The first generation Nissan Sentra was a small car that was launched by Nissan motors in 1994. The car came in two and four door models. It came in the E, XE, and GXE versions for the four door models, and the E, XE, SE, and SE-R versions in the two door models. All versions except the SE-R were powered by a 4 cylinder 1.6 Liter engine. The E version was equipped with a four speed manual transmission, while the other versions were equipped with a five speed manual transmission. The SE-R version was powered by a four cylinder 2.0 Liter engine with 140-horsepower. In 1992, a vanity mirror was added on the passenger's side in the two door Sentra versions. In 1993, an airbag on the side for the driver was added on the four door GXE model and a five speed transmission was added to the E model. There were minor changes to the grille, headlights, and taillights of the Sentra. In 1995, the Sentra launched its second generation four door subcompact notchback. The two door models of the previous generation were replaced by notchback coupes. The Nissan Sentra was available in four versions; entry level, XE, GXE, and GLE. All four versions were powered by a four cylinder 1.6 Liter twin cam engine with 115 horsepower. All four versions were equipped with a five speed manual transmission. In 1998, a SE sedan was added to the lineup. The new model was powered by a 2.0 liter engine. It was equipped with 15 inch tires, disc brakes in the rear and lights to combat fog. In 1999, the entry level and GLE models were dropped from the lineup.

The third generation Nissan Sentra was introduced in 2000. The car was offered only as a four door model and came in three versions; XE, GXE and SE. While the first two versions were powered by a four cylinder 1.8 Liter engine rated at 126 horsepower, the SE version was powered by a four cylinder 2.0 Liter engine rated at 145 horsepower. All three versions were equipped with a five speed manual transmission. The SE version was equipped with disc brakes, 15 inch tires and a sunroof. The XE and GXE versions were equipped with 14 inch tires. In 2002, the SE version was replaced by the SE-R and SE-R Spec V versions. The SE-R version was equipped with a unique interior trim, a sporty suspension and 16 inch tires. The SE-R Spec V was equipped with 17 inch tires and sporty front seats. In 2003 a Limited version was added to the lineup. It was powered by a 2.5 Liter engine rated at 165 horsepower. In 2005 a satellite radio was added.