Whether you’re looking for a first car or just an affordable ride for daily driving, the Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla are compelling choices. Comparing these vehicles against each other makes sense as prices, features, and capabilities are relatively similar.
The Sentra has been a key element of Nissan’s U.S. lineup for over 40 years. Sharp new car pricing made the Sentra an affordable alternative to the segment leaders, the Corolla and the Honda Civic. In turn, this Nissan remains a wallet-friendly option as a used vehicle.
It’s hard to argue against the Corolla, the world’s best-selling car and an automotive staple in America since 1968. This vehicle enjoys a strong reputation for reliability and is highly sought after, which helps keep prices high for used Corollas.
Although I’ve never had a Sentra or Corolla in my garage, I have owned other Nissan and Toyota products. This background and experience driving numerous Sentras and Corollas as rentals and dealer loaners provide insights into this comparison.
A fundamental element of good journalism is for a writer to cast aside any pre-existing assumptions about an article’s subject. Buyers looking at the Sentra and Corolla should do the same.
You’ll be surprised to learn that the Sentra’s engine reliability is as good as, if not better than, the Corolla’s. Sentra owners also report lower average maintenance costs than their Corolla counterparts. Besides a few recent model years, buyers will spend less for a used Sentra than an equivalent Corolla. In addition, thanks to a redesign and marketplace peculiarities, these newer Sentras have a depreciation rate approaching the Corolla’s.
But let’s not undercut the Corolla; it sells well for a reason. A recent iSeeCars.com study shows that the Toyota Corolla was the eighth most popular used car in 2023. The Corolla outscores the Sentra for fuel economy and safety, fundamental aspects of a good compact car.
Reading the complete article will provide the details needed to make an informed purchasing decision between the Sentra and the Corolla. Learn about market values, depreciation, maintenance costs, longevity, safety, and other essential factors.
Lastly, no discussion involving a Sentra is complete without a mention of Nissan’s infamous continuously variable transmission (CVT). It’s a gearbox with known problems. I’ll skip the details, but you’ll want to learn more about the issue and the models eligible for an extended factory warranty. As with any used car, buying a pre-owned Nissan Sentra should include a comprehensive pre-purchase inspection, focusing on the CVT on an applicable vehicle.
Looking for the latest model? Explore: Nissan Sentra vs. Toyota Corolla | 2023 Comparison.
Keep reading to see how this Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla contest turns out. Other match-ups to review include Outback vs. Forester, RAV4 vs. CR-V, Civic vs. Corolla, Pilot vs. Highlander, and Odyssey vs. Sienna.
| Income Bracket | Monthly Financing Cost Range | Cash Purchase Price Range | Nissan Sentra Years | Toyota Corolla Years | Best Model Year: | Why? |
| < $5k | $42 – $83 | $1,500-$3,000 | N/A | 2004 | 2004 Corolla | Low Price |
| $5k-$10k | $83 -$125 | $3,000-$4,500 | 2009 | 2007 | 2009 Sentra | Above-average engine reliability, solid safety score |
| $10k-$15k | $125-$187 | $4,500-$6,750 | 2014 | 2011 | 2014 Sentra | Above-average engine reliability, good safety score |
| $15k-$25k | $187-$312 | $6,750 $11,250 | 2016 | 2015 | 2016 Sentra | Above-average engine reliability, good safety score |
| $25k-$35k | $312-$437 | $11,250-$15,750 | 2018 | 2018 | 2018 Sentra | Excellent engine reliability, good safety score |
| $35k-$50k | $437-$625 | $15,750-$22,500 | 2020 | 2019 | 2019 Corolla | Solid value, excellent safety score |
| $35k-$50k | $437-$625 | $15,750-$22,500 | 2021 | 2021 | 2021 Corolla | Perfect engine reliability, solid value, excellent safety scores |
See the methodology for the table above.
Before you respond to the “For Sale” ad, check out this How to Buy a Used Car article for a step-by-step checklist.
Price History Comparison | Nissan Sentra vs. Toyota Corolla
Average Market Value – Based on Owners’ Self-Reported Mileages | Nissan Sentra vs. Toyota Corolla
Looking at market values is a good place to start this Sentra versus Corolla match-up. The graph reflects private-party sales data from Kelley Blue Book (KBB) for Sentras (green) and Corollas (gray) from 2001 to 2021. The numbers are adjusted to reflect owner-reported mileage from FIXD surveys to provide a more realistic perspective.
One thing is obvious: a used Corolla almost always costs more than a same-year Sentra. The gap can be attributed to the Corolla’s substantially lower depreciation. A look at original selling prices proves this point.
In 2012, the cheapest Sentra had an MSRP of $18,210, while the equivalent Corolla stickered at $16,890. Today, you can see that depreciation has hit the Sentra much worse. That’s why you usually see older Sentras selling for less than an aged Corolla. To be fair, the Sentra’s pricing also reflects above-average reported mileage, but value loss is the primary culprit.
Let’s look at another model year. In 2016, the Sentra and Corolla base models sold for $18,625 and $18,785, respectively. Yet, the current market value for a Corolla is substantially higher. This also takes into account higher reported average mileage among 2016 Corolla owners.
However, Sentra’s higher-than-Corolla market values for 2020 and 2021 threw me off. The data showed that both model years had similar average reported mileage and starting prices (in the $20,000-$21,000 range). How could a Sentra be worth more than a Corolla?
For one, the Sentra’s depreciation rate has improved. CarEdge reports that a new Sentra will lose 23% of its value over five, which isn’t too far off the 21% depreciation rate for a Corolla. Some of this is due to the launch of the eighth-generation Sentra in 2020, a much-improved vehicle. The Sentra’s better fortunes can also be attributed to market craziness and a slowing down of depreciation. In other words, newer Sentras aren’t losing as much value as they did in the past.
What’s the bottom line? Outside of more recent years, a Sentra will cost less than an equivalent Corolla.
The market value graph reflects private-party transactions, typically one-third to half less than retail sales. If higher dealer prices aren’t realistic, shop for an older Sentra or Corolla, or one with higher mileage or fewer features.
Be sure to read our Best and Worst Years series of articles highlighting the Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla winners and losers.
Depreciation vs. Maintenance Expenses
In the stock market, “buying the dip” means purchasing shares at the best time (when prices are low). An equivalent in the used car market involves finding a model year that has already been hit by depreciation and has low maintenance costs. These “sweet spot” buying opportunities are highlighted by the black-outlined boxes in the respective Sentra and Corolla graphs.
You’ll notice that depreciation (gray) has settled down but rises among the newer years outside the box. Meanwhile, maintenance costs (green) are in check. Go outside the box, and at least one of these factors significantly rises.
This means shopping for a 2004-2012 Sentra or a 2003-2012 Corolla to maximize purchasing power.
But don’t assume every example within these ranges is a smart buy. Learn more by reviewing the best and worst years of the Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla. There’s also an at–a–glance summary towards the end of this article.
Reliability Comparison | Nissan Sentra vs. Toyota Corolla
Two ratings are at the core of our look at the Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla.
- The FIXD Reliability Score measures the number of check engine lights recorded for a particular model year by installed FIXD sensors. Think of it as an engine reliability score. While every check engine light doesn’t directly translate into reliability concerns (such as a dead battery or loose gas cap), these indicators still provide insight into a car’s dependability. This data is weighted by mileage.
- The second rating is the Owner Reliability Score. This is a subjective ranking of how surveyed owners feel about their respective vehicle’s dependability. Each owner estimates how capable their car is for trips of different lengths. A vehicle that can handle a cross-country adventure receives the highest score, while a car only suitable for a quick point A to point B trip gets the lowest score.
Both rankings are based on 1 being the lowest, 10 being the highest, and 5 being the average score.
We’ll also point out that both scores seldom align. The FIXD Reliability Score is determined by a definitive number, the frequency of check engine lights. On the other hand, the Owner Reliability Score is opinion-based. Owners tend to have pride in their automobiles, with higher ratings as a result. At a minimum, those with older vehicles are more accepting of check engine lights. For many, it’s the price of owning an aging car.
The thought that Corollas are bulletproof is proven wrong by inconsistent FIXD Reliability Scores. In particular, poor rankings for the 2002 and 2003 editions are especially troubling. Also, seeing engine reliability scores in the 3-5 range (out of 10) for 43% of the reviewed years is equally eye-opening. To pour more salt in the wounds, Corolla engine reliability only ranks 8 or above for only a handful of years (3 out of 21). Preconceived notions about the Corolla run smack into the reality of FIXD Reliability Scores.
However, the Sentra’s engine is far from perfect. The 2003-2004 and 2007-2008 model years are particularly poor. Nonetheless, all newer Sentra years have FIXD Reliability Scores equal to or better than the Corolla, another smashing of perceptions.
Of course, not every check engine light (CEL) is an automotive death sentence. Often, the problem can be attributed to something modest like a disconnected wire or cracked hose. This may explain why the Owner Reliability Scores are more favorable than the corresponding engine dependability rankings among older Sentras and Corollas. Frankly, the contrasts are striking. But the differences even out among 2009 and newer examples.
Review the Best and Worst Years articles on the Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla to learn more about these vehicles’ FIXD Reliability and Owner Reliability Scores.
Longevity Comparison | Nissan Sentra vs. Toyota Corolla
Seeing Sentras and Corollas reaching 150,000 isn’t news—it’s the minimum lifespan for a 21st-century automobile. Buyers looking for greater longevity can see this is possible with these cars as several model years approach the 200,000-mile plateau. Some examples even cross into ultra-high-mileage territory (250,000 miles and above).
Yet greater longevity isn’t exclusive to the Corolla. FIXD owner surveys show that the Sentra is equally capable of adding miles. Half the surveyed vehicle model years with an average of 150,000 miles or more are Sentras. Going further, three-quarters of the covered model years reaching at least 200,000 miles are Sentras.
But before getting overly enthusiastic about the Sentra, let’s examine another data source. An unscientific review of autotrader.com (January 23, 2024) shows 394 Sentras and 1,384 Corollas available from 2001 to 2012. These older years were selected as the most likely candidates for higher mileage.
Autotrader’s listing showed that 17 (4.8%) Sentras and 108 Corollas (7.8%) have at least 200,000 miles. Further, there are 90 (22.8%) Sentras and 353 (25.5%) Corollas with mileage in the 150,000-200,000 range.
Both sets of findings (FIXD surveys and the Autotrader marketplace assessment) suggest that Sentras and Corollas are equally capable of reaching 200,000 miles. However, there’s uncertainty about which model is better beyond this threshold. Autotrader’s 17 listings for high-mileage Sentras aren’t enough to generalize lifespan.
Yet, one thing is sure: exceeding 200,000 miles in entry-level cars like the Sentra and Corollas is the exception, not the rule.
For a more thorough look at longevity, review the individual articles on the best and worst years of the Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla.
Who Should Buy These Cars: The Legacy of Nissan Sentra vs. Toyota Corolla
Through detailed surveys, Sentra and Corolla owners told FIXD that their cars are used primarily for family transportation (52% for the Sentra and 43% for the Corolla). This is unsurprising, as young families often rely on affordable transportation. Equally as expected, these Nissans and Toyotas are used for long commutes and road trips, collectively bundled under the “lots of driving” category. An average of 38% of owners report using their Sentras and Corollas for these activities, taking advantage of good fuel economy (detailed below).
| Frequent Use Categories: | Nissan Sentra | How Useful? (Out of 5 Stars) | Toyota Corolla | How Useful? (Out of 5 Stars) |
| Family Vehicle | * * * * * | * * * * |
| Lots of Driving (travel/long commute) | * * * * * | * * * * |
| Hauling/Towing | * | * |
| Office on Wheels | * | * |
| Sport/Fast Driving | * | * |
| Luxurious Driving | * | * |
| Outdoor/Off-Road | * | * |
Driver Experience | A Summary of The Top 10 Nissan Sentra vs. Toyota Corolla Reddit Posts:
Exploring Reddit for feedback on the Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla can be insightful. Here are highlights of some posts from Reddit: r/whatcarshouldIbuy.
In the Reddit thread titled “Is the Toyota Corolla that much more reliable than a Nissan Sentra?” several commenters discussed the Nissan Sentra’s continuously variable transmission (CVT). One Redditor suggested that a manual transmission Sentra narrows the reliability gap with the Corolla.
Overall, the discussion centers on the transmission issues of the Nissan Sentra, especially the CVT, and contrasts it with the reliability of the Toyota Corolla. The consensus is that while the Sentra is a decent car, its dependability is hampered by its automatic transmission (the CVT), making the Corolla the better choice. However, the reliability gap closes if the Sentra is equipped with a manual transmission.
Some Redditors also preferred the styling of newer Sentra models over the Corolla, with one saying, “I think the latest Sentra looks much better inside and out.” While the Corolla earned more recommendations, a minority of users praised the Sentra for its value, performance, and styling.
Best & Worst Years | Nissan Sentra Vs. Toyota Corolla | 2001-2024
There’s no getting around the fact that the first several years of 21st-century Sentras and Corollas are bad. It’s significantly worse for the Sentra as the initial green-light model year is 2009, while the Corolla gets a thumbs-up as early as 2004. Stretching the budget adds the 2007-2008 Corolla to the shopping list.
As covered, engine reliability improved for both models starting in 2009. But because this year marks a new Corolla generation (and the possibility of first-year gremlins), it’s best to start Toyota shopping at the 2010 mark. Just remember also to avoid the 2020 Corolla, another new-generation model year (the 12th generation).
Shopping for a best-year Sentra means looking at examples from 2009-2021 (just avoid 2011 and 2013).
Important Features Timeline | Nissan Sentra vs. Toyota Corolla
When adding new equipment, Nissan and Toyota keep a keen eye on the competition (especially each other). As a result, it’s expected that the Sentra and Corolla will receive new features at or near the same time (like heated front seats, remote start, and a rearview monitor). Minor differences can sometimes steer a customer to choose one car over another.
For instance, the Sentra offered Apple CarPlay a year before the Corolla and was two years ahead with Android Auto. Yet, there’s some give and take. The Sentra’s lead with blind-spot monitoring is offset by the Corolla being first with lane departure warning.
The Corolla stands out in one area: all-wheel drive (via a rear-axle electric motor on the Corolla Hybrid). The Sentra is strictly front-wheel drive.
Maintenance Costs (Year-by-Year Average) | Nissan Sentra vs. Toyota Corolla
You’re likely as surprised as I was that average maintenance and repair costs are lower with the Sentra than with the Corolla. FIXD surveys reported that the typical Sentra owner spent $553 in 2022 to keep their car in good condition. Corolla owners spent 11% more ($614). RepairPal says that the average compact car costs $526 annually to maintain, so these sums are relatively in line.
At the same time, looking at individual model years with above-normal upkeep costs can be helpful. The Sentra’s offending years (20% or more above average) are 2003, 2005, 2010, 2013, 2016, and 2018. Meanwhile, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2007, 2011, 2013, and 2016 represent the Corolla model years that exceed the maintenance cost average by at least 20%.
Use this information as a general guideline, not as hard facts. Repair bills are impacted by how a driver treats and maintains their car. An owner may spend more upfront to avoid an expensive repair later. Conversely, putting off scheduled services and abusive driving may lead to more time in the shop.
Review the best and worst years of the Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla to learn more about maintenance and repair costs for these vehicles.
Safety Rating Comparison | Nissan Sentra vs. Toyota Corolla
Safety is a significant factor for many small car shoppers as much larger vehicles are on the road. Except for the 2001 and 2007-2010 model years, the Corolla scores better in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) testing.
My “good” NHTSA safety score benchmark is 4.0 out of 5. The 2002-2006 Sentras and 2001- 2002 Corollas failed to reach this ranking. I’ll explain testing for the 2011-2012 Sentra shortly.
The safety-obsessed shopper will appreciate the Corolla’s better grades for most years—a factor that may seal the deal in Toyota’s favor. However, the score differences for some years (2015-2018 and 2020-2023) are marginal, opening the Sentra for consideration. The same applies to the 2007-2010 model years when the Sentra had modestly better rankings.
NHTSA used more stringent testing requirements starting in 2011, causing scores for the Sentra and Corolla to drop. Toyota engineered improvements that helped the 2012 Corolla’s ranking to bounce back. Nissan just waited until 2013 and the launch of a new Sentra generation.
More details about crash test safety scores are covered in the Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla articles.
Fuel Efficiency Comparison | Nissan Sentra vs. Toyota Corolla
Older Corollas have an advantage with fuel economy, sometimes up to five MPGs better than a same-year Sentra. However, the Nissan mostly caught up by 2009, just lagging by a few MPGs in a handful of years. So, the mileage difference matters more with older examples (2001-2008). Otherwise, fuel economy doesn’t play much of a role between the Sentra and Corolla.
That said, the Corolla Hybrid and a 50 mpg-ish fuel economy rating is untouchable by the Sentra. This approximate 60% improvement in fuel usage can add to considerable savings. For instance, a Sentra at 33 MPG costs about $1,600 per year to fill (based on 15,000 miles annually and gas at $3.50 per gallon). Given the same costs and usage, a Corolla Hybrid at 53 MPG saves roughly $500 annually.
Curious about fuel economy for a new Sentra or Corolla ? Read: Nissan Sentra vs. Toyota Corolla | 2023 Comparison.
Methodology
- Compare two vehicles, the Nissan Sentra and the Toyota Corolla, and provide a comprehensive analysis.
- Gather relevant information and data on both vehicles from reliable sources, such as manufacturer specifications, expert reviews, customer feedback, industry reports, and data sources like manufacturer websites, FIXD App, Kelley Blue Book, FuelEconomy.gov, and NHTSA.
- Collect data on various aspects, including performance, safety features, fuel efficiency, maintenance costs, reliability, owner satisfaction, and market value.
- Identify the key criteria that will be used to evaluate and compare the two vehicles.
- Ensure the criteria cover both objective factors (such as performance metrics, safety ratings, and fuel efficiency) and subjective factors (such as owner satisfaction, comfort, and features).
- Examine the safety features and ratings of both vehicles.
- Evaluate crash test ratings, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), active and passive safety features, and any notable recalls or known issues related to safety.
- Consider both NHTSA safety ratings and IIHS awards for a comprehensive safety assessment.
- Analyze the fuel economy of both vehicles based on EPA mileage estimates.
- Compare their MPG ratings, average full-tank range, and any significant differences in fuel efficiency.
- Assess the average annual maintenance and repair costs for both vehicles.
- Consider data from surveyed owners and other reliable sources, such as FIXD App owner surveys, to determine the overall cost of ownership over time.
- Evaluate the reliability of both vehicles based on owner reports, FIXD App data, and any known issues or recalls.
- Consider factors such as engine reliability, common problems by model year, long-term durability, and owner reliability scores gathered from surveys.
- Consider owner satisfaction by gathering information from forums, online communities (Reddit: r/whatcarshouldIbuy), customer reviews, and owner reliability scores.
- Summarize key factors that owners appreciate and any common complaints or drawbacks mentioned by owners.
- Compare the features and technologies offered by both vehicles.
- Highlight any notable differences in terms of infotainment systems, connectivity options, driver assistance features, interior quality, and available upgrades.
- Assess the market value and depreciation of both vehicles.
- Compare average prices, resale value, and how the vehicles hold their value over time.
- Consider average private-seller valuations from Kelley Blue Book (KBB) for a comprehensive assessment.
- Summarize the findings of the comparison, highlighting the positives and negatives of each vehicle.
- Provide a fair and balanced recommendation based on the comparison, considering factors such as budget, personal preferences, specific needs of the buyer, and the comprehensive analysis conducted.
Sources:
- KBB Values: Average private-seller valuations as supplied by Kelley Blue Book (KBB), based on a Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla with typical mileage for that respective model year.
- Fuel Economy: Mileage-per-gallon estimates according to the EPA MPG on Fueleconomy.gov.
- Annual Maintenance/Repairs: Upkeep expenses as reported by surveyed Nissan Sentra and Toyota Corolla owners.
- Safety Ratings: Crash test data collected and reported by NHTSA. We average all ratings for each year to come up with a simplified, average safety score. This makes it easier to look at on a graph. We also collected IIHS Awards for this
article.
Dave Goldberg is an automotive journalist and lifelong car fanatic. He writes for numerous enthusiast and business outlets and is an ongoing contributor to HotCars.com, one of the most popular car culture websites. When he’s not writing or driving, Dave is either under a hood or asleep. His credentials include a BA in Journalism from The George Washington University.
