You can’t really go wrong with any of the 2011 Sentra trims, although some have sparse features. The SL and SE-R Spec V are the best options that give you all the basics at a reasonable price while offering great gas mileage to boot. Plus, the Spec V puts current sedans to shame with a 6.8-second 0-60 time.
Key Points
- Some of the six offered trims for the 2011 Nissan Sentra lack basic features. But the SL and above trims are similar to modern vehicles, offering Bluetooth, keyless entry, and Sirius XM.
- Each of the 2.0-liter-equipped trim levels shares a nearly identical (within $100 of each other) value on Kelley Blue Book.
- The 2.0-liter engine with the CVT offers adequate power and great gas mileage at 29 mpg combined.
- The SE-R and SE-R Spec V’s 2.5-liter engine isn’t as eco-friendly at 26 and 24 mpg combined, respectively, but it offers better performance with up to 200 horsepower in the Spec V.
Entry-level 2.0 Sedan’s Strongest Selling Points are AC and Power Locks and Windows, Plus a Combined mpg Rating of 29
The 2011 Nissan Sentra trims start with an entry-level 2.0 sedan. The 2.0 features a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine cranking out 140 hp and 147 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine pairs with a six-speed manual transmission.
However, Sentra 2.0s were available with an Xtronic CVT. Gas mileage is rated at 24 city / 30 highway / 26 combined when paired with a manual. CVT models earn 26 city / 34 highway / 29 combined mpg.
Apart from the transmission choice, the Sentra 2.0 offers little in the way of amenities outside of optional packages. 15-inch steel wheels, four-way manually adjustable seats, power locks and windows, AC, and variable intermittent wipers are about all the luxury you’ll find. A rear spoiler is added for models with the CVT transmission.
Kelley Blue Book lists the value of the 2.0 at $5,896. $5,900 is not terrible for a 10-year-old vehicle, but you’ll find you can get even more Sentra with the same amount of cash.
2011 Sentra 2.0 S Adds Cruise Control, Keyless Entry, a Security System, and Two More Speakers Without Costing More
Coming in at a $5,817 value on KBB, the 2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0 S is the next trim up. For less money, you can snag power mirrors, an iPod interface, illuminated steering wheel controls, cruise control, and two more (six total) speakers.
You’ll also get speed-sensitive auto-adjusting volume, remote keyless entry, overhead map lights, six-way manually adjustable driver’s seat, a vehicle security system, trip computer, outside temperature display, and you’ll be rolling on 16″ steel wheels.
Sentra 2.0 S comes standard with the CVT transmission. Like other 2011 Sentras with the 2.0-liter engine/CVT combo, it makes the same EPA-rated 29 combined mpg.
2011 Sentra 2.0 SR Enhances Exterior Styling with Sporty Looks and Aluminum Wheels, but Not Much Else
If you’re looking for smoked headlights and taillights, fog lights, sporty body panels, and a chrome exhaust tip, you’ll want the Sentra SR. The SR adds all the looks and none of the production of a more performance-focused trim. It rolls on 16″ silver aluminum wheels and clocks in a 0-60 time of about 9.6 seconds like the other 2.0-liter trims.
While the SR may appear to be all bark and no bite, the looks and wheels are a notable improvement. You can snag a 2011 Sentra SR for essentially the same price as the previous two trims.
2.0 SL Introduces Many Modern Must-haves, like Keyless Entry and Ignition System, and a 4.3″ Display at a Steep Bargain
SL is the top trim for the 2.0-liter-equipped 2011 Sentra offerings. Unfortunately, you’re not getting a ton of useful features. Nevertheless, the SL is certainly more modern than the previous trims.
SL standard equipment includes:
- Premium AM/FM/Sirius XM/CD audio system
- 4.3″ color display
- Nissan Intelligent Key keyless entry and ignition system
- Remote trunk release
- Bluetooth hands-free capability
Furthermore, the interior receives upgraded looks with either wood-tone trim or metallic accents depending on the interior color. Lastly, the SL adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The best part? You’ll still pay just as little for an SL as a base-model 2.0, according to KBB.
We recommend you skip the comparably priced 2.0 through SR trims and get the SL if you need an entry-level car for daily use. The 2011 Sentra offers little in the way of modern amenities. And with the prices being nearly identical, the SL makes sense from a value/convenience standpoint.
2011 Sentra SE-R’s 2.5-liter Offers 37 More Horsepower While Maintaining a Combined mpg Rating of 26
The 2011 Sentra SE-R trims offer a more powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 177 hp and 172 lb.-ft. of torque. Inside, you can keep an eye on the lateral Gs and oil pressure with integrated gauges. The pedals and seats are upgraded as well to sleek aluminum and premium cloth, respectively. You’ll also get LED brake lights in the SE-R’s spoiler and 17-inch silver aluminum wheels.
The upgraded engine earns a 23 city / 30 hwy / 26 combined mpg rating and is mated to a CVT complete with paddle shifters. The SE-R comes in around $6,550. Not bad for a mildly sporty family car.
2011 Sentra SE-R Spec V’s 200 Horsepower Makes for a 0–60 Time of 6.8 Seconds
For about $500 more, you can trade that sluggish CVT for an entertaining six-speed manual. The six-speed and retuned 2.5 helps the SE-R Spec V to a 0-60 time of 6.8 seconds. That’s impressive for a cheap 10-year-old family sedan. White-knuckling in the Spec V is done on a silver stitch leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Power in the Spec V jumps up to a nice 200 hp and 180 lb.-ft. of torque. Additionally, the Spec V adds a sport-tuned suspension setup, larger brakes, and upgraded bucket seats. You’ll still get over 21 mpg in the city, but understand the Spec V runs on pricier premium gas.
Sentra SE-R Spec V is by far the best choice for anyone looking for a cheap buy that’s also reliable and a mildly-entertaining daily driver.
SL and SE-R Spec V Offer the Best Value and Convenience of the 2011 Sentra Trims
You can’t really go wrong with any of the 2011 Sentra trims. But the SL and SE-R Spec V are the best options from the three engine choices. Sentra SL gives you all the basics at a reasonable price and offers great gas mileage to boot. For just a little more, the SE-R Spec V will help you to actually enjoy your morning commute. Whichever trim you choose, the 2011 Sentra is a solid used car. Just make sure to get as much as you can for your money.
Photos: Nissan
