015
I give this car a strong thumbs up. Good acceleration for a small car. For a small car it provides a really comfortable ride. Great power when accelerating. I didn't notice any delay doing take off. Suprisely quiet for a small car. Great mileage and smooth ride.Jan 23, 2015
by Anonymous
May 07, 2013
It's just not 'me.' I like fast & lower to ground...low maintenance...gets great gas milage & I might love it were it new when I bought it...but I have no idea of history. Decent economy car.
Problems with transmission, AC/heat, and door handle at 100k or less.May 07, 2013
by Anonymous
Apr 30, 2012
I love this peppy little cars fuel efficiency as well as the comfort in the front seat. There is plenty of room for my 6'3 husband in the front seat, but the back seat is cramped for anyone above average height. It has plenty of trunk room, and several cup holders front and back seat, so less mess. Overall, I like it!Apr 30, 2012
by James M
Mar 01, 2011
Performance - Acceleration Good, Braking Awesome, Handling Good
Build Quality - Everything that has broken has been easily fixed.
Appearance - Like a regular Sentra, with a few minor things
Cost of Ownership - Gas Milage - Kinda crappy, maintenance - nothing hateful.
Fun Factor - A blast to drive on back roads, not so fun in traffic.Mar 01, 2011
by Gil W
Dec 13, 2010
It may not accelerate well, but braking and handling is very good. Has gone
170000 miles without anything ever going wrong. It has great gas mileage and is
very fun to drive. The really big problem it has is that it is Automatic.Dec 13, 2010
by Anonymous
Apr 20, 2010
well i have had my car for a little over 6 months now and have had the funds to put a little money into it but from the factory its really not a bad car, BUT WARNING: there are 2 things you must do if you buy one of these cars, first get an aftermarket header, alot of people are having issues with the precat rusting and it being sucked into the engine, and second these cars all have 2 intake runners the second which comes on at 5100 rpm and is opened via butterfly valves you need to disassemble your intake manifold and loctite these butterfly screws down before you find one in your engine!!! but i only have about $500 in mine and it seems to run well against most other cars in the price range, ive got cai/h/e, nylatron shifter bushings, sts adapter plate, and buschur racing tranny fluid and mine runs top notchApr 20, 2010
by Charlie P
Dec 11, 2009
Great solid car for a compact. Its got enough power to get it going but not much more. It looks great, nice clean lines. Its pretty cheap to maintain, oil, belts, sensors, and the like. Its great on gas. Pretty fun to drive too.Dec 11, 2009
by Justin D
Nov 22, 2009
Over all good car. It performs well. i think one of the
best cars for its money. owned for almost 3 years i
beat it up quite a bit and it takes the beatings. never
replaced anything on it (50k miles down) Not even
break pads yet. Appearance - eh its not ugly but not a
flash car etherNov 22, 2009
by Bill B
Nov 18, 2009
this car is a reliable sporty all around fun car. it has a 2.5 litre inline four cylender engine, with a six speed transmision. this car has loads of torque. top end power is goo, tops out at 130 mph. I dont agree with this, because it will do 127 in 5th gear. govenor should be taken out. other than that, the car is fun.Nov 18, 2009
by Jared S
Oct 26, 2009
Great starter car. Too small, made in Mexico, build quality kind of poor. Required two shifts to reach 60MPH. Cool Colors, Fast for the kind of car it was. Very good stero. Safe several air bags. Cheap to buy and take care of. Civic SI would have been betterOct 26, 2009
by Jared P
Oct 13, 2009
It's very economical and easy to drive. The gas mileage is great. Don't get this car for a ton of room. Also, it sucks in the snow. Overall, it's a great car to own as a single guy and parks very well in the city.Oct 13, 2009
by Kai P
Oct 11, 2009
It accelerates fine. The 1.8L I4 has great fuel economy. The quality is solid. It is slightly on the ugly side.. but it's a great car for commuting. It is cheap to own as well. The car drives well, and can be fun. The stereo system in the special edition is nice as well.Oct 11, 2009
by Dave L
Sep 24, 2009
The Spec V overall is a great car in the sport-compact class. It's well styled inside and out, has peppy performance, and a very reasonable price tag. Gas mileage is not what you would expect from such a small car, averaging 23 miles per gallon. The build quality overall seems pretty solid, with little to no rattles/squeaks. The performance overall is good. Acceleration is brisk from 1st to 3rd gear, after that this car feels like it falls flat on it's face. Braking and handling are comparable to most any other performance based sport compact car on the market. All in all, this is a fun, quick, sporty compact four door to drive. I'd recommend this vehicle to others.Sep 24, 2009
by Justin B
Sep 22, 2009
The car was super fun to drive when it was stock, even more so now. Cost of ownership is low as long as you keep it normally aspirated. The build quality in my opinion is pretty top notch for the price of the car.Sep 22, 2009
by Ryan K
Sep 12, 2009
Performer - Fast acceleration confident braking, composed through the corners.
Build Quality - Interior is comfortable and rugged, but rattles and squeaks will make you want death.
Appearance - Love it.
Cost of Ownership - Great, so far.
Fun Factor - You will be a hoon every time you get behind the wheel.Sep 12, 2009
by Mike T
Sep 09, 2009
love the 6 speed. strong 2.5. wish its rev limiter was higher. clean as a new car. needs to be lowered, possible lip kit, good gas bout 30 mpg if i dont drive like an ass, never had a serious problem except exhaust but thats my own fault. great car to drive awesome handling.Sep 09, 2009
by Austin W
Sep 07, 2009
Performance - great mileage but terrible hp
Build Quality - has over 38k miles and no problems
Appearance - its nice for the style of the car
Cost of Ownership- got it from a dealership and was pretty low priced
Fun Factor - not exactly the best car to drive for fun..but its usefulSep 07, 2009
by Carlos P
Aug 06, 2009
The car got great gas mileage and should last a long time...i will def get this car to go 500k for sure... the downside to this vehicle it really lacks on is power... there is nothing like a turbo or V8 under the hoodAug 06, 2009
by Brandon D
Jul 04, 2009
This car was awesome all around no complaints this car did it all speed looks and just an overall since of belonging to the road. No car I have ever owned can compare to this car I will always love this car.Jul 04, 2009
by Paxer Y
May 25, 2009
Performance- nice and torquey, plenty of power stock, ive beaten a few V6 and 4 cylinders
Build Quality- good for the price, rattles a little
Appearance- looks good with a custom grille and would even be better with the nismo lip kit
Cost of Ownership- managable
Fun Factor- a blast to driveMay 25, 2009
by Tim W
May 19, 2009
It is very powerful for a 2.5L 4 Cylinder. Has a lot of torque. Brakes are great and handling is probably the best part of this car.
It gets decent gas mileage and it is very fun to drive since the Spec V is only matched with a six speed transmission.May 19, 2009
by Ryan W
Sep 12, 2008
I Recently bought and 06 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V. I havent owned it for long, but here is my knowledge on this subject.
Performance: This car has alot to offer for a decent price ( 0-60 7.2 sec. w/ 6- Speed manual) Thats what Nissan says anyway, But I tell you it feels a whole hell of alot faster than that. The reason for that is that The (2.5L I-4 engine) produces ( 175 HP and 180 Tor.) in a car that has a curb weight of (2710 lbs) which is pretty dam light. and the high quality tires help deliver all that torque and Horse Power to the ground, which in turn launches you forward.
The thing that is really amazing about this car is how it handls. This car has very ridged suspension which helps it corner like it was on rails. Also My car came with the Brimbo Break kit which drastically improves its stopping power, which I believe is very important.
Build Quality: Its a Nissan Enough said
Appearance:I think it looks very stylish, But I dont really care for the front. I wish Nissan had kept the same front from the 01-03 models their front end looks 10x more aggressive. But for the most part I love it.
Cost of Ownership: Its list price New was around 20-21K, and the maintenace is very low on this model anyway.
It gets decent Gas Mileage with about(20-21 city) and (29-32 Highway)
Fun Factor: Oh Hell yes! it has to be the most fun car I have ever driven for 20K. I mean I do own one after all :)Sep 12, 2008
by Joshua B
Jul 29, 2008
I love this car! Its the 2.5 Spec V so it has awesome power. I think it looks great for a 4 door. It can get 27 mpg or better if driven right, but if you hot rod it you're not gonna get that. The only problem was oil leaking from some seal that they messed up on for this year's model. It doesn't seem to be losing anymore oil now that its broken in though.Jul 29, 2008
by Anthony H
Jul 28, 2008
bought it with 700 miles on it!!! it is very relible and is one of the better cars i have owned. there is nothing worng with it. we bought the cars more for my wife and she loves it!! it is a fun car to drive and very good on gasJul 28, 2008
by Joshua H
Jul 28, 2008
I went from a 2002 Sentra GXE to a 2006 SE-R Spec V. All I can say is wow. 6 speed manual on a 2.5L inline 4 with 175 HP. When I first saw this car, I fell in love. It was a great test drive, and I left with this car in the end. Fun to drive and good MPG.Jul 28, 2008
by Ryan L
Jul 08, 2008
Its a work and progress. and the way i look at it is something i can work on and add perfomance parts to but it could be better im not going to lie. all i am going to say is when i am done with it, it is going to be one sick ass 1.8.Jul 08, 2008
by Anonymous
Jun 06, 2008
The car is amazing, dont THINK that there is another car out there for the price, that isnt turbo,supercharged,with/out awd, that can get this kind of performance. It has 180 lb/ft of torque,AND its NA,has a nice shifting 6-speed,break gut-tickling handling this car is great!Jun 06, 2008
by Carl C
Jun 02, 2008
this is a reliable car. The fuel consumption is lowJun 02, 2008
by Gregory D
May 28, 2008
Not a big Nissan fan but its growing on me. Went to dealership, told them what I had to spend and this is what I got. No complaints though. Gets the job done and its good on gas.May 28, 2008
by Anonymous
Apr 14, 2008
good performance.but the legroom is not that goodApr 14, 2008
by Scott G
Apr 03, 2008
I LOVE THE SIX SPEED, seats are very comfortable, handling is excellent, and it will do 120 no prob in 5th gear...1 more gear to goApr 03, 2008
by Anonymous
Dec 12, 2007
good sound sistem, desents acceleration, quite comfirtable seats, like the rims and the se-r styling. good gas milage. Dec 12, 2007
What users have asked
Ignition lock cylinder replacement
Does a new ignition lock cylinder work with original key or does it work only with a new key
48 views
My car won't start when it's cold in the morning.
Hey everyone, well I have a 2006 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V and I have had problems with it since I first got it. When it's cold in the morning, when I haven't driven the car for about 4 hours, the car won't start. You can hear the starter trying, but the car won't go. Sometimes I try so many times that the battery starts to die down (but somehow recharges later). The dealership can't figure it out and I've spent so much money on it trying to fix perks, but nothing is fixing the problem. Please help.
40880 views
What could cause my car running rough and having a cyclometer 3 misfire?
Every few months, especially if my car sat without driving it for a few days, it runs very rough shaking a lot and when I give it gas it doesn’t want to go. I replaced the crank shaft sensor twice, cam shaft sensor, spark plugs, cleaned the throttle body and other oarts involved with the throttle body, used fuel injector cleaner and everything was fine for a few months. Problems again and code came for crank shaft. Replaced it again. No problems. Still every so often car runs rough and now a misfire happened in cylinder 3z this happened a year ago but all I previously did seemed to fix that issue. Any ideas?
26 views
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2006 Nissan Sentra Pricing
Original MSRP
$13,815 to $18,915Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: drum
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: door pockets
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Rockford Fosgate · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: drum
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheels: steel
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Rockford Fosgate · AM/FM radio · 1 subwoofer
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: door pockets
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: sport bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · Premium Brand: Rockford Fosgate · AM/FM radio · 1 subwoofer
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: door pockets
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: front
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point
Seats
Front seat type: sport bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: premium cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside
Suspension
Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Tires
Type: performance
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent