1991-1994.5 Nissan Sentra: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1991-1994 Nissan Sentra and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Antilock brakes (optional)
- Fuel economy
- Acceleration (SE-R)
- Roadholding (SE-R)
- Instruments/controls
Cons
- Engine noise
- Road noise
- Wind noise
- Automatic-transmission performance
- Rear-seat room
Vehicle Highlights
The revised Sentra lineup eliminated both hatchback and wagon models--only 2-door and 4-door notchback sedans were included. They retained the front-wheel-drive configuration and featured the same subcompact dimensions. The model lineup consisted of E, XE, and GXE trim levels for the 4-door, along with E, XE, SE, and sporty SE-R model when ordering a 2-door. All but the SE-R came with the previous Sentra's 1.6-liter 4-cylinder. E models came with a 4-speed manual transmission standard or an optional 3-speed automatic. On the other trim levels, a 5-speed manual was standard, with a 4-speed automatic was the optional gearbox. The new SE-R featured a lively new 140-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. It also came with rear disc brakes in place of drums. An antilock braking system was an available option on both the SE-R and the GXE sedan.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Nissan Sentra GXE 4-door Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 40 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1991-1994 Nissan Sentra. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1991-1994 Nissan Sentra.
Year to Year Changes
1992 Nissan Sentra:
Among the minor changes for 1992 is the addition of a passenger-side vanity mirror and black bodyside moldings on 2-door models.
1993 Nissan Sentra:
Two major changes are made to the 1993 Sentras. One is a standard driver-side airbag for the deluxe GXE 4-door. (The safety feature is an available option for the remainder of the Sentra line.) The other is the elimination of low-level gearboxes for the E models. They're now provided with the same 5-speed manual and 4-speed overdrive automatic as the other Sentra models. All '93s also sport modest revisions to the grille, front fascia, headlamps, and taillamps.
1994 Nissan Sentra:
Only standard equipment changed for 1994.
1994.5 Nissan Sentra:
While awaiting a redesigned Sentra subcompact, Nissan continues to sell unchanged models from the previous generation.
Our road test for the 1991-1994 Nissan Sentra includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1991-1994 Nissan Sentra and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1991-1994 Nissan Sentra is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
This lineup of Sentras really shines when compared to the 1987-1990 version offered by Nissan. A couple of glowing examples of excellence can be seen in the available antilock brakes for certain models, and the decision to take a risk and produce the impressive SE-R sports coupe with its lively twin-cam 2.0-liter engine. But even with the 1.6-liter base engine, acceleration is much quicker than before (thanks to the extra 20 horsepower), without any real decrease in fuel economy. The engine seems much happier when paired with the manual gearbox, however. The automatic tends to drain too much power, causing the 1.6-liter to feel strained and overworked. Nail the throttle and the automatic does downshift--reluctantly--with a rude jolt. Road and engine noise are excessive, but the driver faces an uncluttered dashboard. Leg space and seat width are lacking in the rear seat. Getting back to the SE-R, it comes equipped with the 140-horsepower engine, plus four-wheel disc brakes. There are even antilock brakes on the option list. Should you find an SE-R, you'll discover a spirited yet smooth-handling little sports coupe with a sense of refinement and competence usually found only on European sports cars costing considerably more.
Value for the Money
Overall, these models feel much more solid than before and are worth a test drive.
Overall, these models feel much more solid than before and are worth a test drive.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Nissan Sentra GXE 4-door Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 3 | |
| Fuel Economy | 7 | |
| Ride Quality | 3 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 4 | |
| Quietness | 3 | |
| Controls/Materials | 4 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 6 | |
| Total Score: | 40 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Nissan Sentra includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Nissan Sentra .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
If the transmission does not shift properly until warmed up, make sure it is filled only with Nissanmatic "C" transmission fluid. (1991-94.5)
Automatic transmission:
If the transmission behaves normally until it warms up then will not upshift to third or fourth gear, the high clutch may be burned or the control valve is sticking and must be replaced. (1991-93)
Engine knock:
Spark knock or ping is commonly due to carbon buildup on the pistons. The air-flow meter may have to be replaced. (1991-94)
Engine noise:
Valve noise is caused by worn cam lobes. The intake and exhaust cam must be replaced. (1991)
Fuel gauge:
If the fuel gauge does not read full or the low-fuel light does not come on, the fuel-gauge sending unit must be replaced. (1991-93) The fuel-pump wires may be interfering with the float arm and must be rerouted. (1994.5)
Fuel pump:
The brushes for the electric fuel pump may wear prematurely. (1991-92)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $530 |
| Alternator | $275 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $830 |
| Brakes | $205 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $470 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $400 |
| Exhaust System | $410 |
| Radiator | $205 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $810 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $230 |
Our price chart for this generation Nissan Sentra details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1994 | |||
| Sentra | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| Sentra SE-R, GXE | $1,500-1,900 | $1,000-1,200 | $200 |
| 1993 | |||
| Sentra | $1,200-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Sentra SE-R, GXE | $1,400-1,800 | $900-1,200 | $200 |
| 1992 | |||
| Sentra | $1,100-1,400 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
| Sentra SE-R, GXE | $1,300-1,700 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| 1991 | |||
| Sentra | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
| Sentra SE-R, GXE | $1,100-1,500 | $700-900 | $100-200 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Nissan Sentra include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door coupe | 4-door sedan |
| Wheelbase, in. | 95.7 | 95.7 |
| Overall Length, in. | 170.3 | 170.3 |
| Overall Width, in. | 65.6 | 65.6 |
| Overall Height, in. | 53.9 | 53.9 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2266 | 2288 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 11.7 | 11.7 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 13.2 | 13.2 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.5 | 38.5 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.9 | 41.9 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.6 | 36.6 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 30.9 | 30.9 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
All Sentra models with the exception of the 2-door SE-R are equipped with a new dual-cam, 16-valve version of the previous Sentra's 1.6-liter 4-cylinder, which benefits further from sequential multipoint fuel injection. With 20 more horsepower now on tap, the powertrain for most Sentras provide 100 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 108 pound-feet of torque at 4000 rpm. The lone exception is the delightful little 2-door SE-R, which Nissan was nice enough to equip with the Infiniti G20's spunky 2.0-liter engine. When slotted under the Sentra coupe's hood it provides 140 horsepower at 6400 rpm and 132 pound-feet of torque at 4800 rpm. At introduction, E models came with a 4-speed manual transmission standard and an optional 3-speed automatic. Meanwhile, the other trim levels offered either a standard 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic gearbox. By 1993, the E models joined the rest of the Sentra line in offering the 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 1.6 / 97 | 110 | 108 | 5-speed manual: 29/29 3-speed automatic: 27/37 4-speed automatic: 27/36 |
5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: -- 4-speed automatic: 26.4 |
| dohc I4 | 2.0 / 122 | 140 | 132 | 5-speed manual: 24/32 4-speed automatic: 23/30 |
5-speed manual: 24.3 4-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: USA
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Nissan Sentra include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1994 Sentra |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1991-1994 Nissan Sentra directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1991 model B12:
Improper belt-guide performance on cars equipped with two-point passive nonmotorized front shoulder belts can cause fraying of belt near the retractor.
1991:
Front-seatbelt release button can break and pieces can fall inside.
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