2012 Nissan Sentra Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$16,430 to $20,990

Original MSRP

--

expert review

4.4

avg user rating

(21 reviews)
2012 Nissan Sentra Preview summaryImage

Now running six years on the same design, Nissan's Sentra is among the oldest entries in the compact sedan segment. With only an option package adjustment this year, there’s not a lot to woo consumers away from competitive offerings, despite the Sentra’s blend of practical performance. Today, six years is just five years too long.

The Sentra offers six trims - 2.0, 2.0 S, 2.0 SR, 2.0 SL, SE-R, and sporty SE-R Spec V. For 2012, the 2.0 S trims now have the option of a Technology package that adds a navigation system with traffic, satellite radio and a USB port, but requires the Convenience package, which contains a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, keyless access and start and Bluetooth. While nice additions, they’re not enough to keep the Sentra fresh and competitive, especially when the class is filled with entrants like the Focus, Golf, Mazda3 and Cruze. They all offer better handling, more power, more efficiency and newer designs.

2.0 trims are predictably powered by a 2.0-liter engine producing 140 horsepower, with the base 2.0 trim getting a 6-speed manual or CVT. The remaining trims get no such choice, with the CVT as the sole transmission, excepting the top-tier SE-R Spec V, which gets a 6-speed manual as well. SE-R and SE-R Spec V trims get a displacement bump by way of a 2.5-liter engine with 177 horses in the former and 200 even in the latter.

In the aftermath of the last redesign, the Sentra impressed with its list of standard features. While the years have made that list less impressive, it still comes well-equipped even in base trim. Traction and stability control, antilock brakes and daytime running lights are all standard along with six airbags, and the interior offers air conditioning, a tilt steering wheel, bucket seats and a respectable power package. 2.0 S and SR trims add a power steering wheel and mirrors, alloy wheels, cruise control, iPod interface and remote keyless entry, while the SL gets the aforementioned Technology package as standard equipment.

With the performance-oriented SE-R trims, you’ll enjoy 4-wheel antilock discs, a sport suspension and 17-inch alloys, with the SE-R Spec V adding an even more aggressive suspension and summer tires instead of the standard SE-R’s all-seasons. With the stiffer suspensions, the Sentra wanders too far into jarring abruptness rather than nimble confidence. This makes the SE-R the best option of the bunch, with its stronger engine and the best suspension in the lineup. The Spec V is simply too stiff without an equal increase in actual performance.

Sadly, that seems to be the story overall for the Sentra – the negatives simply outweigh the positives. More specifically, the positives of the competition far outweigh those of the Sentra. It just can’t compete. Even worse, there are no scheduled redesigns for this aging entrant anytime soon, especially after a mild warming over in 2010. For now, it’s best to simply pass this one over.

CarGurus Editorial Team
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
While we highlight specific author bylines where possible, sometimes our content results from the combined efforts of several members of the CarGurus editorial team. As with all our editorial content, you can expect high levels of automotive insight and expertise delivered in a style that is approachable and free from jargon.

User reviews for 2012 Nissan Sentra

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User rating:
by Shelly G
Jul 21, 2024
Its a good car, running well and in great condition. I compared it with older Honda Civics and Honda Accords and the value came out the highest for the mileage and Carfax history.Jul 21, 2024
by Anonymous
Mar 30, 2024
Great running car good on gas and l would compare it to a ToyotaMar 30, 2024
by Dorie O
Feb 28, 2024
It was great but to finance it it would cost triple what its worthFeb 28, 2024

2012 Nissan Sentra Pricing

Original MSRP
$16,430 to $20,990
Price range
$5,393 to $5,822
Average price on CG
$5,478
YoY price change
$5,822 to $5,478

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4 · 160 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brake width: 0.94 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: passenger

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 4

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.93

Engine

Alternator: 100 amps · Battery: 650 CCA

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: manual

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 23 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · XM-ready satellite radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 160 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brake width: 0.94 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Multi-function remote: Intelligent Key · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: accessory hook · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.93

Engine

Alternator: 100 amps · Battery: 650 CCA

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 23 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 7

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · XM-ready satellite radio · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 160 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brake width: 0.94 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Multi-function remote: Intelligent Key · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 3.93

Engine

Alternator: 100 amps · Battery: 650 CCA

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color with chrome accents · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 23 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Rockford Fosgate premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 160 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.0 · Front brake width: 0.94 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 9.0 · Rear brakes: drum

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 5.40

Engine

Alternator: 100 amps · Battery: 650 CCA

Exterior Features

Body side moldings: body-color with chrome accents · Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 4.3 in.

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 23 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 8

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Rockford Fosgate premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 160 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.7 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.5 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 5.40

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 4.3 in.

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: tilt

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: premium cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 23 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Rockford Fosgate premium brand speakers · AM/FM radio · XM satellite radio · 2 subwoofers · Total Number of Speakers: 6 · 340 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 12.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.5 · Rear brakes: disc

Comfort Features

Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: cargo area carpet · Floor Mats: front and rear · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Ambient lighting: color-adjustable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Footwell lights: color-adjustable · Multi-function remote: hands-free multi-function remote with keyless ignition · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

Axle ratio: 4.4 · Limited slip differential: front

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: black

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 4.3 in.

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: bench

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: flat · Upholstery: premium cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 16.4 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.90

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 25 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: semi-independent · Rear Suspension Type: torsion bar

Telematics

Navigation system: touch screen display

Tires

Type: summer performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 10

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

See all trims (6)