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2006 Nissan Sentra Review: A Tired, Outdated Budget Car Outclassed by Similarly-Priced Competitors

Rating: 4.33
Based on 57 Owner Reviews â–¶
Jovan | March 31, 2025
The 2006 Nissan Sentra is a compact sedan offering reliable transportation. Part of the sixth generation (2007-2012), the 2006 model is a pre-facelift version. Key trims included the base S, fuel-efficient FE+, sporty SE-R, and higher-end SL. Pricing ranged from approximately $13,000 to $18,000 when new. It was popular for its affordability, fuel efficiency, and comfortable ride, making it a practical choice for daily commuting.
The Good

The 2006 Nissan Sentra offered a blend of practical and appealing qualities. Its reliability and fuel efficiency were significant advantages for budget-conscious buyers. Comfortable seating and a smooth ride provided a degree of enjoyment for daily use. While not a performance car, the SE-R trim offered a more engaging driving experience, appealing to those seeking a bit of fun.

The Bad

Potential weaknesses of the 2006 Nissan Sentra include potential issues with the automatic transmission, particularly hesitation or slipping. Rust can be a concern in regions with harsh winters. Also, the interior materials can feel somewhat cheap, and the base engine might feel underpowered for some drivers. Regular maintenance is critical to mitigating these potential issues.

2006 Nissan Sentra: Quick Overview

  • Engine Options:
    • 2.0L Inline-4 (QR20DE): Available on S, FE+, and SL trims.
    • 2.5L Inline-4 (QR25DE): Available on SE-R and SE-R Spec V trims.
  • Horsepower:
    • 2.0L: 140 hp
    • 2.5L: 177 hp (SE-R) / 200 hp (SE-R Spec V)
  • Fuel Economy (estimated):
    • 2.0L: 28 mpg city / 35 mpg highway (automatic)
    • 2.5L: 22 mpg city / 29 mpg highway (SE-R automatic)
  • 0-60 Times (estimated):
    • 2.0L: Around 9-10 seconds
    • 2.5L SE-R: Around 7-8 seconds
    • 2.5L SE-R Spec V: Around 6-7 seconds
  • Towing Capacity: Not recommended or rated for towing.
  • Trim-Level Features:
    • S: Base model, air conditioning, basic audio system.
    • FE+: Enhanced fuel economy features, including low rolling resistance tires.
    • SL: Upgraded interior trim, automatic transmission, power windows/locks.
    • SE-R: Sport-tuned suspension, sport seats, upgraded brakes, rear spoiler.
    • SE-R Spec V: 6-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential, even stiffer suspension.

2006 Nissan Sentra Specifications

Vehicle Information
Year 2006
Make Nissan
Model Sentra
Trim -
Style 4-Speed Automatic
Type Sedan
Category Compact Car
Manufacturing Details
Made In Mexico
Manufacturing City YOKOSUKA
Dimensions
Doors 4-Door
Curb Weight 1173.44 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 1547.66 kg
Overall Height 140.97 cm
Overall Length 450.85 cm
Overall Width 170.94 cm
Wheelbase Length 253.49 cm
Standard Seating 5
Engine & Performance
Engine 1.8-L L-4 DOHC 16V
Engine Size 1.8L
Engine Cylinders 4
Transmission 4-Speed Automatic
Transmission Type Automatic
Transmission Speeds 4-Speed
Drivetrain Front-Wheel Drive
Additional Features
Anti-Brake System Non-ABS
Steering Type Rack & Pinion
Pricing
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) $13,200 USD
Invoice Price $12,621 USD
Delivery Charges $605 USD

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What Problems Does the 2006 Nissan Sentra Have?

Frequently reported problems for the 2006 Nissan Sentra include issues with the automatic transmission, specifically hesitation, slipping, or rough shifting. This is more commonly reported in models with higher mileage or those that haven't received regular transmission fluid changes. Rust can also be a concern, particularly in areas with salted roads during winter; check the undercarriage and wheel wells. Some owners have reported issues with the air conditioning system, such as compressor failure. Pre-2007 models, including the 2006, may experience issues related to the early design of the QR25DE engine in the SE-R models, potentially leading to premature catalytic converter failure. Recalls for this model year may have addressed issues related to airbags or other safety systems; it's essential to check the vehicle's VIN with the NHTSA to verify if all applicable recalls have been performed. Long-term reliability concerns often revolve around proper maintenance. Neglecting regular servicing can exacerbate existing weaknesses, leading to more significant and costly repairs down the line. Specifically, ensure regular oil changes to prevent engine wear and transmission fluid changes to maintain smooth shifting. Also, address any rust promptly to prevent it from spreading.

How long will the 2006 Nissan Sentra last?

A well-maintained 2006 Nissan Sentra can realistically reach 200,000 miles or more. With diligent maintenance, some examples have surpassed 250,000 miles. Expect around 15-20 years of service with consistent care. Long-term durability depends heavily on preventing rust and addressing transmission concerns. Weaknesses include potential oil consumption in the 2.5L engine and wear on suspension components over time, requiring eventual replacement of struts, shocks, and bushings. Regular fluid changes and timely repairs are crucial for maximizing its lifespan and preventing major breakdowns.
Positive Owner Reviews
Happy grampa
Perfect first car for grandson. Excellent condition for age and miles. Met all needs and expectations that my grandson had for a car. Very happy with the purchase.
Rita Sham77
La seguridad. De saber que no me falla la tranquilidad de saber el bajo costo de sus piezas y su durabilidad. Saber que en tiempos difíciles con un par dw dólares me llevará a mi destino . la paz de saber que es tan cotizado que si necesito venderlo en cualquier momento lo haré con una depreciación muy baja a pesar de los años. Y me sacará de apuros. Esta Palomo es oro puro.
Nissan
Fun car to drive! Lots of power to have fun commuting. Easy to drive! Looks stylish. Very affordable to maintain and easy to work on.
Negative Owner Reviews
Cruleman
I tend to agree with the other dissatisfied owner. The car is very uncomfortable. i purchased this car in place of an Altima that blew an engine due to the improper recall repair from the dealer. Major complaints are 1. Shifting on the interstates. I run 70+ MPH and even the smallest hill causes the car to shift into 3rd gear. Sounds like your flooring the gas everywhere. 2. When you slowly increase speed. Feels like the car is missing. Dealer said its fine. 3. Seats. Very uncomfortable for long rides 4. Tires. 195/55/hr16. Look it up and check price for shocker. 5. Stereo. Great stereo but extreemly overpriced. Had 5 disk changer, but would not play MP3 cds??? 6. Belt squeals for the first 5 mins of driving. Took it in and they "tightened" it. Continued to squeal the next day. 7. Bad Fuel pump after 40k Miles. Overall, dissatisfied. But there are some good things. Gas mileage is 30+. Trunk space is large. Nimble steering. Luckily we got the 100k extended warranty Had the car 1 1/2 years. 70k miles.

What Technology & Safety Features are Included?

The 2006 Nissan Sentra featured basic technology for its time. Standard features included an AM/FM radio with a CD player. Higher trims, like the SL, might have included options like a premium audio system or a sunroof. There were no advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) available. Safety features included standard front airbags, and optional side-impact airbags. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) were optional.

Entertainment was limited to the aforementioned radio and CD player. There was no navigation system available.

Crash-test ratings from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) provide insight into its safety performance. The 2006 Sentra received mixed ratings. Check NHTSA and IIHS archives for specific scores; the NHTSA may have awarded stars for frontal and side impact protection, while the IIHS may have given ratings of Good, Acceptable, Marginal, or Poor for various crash tests. Keep in mind these ratings are relative to vehicles of the same era and may not reflect modern safety standards. Overall, the 2006 Sentra offered a standard level of safety and technology for its time, with limited advanced features available even as options.

What Colors Options are Available?

Exterior Colors
Arctic Blue Metallic
Super Black
Cloud White
Silver Lightning Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Gray

2006 Nissan Sentra Prices and Market Value

When new, the 2006 Nissan Sentra ranged from approximately $13,000 for the base S model to around $18,000 for the top-tier SL or SE-R models. Currently, used market prices vary widely based on condition, mileage, and location. Expect to find them anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000. Depreciation has been significant, as is typical for compact sedans. Factors affecting resale value include the vehicle's condition (particularly rust), maintenance history, mileage, and whether it's a desirable trim level like the SE-R. Models with clean titles and comprehensive maintenance records command higher prices.

2006 Nissan Sentra Cost of Ownership

The 2006 Nissan Sentra is generally economical to own. Insurance costs are typically low due to its age and value. Fuel efficiency is decent, especially with the 2.0L engine. Maintenance is relatively affordable, with readily available parts. However, potential transmission or rust repairs could increase costs. Long-term ownership costs depend heavily on maintenance habits; neglecting repairs can lead to more expensive problems. Overall, it's a budget-friendly choice if maintained properly.

2006 Nissan Sentra Fuel Efficiency

Fuel Type Gasoline
Fuel Capacity 49.97 liters
City Mileage 11.9 km/l
Highway Mileage 14.46 km/l

2006 Nissan Sentra Safety Rating

NHTSA
Side Driver Rating
Frontal Passenger Rating
Rollover Rating
Side Rear Passenger Rating
Frontal Driver Rating
Side Driver Rating
Frontal Passenger Rating
Rollover Rating
Side Rear Passenger Rating
Frontal Driver Rating
Side Driver Rating
Frontal Passenger Rating
Rollover Rating
Side Rear Passenger Rating
Frontal Driver Rating
IIHS
Rear Crash Protection/Head Restraint Ratings Poor
Moderate Overlap Front Test Results Acceptable
Side Impact Test Results Poor
Rear Crash Protection/Head Restraint Ratings Poor
Moderate Overlap Front Test Results Acceptable
Side Impact Test Results Poor
Rear Crash Protection/Head Restraint Ratings Poor
Moderate Overlap Front Test Results Acceptable
Side Impact Test Results Poor

2006 Nissan Sentra Warranty

Basic
Original warranty 36 months / 36,000 miles
Estimated remaining Expired
Powertrain
Original warranty 60 months / 60,000 miles
Estimated remaining Expired
Rust
Original warranty 60 months / unlimited miles
Estimated remaining Expired

2006 Nissan Sentra Insurance

Insurance for a 2006 Nissan Sentra is moderately priced, reflecting its status as a Sedan with strong safety ratings and
reasonable repair costs.

How Does the 2006 Nissan Sentra Compare to Other Sedan?

The 2006 Nissan Sentra competed with the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, and Ford Focus. In terms of reliability, the Corolla and Civic generally enjoyed stronger reputations. The Mazda3 offered a more engaging driving experience. The Focus provided a similar level of affordability but had its own reliability concerns.

Compared to the Sentra, the Civic and Corolla typically held their value better. The Mazda3 boasted a more stylish interior and exterior. Feature-wise, the rivals offered similar standard amenities, but some, like the Civic, might have had slightly more advanced options.

For buyers prioritizing reliability above all else, a Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic might be better choices. If driving enjoyment is a key factor, the Mazda3 is a strong contender. For a budget-conscious buyer seeking a simple and affordable car, the Sentra remains a viable option, especially if found in good condition and with a well-documented maintenance history. Consider the alternatives carefully based on your specific needs and priorities. A well-maintained Sentra can be a good value, but the Honda and Toyota are safer bets for long-term reliability.

Ranks #1236 Sedan

1 2023 Toyota Camry (5.0★)
2 2023 Honda Accord (0.0★)
3 2023 Lexus ES (0.0★)
4 2024 Subaru Legacy (5.0★)
5 2022 Mazda MX-30 (4.0★)
6 2024 BMW M3 (0.0★)
7 2023 Ford Mustang (5.0★)
8 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT (0.0★)
9 2023 Audi A3 (0.0★)
10 2023 Chevrolet Camaro (5.0★)
11 2023 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid (0.0★)
12 2023 Nissan Altima (4.0★)
1236 2006 Nissan Sentra (5.0★)

Final Verdict: Is the 2006 Nissan Sentra a Good Sedan?

The 2006 Nissan Sentra is ideal for budget-minded individuals seeking affordable and reliable transportation. It's worth buying *used* if found in good condition, with a thorough inspection and maintenance records. Avoid neglected examples with rust or transmission issues. The SE-R offers a sportier experience, but the standard models are more practical for daily commuting. It's a decent choice for first-time car buyers or those needing a simple, fuel-efficient vehicle. However, buyers should be aware of potential reliability issues and factor in maintenance costs. If long-term reliability is paramount, consider alternatives like the Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla.

2006 Nissan Sentra Owner Reviews

4.33
Consumer Rating, Based on 57 Consumer Reviews
Overall rating
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Bob on May 15, 2024

Bought my 2006 Sentra in 2010 at a car auction with 30k

Bought my 2006 Sentra in 2010 at a car auction with 30k miles for below Blue Book. Now has 138k miles. No problems so far, faithfully do regular scheduled maintenance. Great value for an around-town car.

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Happy grampa on January 9, 2021

Recent purchase used. 130K miles, drives and runs

Perfect first car for grandson. Excellent condition for age and miles. Met all needs and expectations that my grandson had for a car. Very happy with the purchase.

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sam on September 21, 2020

very reliable car.

good amount of space inside. great value for the car. will last a long time if maintained. perfect size for commuting. satisfied customer. very reliable.

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Mark G on September 4, 2020

Highly Reliable Car

I purchased my 2006 Nissan Sentra in 2010 with 90,000 miles. I recently passed 235,000 miles in it and have had a great time with it. I regularly change the oil every 5,000 miles, have replaced the starter, and have replaced the coolant thermostat twice. All in all, a very reliable car that is still going strong!

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Poooppoooman on July 18, 2020

It’s great for the cost of it

This car is cheap and reliable I like it I also like your sister it’s nice u know but it has it’s problems like sometimes it won’t start.

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Steve's Gray Sedan on July 10, 2020

Has been great run-around car for 14 years

This car gave me 34 mpg until recently; still very reliable, new battery, great tires, A/C, and dependable! I have only driven it in CO.

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Safebet on July 4, 2020

Dependable, efficient A to B car

As second owner, I can say this vehicle has turned out to be a great deal. Cost/mi. is awesome. Basic 4-cylinder has get-up-n-go. This generation (B15) avoided CVT, engine, and other problems the newer Sentras suffered with. As an A to B car, it lacks refinements you'd expect of an economy. Great to see others getting well over 100,000 with no major complaints.

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Nissan my go to car! on February 16, 2020

190,000 miles 13 years but who’s counting?

I’m still driving my 2006 Nissan Sentra.. keep oil & filter changed routinely.. prayer and still it is my winner!!! Little over 190,000 miles going my 13th year( bought used in 2007 from Nissan dealer)...must keep up maintainence(oil, filter, flush radiator, air filter)

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Melloblu on January 30, 2020

It's a great commuter

At 14 years old, it still drives every time. 300+ miles/tank. Handles great. OD switch gives the giddy up when needed. Leg room can be limited in back. Fold down gap between trunk and cab is quite narrow.

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Rita Sham77 on October 1, 2019

Cheapest . strongest. Comfortable. Healthy

La seguridad. De saber que no me falla la tranquilidad de saber el bajo costo de sus piezas y su durabilidad. Saber que en tiempos difíciles con un par dw dólares me llevará a mi destino . la paz de saber que es tan cotizado que si necesito venderlo en cualquier momento lo haré con una depreciación muy baja a pesar de los años. Y me sacará de apuros. Esta Palomo es oro puro.

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Jovan

Jovan specializes in interpreting vehicle records and making sense of VIN data. With over 10 years of experience in the automotive data industry, his work ensures that every report is clear, accurate, and useful for car buyers.